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Vic-la-Gardiole walks
Walk to discover the flamingos in Mireval
Visorando Member
4.86 mi
+3 ft
-3 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Mireval (Hérault)
This is an easy walk through the Mireval salt marshes, where you can discover all kinds of animal species, including the region's famous pink flamingos.
(Please note that the section between (2) and (3) is closed between 1 April and 15 August each year to allow birds to nest. During this period, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the site.)
The natural sites of the Bois des Aresquiers and the Salins de Frontignan
8.10 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Vic-la-Gardiole (Hérault)
A walk to discover the unspoilt natural areas of a highly urbanised coastal region. You’ll cross the Bois des Arresquiers before exploring the marshes and old salt marshes. At the end of the route, I suggest a break on the beach.
Les Aresquiers
5.97 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Vic-la-Gardiole (Hérault)
A family walk between the pond, the salt marshes and the Bois des Aresquiers.
This walk may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
The painted cisterns of La Gardiole
8.19 mi
+715 ft
-696 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Fabrègues (Hérault)
This hike allows you to discover the six painted cisterns of La Gardiole and enjoy the many views from the massif. Views of the Cévennes massif in the first part, then of the sea in the second part. At Le Pioch Noir, if the weather is favourable, you can see both Canigou to the west and Mont Ventoux to the east.
The Gardiole mountains and the national forest
11.85 mi
+1,352 ft
-1,352 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Fabrègues (Hérault)
The Gardiole mountains: Pioch Noir (216 m), Pioch de Camille (224 m), Roc d'Anduze (234 m), Peyre Plantade (160 m), Rulet et Cabanes (140 m), Pioch Redonel (129 m) and other mountain passes offer a fairly comprehensive view of the four cardinal points. They offer a sublime panorama of the mountains and valleys across the entire perimeter. The views are remarkable. It is impossible to leave without taking with you what nature has to offer.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Remember to check the map.
Around the Gardiole Massif via Montceau Abbey and Pioch Camille
16.59 mi
+2,047 ft
-2,070 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Fabrègues (Hérault)
The Gardiole Massif surprises visitors with its rich plant and animal biodiversity, in an area where pastoral activities once flourished. Set off to explore these ancient places in remembrance of times gone by. Pass through Combe Fourche, the Chemin de la Jasse des Chèvres, the Muscat vineyard-covered slopes, the Roc d’Anduze and its promontory, the Crêtes de Saint-Félix, Monceau Abbey, Rulets and Cabanes, and Pioch de Camille with its panoramic views, before finishing on the discovery trail.
This walk may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Please check the map.
At the salt marshes of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone
6.49 mi
+102 ft
-102 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone (Hérault)
Walk suggested by La Gazette de Montpellier no. 1716, 6 to 12 May 2021.
At the edge of the ponds, visit the old salt marshes. Opportunity to observe many birds (flamingos, herons, cranes, seagulls, etc.) in their natural habitat.
Pioch Michel and Pioch Madame, two peaks offering panoramic views
2.67 mi
+361 ft
-354 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
Two peaks in the Gardiole range offering views of the Gulf of Lyon. From the summit of Pioch Madame, you can see La Grande Motte and the summit of Pioch Michel, with unobstructed 360° views.
To the north-east, you can see Villeneuve-les-Maguelonnes and La Grande-Motte; to the east, you can see the Espiguette lighthouse; to the south-west, the Sète mountain and the Étang de Thau; and to the north, La Gardiole.
If the sky is clear, you can even see the Pyrenees.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Saint-Félix de Monceau Abbey
4.41 mi
+561 ft
-528 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Gigean (Hérault)
A lovely walk without any specific difficulties, with views over the vegetation of the Gardiole massif, Mont Saint-Clair and the lakes. Due to the large number of DFCI trails and paths, you can adjust this hike as you wish.
Gardiole Massif
13.18 mi
+2,106 ft
-2,100 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Gigean (Hérault)
This hike will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Gardiole massif. Starting from the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau, you will enjoy a superb view of the Mediterranean, from La Grande Motte in the north to Sète in the south. You will pass by the Pioch Noir and the Roc d'Anduze, two unmissable viewpoints of the Gardiole massif.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
In Gardiole, starting from Saint-Félix de Monceau Abbey
7.29 mi
+712 ft
-702 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Gigean (Hérault)
A circular route in the heart of the Gardiole Mountains, offering views of the surrounding area and allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful heath. Naturally, in this very dry massif, the route follows many DFCI tracks, but also some lovely, wilder paths.
