The "Capitelles” - Le Cagarot

In Conques-sur-Orbiel, about thirty volunteers meet for half a day each week to restore these "capitelles" - dry-stone cabins -, which once served as shelters for winegrowers in winter times. 
Forty-five “capitelles” mark four trails in a magnificent setting. 

Trail Markings: Pink 
The starting point of the Cagarot Trail is not located at the trailhead sign, as with the other three trails. To reach it, you must first follow the “Les Murailles d’Aribaud” trail (blue markings) for about 600 meters in the direction of the route. From the “L’Embarado” picnic area in the woods, the “Le Cagarot” loop (pink trail markers) begins. 
Set off again in front of the "capitelle", then turn left shortly afterward. Before reaching a trail junction, turn right to cross a small wall. Pass in front of the "dansaïro" (a nickname given to the person who works the plot) and then near a rabbit warren or shelter: the Garenne de Gauby. 
When you reach a trail, turn right, and after 50 meters, turn left onto a long straight stretch. Enjoy the shade provided by the pine and holm oak trees along the route. 
At the trail junction, turn right, where you’ll follow a major "draille" (transhumance trail) with reconstructed stone walls. 
After about 200 meters, turn left onto a gravel path; as you wind through the vegetation, you’ll discover several "capitelles". At the end, turn left, and as you face the view, take a moment to appreciate the magnificent vista of the limestone cirque and listen for the peaceful trickling of the “Rieu Sec.” Continue to the left and follow the trail, turning left again. 
At the trail junction, turn right, and 100 meters further on, turn left to return to the picnic area in the woods. Continue to the right, following the “blue” trail markers, to return with a view of the Pyrenees mountain range: take a moment to admire this view. 
Tips: The restoration of the "capitelles" is the result of the work of volunteers from the Foyer Laïque de Conques sur Orbiel. Please respect what has been restored by not moving the stones on these structures, which remain fragile.