The “Capitelles” - The Scrubland Steam

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 during winter times. 
Forty-five "capitelles" mark four trails in a magnificent setting. 

Green Markings 
From the starting sign, turn right twenty meters ahead and keep turning right; the green sign for the “Le ruisseau de la Garrigue” trail invites you to venture into the very dense vegetation. 
Soon, the first "capitelle", named “La Mignarda,” comes into view. 
It features a distinctive four-sided dome. From there, green arrows mounted on posts will guide you along the entire loop. 
At the following "capitelles", notice the protruding stones built into the outer wall—known locally as “assietadous”—which serve as seats. 
Further along, one “capitelle” is distinguished by its dome, covered with earth to protect it from erosion. 
Every year in the spring, when the irises bloom, it becomes a sight to behold, taking on shades of blue and yellow. When you reach a trail, head straight ahead. Continue walking through very sparse scrubland toward a small valley. 
When you reach a trail, turn left onto it and climb up to the trail junction, then pay close attention to the trail markers. 
Turn right and continue along a trail through the sparse garrigue, facing the Pyrenees. 
Back on a trail, turn left toward the last "capitelle" on the loop, “La Semparella.” 
It features a mule shelter whose roof was covered with tiles until the 1940s, when it was last used. 
Ideal family hike !