Gardiole Massif and Saint-Félix de Montceau Abbey
9.45 mi
+1,184 ft
-1,175 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
A beautiful hike in the Gardiole massif. On this route, you will enjoy several panoramic views of Frontignan and the Étangs d'Ingril and Vic, Sète, Mont Saint-Clair and the Étang de Thau. You will also have the opportunity to see some drystone shelters. Halfway along the route, you will visit the ruins of the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Montceau.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Tour of the Étang d'Ingril and the Frontignan salt marshes
9.20 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
A beautiful hike around the Étang d'Ingril. At the far end of the lake, you can take a detour to the Mediterranean coast. You will admire the surprising hamlet of Les Aresquiers surrounded by water. On the way back, you will cross the peaceful Bois de la Fontaine and walk along the basins of the Anciens Salins de Frontignan.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Le Pioch Noir de la Gardiole from Gigean
Association / Club / Walk leader
9.18 mi
+997 ft
-991 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Gigean (Hérault)
This is a pleasant hike in the Gardiole area, starting from Gigean. You will discover various remarkable viewpoints and beautiful panoramas. To the west, you can see the wind turbines of Villeveyrac and to the east, at Pioch Noir, there is a breathtaking view of the ponds and the sea in the distance. This hike takes place on beautiful tracks often lined with pine and holm oak trees.
This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Mont-Bauzille and its panorama
2.64 mi
+472 ft
-472 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone (Hérault)
Walk to a summit offering a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings of Montpellier, the heath, the ponds and the sea.
Heath la Madeleine, Gardiole de Mireval with its mountains and valley
6.41 mi
+1,175 ft
-1,165 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Fabrègues (Hérault)
A picturesque route full of discoveries. Cross the heath and the summit of La Madeleine with its Saint-Bauzille Chapel (views over the Montpellier plain: the city, surrounding villages, and ponds). In Gardiole, follow the Way of the Cross, cross the Canabière Valley and the summit areas of: La Réserve, Roque Rousse, Pioch Champ, Table Mise and Truc des Cades. View of the motor route. Vineyards in the distance. This natural environment, so rich in biodiversity, commands respect.
Oppidum de la Roque via the Saint Bauzille Chapel
5.14 mi
+643 ft
-653 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Fabrègues (Hérault)
It is interesting to delve into the past and discover little-known places that give us a glimpse into the history of our roots. For me, this is evident when visiting the Oppidum de la Roque site. It seemed appropriate to include a site that is also indirectly but historically related to a connection between ancient and contemporary history. This is La Chapelle Saint-Bauzille (Saint-Baudile).
From Frontignan to Roc d'Anduze
9.06 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,266 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
On the outskirts of Frontignan, this varied route takes you along tracks and paths to climb up to Roc d'Anduze, the highest point of the Gardiole. It offers beautiful views of the different sides of the mountain, from the coastline and its salt marshes to the hills of La Moure, via the Bassin de Thau.
Estagnol Nature Reserve
9.96 mi
+108 ft
-102 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone (Hérault)
After the magical shores of the Arnel and Vic ponds, explore the old salt marshes belonging to the Conservatoire du Littoral and discover an environment of great ecological richness. Don't miss the nature reserve with its flamingos and the wine estate.
Gardiole Sud - la Devèse
6.67 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,115 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Balaruc-le-Vieux (Hérault)
As you climb up to Roc d'Anduze, this hike offers wide panoramic views to the north-west over the Étang de Thau, all the villages in the valley and beautiful views of the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau. At the highest point of the Gardiole massif, there is a magnificent 360° view.
The circuit then heads towards the summit of the Devèse along ridge trails, offering multiple panoramic views of the sea, Frontignan, Sète, Balaruc, the Étang de Thau and... the Canigou.
