Description:

The Montagne Noire (Black Mountains) are connected with four departments.  The Haute-Garonne and Herault just border the mountains, while the land mass is stretched out across the Tarn and Aude departments.  It is located within the Parc Naturel Regional du Haut-Languedoc.

The north face of the mountains are steep and covered with forests of oak, beech, fir and spruce, while the southern face is gentler.  Due to the effects of different weather systems coming from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the two sides of the mountains have very different climates and vegetation.  The highest peak is Pic de Nore standing at 1,210 metres.

The mountains are criss-crossed with footpaths and dotted with lakes, some completely natural while others have been turned into water sport centres.  Look at our guide pages on Lac des Montagne and Lac de St Ferreol. 

There have been reports of wolves in the mountains, although the presence has not been confirmed only the carcasses of deer that may have been killed by wolves.  Visitors are advised not to worry, as there are no reports of wolves ever attacking humans and they are more likely to run away if disturbed.  They are very rare and you are unlikely to see any.

The local tourist office has produced a number of walking guides for the area that are available to purchase from 1.50€.

Check out Guide2MidiPyrenees for Property in Midi-Pyrenees, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Midi-Pyrenees Attractions and Business Directory.