Hérault walks

A fairly conventional circuit that lets walkers admire the Cirque de Navacelles and hike in the gorges of La Vis. The ruins of the Moulins de la Foux are the ultimate goal of the hike, with beautiful explanations of these water mills and on the underground portion of the screw, not yet fully explored.

Discover the dolomitic cirque of Mourèze, shaped by erosion, with exceptional views of the Lac du Salagou and the Mediterranean coast. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

An exceptional circular walk above the torrent of Arles where you can discover a cave dwelling and a superb Cervennes collection in the hamlet of Fage.

This hike is best done on a sunny afternoon, so that you can contemplate the view from the summit, which can be truly breathtaking if the air is dry. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

This tour around Minerve has it all! The natural bridges of the Cesse, the heath, the aerial passages of the Gorges du Brian and, of course, the cobbled streets of the town. 31/05/2024 hike modified at point (4): Follow the concrete track (yellow markings) and NOT the PR® marked on the IGN base map, which is now a prohibited PRIVATE PROPERTY where wood has been felled. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

The Cirque de l'Infernet is a gigantic natural wall. Its impressive cliffs enclose the upper part of the Val de Gellone. Between these walls and the Verdus, scree from another time forms impressive slopes. To get to the 'Max Nègre' viewpoint, you'll have to follow a route used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through a splendid structure called "Les Fenestrelles". Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the Fenestrettes PR® has been affected, as has the Route d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult

This trail is a marvel exploring the Saut de Vezoles and its lake with spectacular amenities.

This short hike will give you a change of scenery in record time. Keep your eyes and ears open, but wear good shoes. On the plateau, you might even be able to see the sea. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the PR® des Fenestrettes has been affected, as has the voie d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

A beautiful walk, without major difficulty and well marked, that takes you through scrubland and forests, cliffs and limestone plateaus.

This trail winds through the heart of a listed site, rich in natural, geological and scenic discoveries. Leaving the village, the trail winds through the vineyards, climbs through the fragrant heath and reaches the impressive cliffs of the Pic de Vissou. This pleasant route offers many geological curiosities and, in particular, an amazing view of the Estabel terrace. In the background, the silhouette of Vissou serves as a landmark during this walk full of surprises. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Be sure to check the map.

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.

This beautiful route climbs up the fabulous Orb Gorges to the village of Vieussan and then heads back into the thick scrubland that covers the western slope of the Ayrolle summit. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

View and passage through two villages isolated from the main roads, featuring beautiful stone houses. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This walk devoted to the discovery of Roman ruins will introduce you to two medieval Languedoc villages.The scrubland will bring you the fragrance of thyme and the landscapes will enchant photographers. Enjoy without moderation. Note: To help with orientation, "tricky" sections have been highlighted with blue dotted markers.

From the Roussières departmental estate to the prehistoric village of Cambous, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through Neolithic sites (tombs, dolmens, village) and the Termenou fountain, following ancient drovers' roads (paths used by sheep during transhumance). Crossing varied landscapes, ridges, undergrowth and meadows where asphodels abound in April, this hike also offers magnificent panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup, the Hortus and the Cévennes. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

From Les Matelles, a pretty medieval village, this circuit provides access to the path on the crest of a ridge. The Tour de Vias (watchtower) was once built on this promontory. It offers beautiful views of Pic Saint-Loup, the village and the former convent of Notre-Dame-des-Champs before descending towards the Romanesque bridge of Deux Serres, which crosses the Lirou. Afterwards, the trail faces Notre-Dame-des-Champs and returns to the village, winding through a forest of pine, juniper and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

Family walk between the pond, salt marshes and the Bois des Aresquiers. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This walk takes place entirely within the "Les Causses et les Cévennes" site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Navacelles, you climb up the Gorges de la Vis to its resurgence. After visiting the Moulins de la Foux, the return journey halfway up the southern slope of the Causse de Blandas offers spectacular views of the Gorges de la Vis and the Cirque de Navacelles. You have to walk in the Cirque de Navacelles at least once in your life, that's all there is to it! Don't think twice: just go!

Above Riols, this trail takes you by the hand through the Somail mountains, explaining, marker after marker, schist and gneiss, menhirs and dolmens, and of course the legend of the Saut de Vézoles. A tough climb but well worth it. A magnificent hike.

There are several very interesting walks in the Pic Saint-Loup area near Montpellier, with distant views of the Cévennes to the north and the sea to the south.

Discover Lake Salagou from the plateau and its drystone shelters scattered among the vineyards. Herds of animals guarded by Patou dogs, between 2 and 5 in number. Avoid hiking with your dog! See practical information.

A hike in the foothills of the Larzac plateau overlooking Cirque du Bout du Monde and the village of Gourgas with a return journey via a beautiful forest path.

Walk on the Caroux plateau, which offers magnificent views of the Orb valley, the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees.

A walk exploring the other side of the scenery, behind the beaches of Portiragnes. Along the Canal du Midi, meet the barges and discover the dedicated port on the edge of the marshes. A winter stopover for migratory birds, from the top of the small dunes, overlooking the beach. Walk along the dykes surrounded by salt marshes.

Take a short tour of the Gorges de la Buèges and, in summer, enjoy this beautiful clear river to cool off.

