Sentier Randonnée du Patrimoine 13km / 3h30

Aiguefond is one of the many pretty piedmont Tarn villages
tucked into the foothills of the Montagne Noire. Its name is
Occitan and comes from the words “aigue” (water) and “fonde”
(bottom or bed,) and indicates the presence of springs and
underground rivers. The thickness of the layers of chalk sediment
through which the water trickles in the entrance to the
grotto or cave is proof of this. The cool waters of the Coubas,
a charming stream, run down from the mountain heights. The
walk continues through a bucolic countryside of meadows and
handsome oak hedges. It is an initiation to the rural heritage
of discrete and harmonious constructions such as “pesquiers”
and “béals” (reservoirs and ditches for irrigation puposes)
which were used to encourage the growth of grass (and
hay.) Similarly handsome hedges of oak and alder provided
shade for the cattle to rest in, to shelter from rain, or simply to
scratch.