Roquebrun benefits from a very mild but rather dry climate. Together with the schist-based soils, it is the perfect environment to grow vines. The Circuit de l’Arboussié hike will lead you through an amazing landscape of hills and vineyards. And many ‘arboussiers’ of course, also known as Strawberry Trees. The fantastic view of Roquebrun, Mont Caroux and its surroundings are included for free.
Heart of the Schist
The 9 kilometres trail ‘L’Arboussié’ is also known as the ‘Cœur des Schistes’ (heart of the schist). It takes you right into the middle of the renowned vineyards of Roquebrun, which officially obtained Saint-Chinian’s AOC status in 1982. Because of Roquebrun’s microclimate, the surrounding vineyard sites have acid soils based on schist. This layered rock full of flaky minerals deals with the heat very well. All of this makes it the perfect soil for the different grape varieties of the Saint-Chinian appellation. The Arboussié hike is well-marked; look out for the blue stripes. The family and I started the hike in the village, where we saw a sign with several trails on the corner of the Avenue de Balaussan (the road over the bridge crossing the Orb River) and the Avenue du Roc de l’Estang. But you will also spot a sign at the other end of the bridge.
Wine growing area
Leaving Roquebrun behind, we took a right after crossing the bridge, following the Orb River. After about 1 kilometre on the Chemin de la Roque, we turned left just after a small bridge onto a gravel-like path. Still following the blue-marked trail, we immediately found ourselves surrounded by vines. You really are in the middle of the wine-growing area, and this is where the magic happens! Walking up, we bumped into a little wine growers’ house, also called ‘mazet’. We took a right, following the ‘Circuit l’Arboussié’ and not the shorter ‘Variante du Circuit l’Arboussié’. Keep in mind that you should follow the uphill road.
Roquebrun
Although the hike doesn’t involve much climbing, you still get high enough to have a beautiful view of Roquebrun, including Mont Caroux and Les Espinouses in the background. If the weather is clear, you can even see the Pyrenees! I had never seen Roquebrun from this perspective before. As the trail forms a loop, you go left at the farm on top. You will recognise it by the small round tower standing in the vineyard. On the way to the top, you will see many strawberry trees with their recognisable red fruits. After the farm, we took the gravelled path until we reached a road. From here, it mostly went downhill. Following the road, we took a left turn onto a gravelled path, bringing us back into the middle of the vineyards.
Fantastic views
After some more walking, we crossed the main road to Roquebrun, the D14. Strolling along the river via a path surrounded by tall reeds brought us right to the banks of the Orb. Between the high stalks, we could get peeks of Roquebrun nestled in the foothills. Although the Arboussié hike is about 9 kilometres, it took us a good 2 hours. Including numerous photo stops and a picnic. And fantastic views! I cannot wait to do this hike again. You don’t need to take a mindfulness course here; just walk this hike, and you will find yourself with a calm mind surrounded by the most peaceful landscape.