(Warning) Part of the route is closed by municipal order. See comments posted on 15 February and 12 May 2025. From the Montcalmès plateau, near Puéchabon, you can see the exit of the Hérault gorges with a breathtaking view of the legendary village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. This small plateau, once grazed by sheep, is home to some beautiful sheepfolds, some of which have been abandoned. Below, the Saint-Sylvestre-des Brousses chapel is worth a visit, as is the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge).

Pic-Saint-Loup, the legendary peak in the Montpellier hinterland. Here, I suggest approaching it from the east via Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers. This shaded, less frequented route through the woods takes you past the ruined castle of Montferrand. At the summit, you can enjoy views of the Alps, the Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, the Cévennes and the Mediterranean.

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.)

From the beautiful village of Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, set off to explore the Séranne plateau along paths that are paved with slanting stones in places. After passing through Peyre Martine and the Cirque de la Séranne, the trail takes you back to Pégairolles-de-Buèges where you will discover the source of the Buèges.

Departure from Mas Baume, where the Asphodèles trail begins.

Mont Liausson overlooks Lake Salagou, and the climb offers beautiful views. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

A beautiful walk for the whole family that leads to a spring through the heath.

This hike starts in Roqueredonde and takes you to the Orb river and the Tibetan Buddhist temple Lerab Ling, where you can take a short meditation break. The route then enters the Escandorgue National Forest, where the charm of the forest paths contrasts with the chaotic dolomitic landscape of the Causse. Finally, the route follows ancient paths worn by passing flocks of sheep.

At the gateway to Lodève and Lake Salagou, on the Cayroux plateau, discover dolmens, drystone shelters and stone enclosures as you cross a landscape of "ruffes", an astonishing red earth.

A beautiful hike in a magnificent setting, with one of the most beautiful cirques in the region and the resurgence of the Vis.

In the Cardonille massif, south of Ganges, this lovely hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Cévennes, Mont Aigoual and the Thaurac plateau with its Grotte des Demoiselles. It then approaches the banks of the Hérault via shaded paths and trails, offering a real haven of coolness in the summer. The circuit, which sometimes runs along a balcony, offers beautiful views of the river and its meanders before reaching the picturesque Moulin de Clauzel.

A short but very pretty hike in the Octon hills, offering views of Lake Salagou at the start. The destination is the small Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame de Roubignac (7), but there are other places of interest along the way, such as the dolmen and the ruins of Octon Castle, visible from the other side of the valley.

This hike is a great way to discover Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in a different way, arriving via the Cirque de l'Infernet, without long lines of cars or queues at the car park. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the PR® des Fenestrettes is affected, as is the Arles road (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the passability of the route.

Let's start with a nice climb up to the ridge of the Château du Géant (unfortunately, it is not open to visitors as it is private property). The trail enters the Saint-Guilhem national forest, once developed by monks, and leads to a chapel nestled in the shade. The trail then passes through Cap de Ginestet and Cap de Pousterle before returning to the magnificent village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Overlooking the village of Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, the Roc des Deux Vierges, the highest point of the massif, offers a breathtaking panorama. This interpretive trail, to be enjoyed with family or friends, allows you to appreciate this unique site from a geological, historical and cultural perspective.

This trek works its way up from the Hérault valley to Roc de la Vigne. Leaving the village, off the beaten tracks, you'll explore Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert on cobblestone roads. Along the way, the remains of old farms, caves, a semi-troglodyte retreat and a breath-taking view from the top of Roc de la Vigne.

On this hike, we will be able to access the orientation table at Mont Saint-Baudille, the highest point in southern Larzac (848 m), and enjoy a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mediterranean Languedoc.

A very beautiful hike with stunning views of Lake Salagou on one side and the Cirque de Mouréze on the other, as well as magnificent views of the Cévennes and the Mediterranean. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

A pleasant hike with remarkable views and beautiful 360° panoramas of Mont Saint-Clair and the Mediterranean, Caroux, Pic de Vissous and Mont Baudille Séranne. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Canigou massif.

Nissan-lez-Enserune, its mills, its Parazols bridge, located on the Roman road, then on the royal road. Walk in a site offering a vast panorama, stretching from the mountains (Caroux, Montagne Noire) to the Mediterranean Sea.

A hike in a pleasant valley with plenty of water and the Pas de l'Escalette, a spot steeped in history. The return via the plateau offers a wide view of the surrounding area. Moderator update on 27/01/2021: some of the paths used in this itinerary have disappeared. However, there is a yellow-marked trail on site. See the reviews from January 2021.

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.

A circular hike allowing you to discover the Cirque de Mourèze, the picturesque village of the same name and enjoy an exceptional view of Lake Salagou. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

The artificial lake of Lac de Salagou has created an attraction that goes far beyond water sports and bathing. Geology, pastoralism, old villages, drystone shelters and vineyards complete the appeal of this region, which returns to peace and quiet at the end of summer.

To the south of the Causse du Larzac, the trail runs along a ledge overlooking the hamlet of Gourgas. Halfway up the cirque, a trail enters between woods and rocks and crosses the beds of the small tributaries of the Brèze stream: the karstic cave, the Figaret and the Rieussec. Below, the valley opens up to reveal varied landscapes: dark ravines here, bright meadows watered by numerous springs there. The route reaches the Pioch Blanc and then joins the hamlet via the Doumergarie bridge.