This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
On the south-eastern flank of the Gardiole
6.31 mi
+696 ft
-699 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
A hike starting from Les Usines, a district of Balaruc-les-Bains, allowing you to approach the Gardiole massif from the south-west. There are many DFCI tracks, which are compulsory in this massif, but also a lovely path. The route offers numerous views of the Étang de Thau and its surroundings.
Les Balcons de Thau - Dumbo's Head Tour
4.32 mi
+420 ft
-407 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Frontignan (Hérault)
This route offers views over Frontignan on the sea side, as well as Sète and the Bassin de Thau with its oyster beds.
The trail is well marked (yellow rectangle).
It is not the most beautiful route in the Gardiole mountains due to the presence of high-voltage power lines and the Frontignan oil depot, but it allows you to cross from the sea side to the lake side in a short distance and enjoy a unique view of the Frontignan Muscat vineyards as you walk through the heath.
Le Coulazou
9.22 mi
+722 ft
-715 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Cournonterral (Hérault)
Starting from the beautiful medieval village of Cournonterral, this loop trail runs through heathland and plunges into the small gorges of Coulazou.
The Balaruc-les-Bains circular walk
2.85 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Balaruc-les-Bains (Hérault)
A stroll through Balaruc-les-Bains, its spa town situated on a peninsula. A walk through the Ancient Mediterranean Garden ( entrance fee: 5 euros), then continue along the Georges Brassens Promenade, alongside the quays, followed by Sévigné Park and Charles de Gaulle Park.
Walk through the Ancient Mediterranean Garden in Balaruc
1.45 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Balaruc-les-Bains (Hérault)
A walk in Balaruc-les-Bains, along the Étang de Thau, exploring a naturally evolving wetland and the lovely Ancient Mediterranean Garden. This garden charges an admission fee, but it is inexpensive and is managed by the local council.
Tamaris Trail along the banks of the Étang du Méjean
4.70 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Lattes (Hérault)
Trail open from 9am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.
In the heart of the Méjean nature reserve, set off to explore a unique landscape where ponds, reed beds and the wild spaces typical of the Camargue come together. The well-maintained trail, dotted with wooden footbridges, invites you to immerse yourself in remarkable flora and fauna: storks, flamingos, herons, coypu, Camargue horses and even bulls roam this unspoilt environment. A peaceful and accessible walk, ideal for a family outing in the heart of nature.
A stroll along the canals of Sète
3.96 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
A lovely stroll along the canals in Sète. On this route, you can imagine the famous Sète water jousting tournaments that take place in this magnificent setting. Thanks to this fabulous backdrop, this little Languedoc Venice has also become famous through a number of television series.
It's worth seeing, and it's all in Sète, just seven kilometres away
4.35 mi
+571 ft
-574 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
Seven good reasons to discover Sète: It is the home of the tièle (a type of octopus pie that is emblematic of Sète). It is a city of culture (numerous museums/street art/theatres/etc.). It is the city of Georges Brassens and Paul Valéry. It is home to the best oysters in the world from the Étang de Thau lagoon. Its seaside and Étang de Thau lagoon, its beaches. Its canals, which give it a Venetian feel, and its old port. The Muscat wines of Frontignan and Mireval.
Route from Barrou to Sète
3.29 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
A family stroll between the typical Sète fishermen's houses and second homes.
Tour of the Thau lagoon starting from BikeMed
33.87 mi
+226 ft
-240 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
Set off from Bikemed and hop on your bike for an unforgettable day trip!
Corniche, beaches, lido, Canal du Midi, vineyards, unspoilt natural areas, charming little villages... incredible diversity in a single day's ride!
Mont Saint-Clair
5.52 mi
+823 ft
-817 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
A beautiful walk to Mont Saint-Clair, which offers a panoramic view of Sète. The route is quite varied, with narrow streets, forest trails and coastal paths. It offers different views of the town of Sète, the Étang de Thau, the salt marshes separating the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea and the port.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.
Mont Saint-Clair and Pierres Blanches via the small paths
6.86 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,283 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sète (Hérault)
Beautiful views along the entire route, a few steep slopes, and especially the stairs taken earlier to reach the huts. The originality of this hike lies in the fact that it takes you across Mont Saint-Clair, the Pierres Blanches National Forest and the seaside. Best done outside of summer as most of the route is exposed.
This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.