Around the Étang du Doul

This easy, short hike is a loop around the Étang du Doul. It starts in the picturesque village of Peyriac-de-Mer, located between Narbonne and Sigean. Wine growing, fishing and tourism are the main activities here. During the walk, you will pass the Étangs de la Saline, Étangs du Doul, Étangs de Bages and Étangs de Sigean. From the heights, you can admire a splendid view of Bages and La Nautique.

Details

409539
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.63 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 305 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 302 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 230 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available in one of the car parks near the post office.

(S/E) Take Rue du Rec de l'Aire, which follows the Étang de la Saline in a south-easterly direction.

(1) Turn left and take the paved road that crosses the Étang de la Saline on one side and the Étang du Doul on the other. When you reach the other bank, keep to the right on the paved road. Continue to the end of the first field.

(2) Turn left immediately after the hedge and take the small path leading up the hill. The path is very narrow and uneven with numerous ruts.

(3) Turn right and take the small path leading to another path parallel to the pond. Continue left for about 350 m.

(4) Turn right onto a barely visible path that descends to the wider path next to the Étang de Sigean and Bages.
It should be noted that the section between the start and this point is the most difficult part of the hike, with very narrow and uneven paths that are prone to slipping. However, in good weather, the view is beautiful.

Once on the path, the walk is much easier. Follow the lake. Near the edge, you will see nets, evidence of fishing activity. Halfway along, on a clear day, you can admire a magnificent view of the picturesque village of Bages.

(5) Leave the main path and take the path on the left that leads to the top of the peninsula. The slope is moderately steep. Halfway up, cross a short section of paved road and arrive at a crossroads.

(6) Leave the path on the left and continue climbing. At the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Étang du Doul and the village of Peyriac-de-Mer. Then descend to the first houses. Take the departmental road for about 300 metres.

(7) Turn left and take the wooden footbridge over the Étang de la Saline, which leads to a boules court. Return to the car park at the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3 ft - Parking next to the post office.
  2. 1 : mi 0.28 - alt. 7 ft - Dike
  3. 2 : mi 0.66 - alt. 7 ft - Path on the left
  4. 3 : mi 0.84 - alt. 125 ft - On the right
  5. 4 : mi 1.09 - alt. 75 ft - Turn right onto the small path.
  6. 5 : mi 3.05 - alt. 3 ft - Roc de Vidal on the left
  7. 6 : mi 3.28 - alt. 121 ft - Leave the path on the left and continue climbing.
  8. 7 : mi 4.36 - alt. 3 ft - Wooden footbridge
  9. S/E : mi 4.63 - alt. 3 ft - Parking next to the post office.

Notes

In summer and spring, you may encounter mosquitoes.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 80 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Dimarche
Dimarche

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We started from the opposite end because the car park is outside the village (free) and to avoid having the sun in our eyes. A very lovely walk around the Doul pond, despite one path we couldn’t find (old markings), but there are several paths criss-crossing the hillsides.
Starting from the car park; there are no signs at the start, but it’s very easy to follow the existing paths.
The duration of the walk can be adjusted.
Not very busy

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Brave
Brave

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route with plenty of views, but one section is a bit more challenging; not recommended for young children. It should be classed as moderately difficult. As for parking, it’s best to walk an extra 300 metres – it’s free, and it’s easy to find your way back to the start.

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joe 46
joe 46

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

That was quite a nice little walk – thanks to the author!

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User 17119727

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, leisurely stroll. I had a go at a swim and you’ve got to be prepared to find yourself in the mud quite quickly, even if you think you’ve stumbled upon a little private beach.
The warnings issued by some people are no longer relevant, as the entire route is accessible.

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GIGI09
GIGI09

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very easy walk. Watch out for the sun, as there’s no shade for two-thirds of the route. The ponds are dry. The only highlight of this walk is crossing the Clape. A very easy walk

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NOLLICEC
NOLLICEC

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Please note that at the starting point (the car park next to the Post Office, which is also the Town Hall), parking is prohibited for non-residents. You will need to leave the village and find a free car park about 300 metres away, then walk across a wooden footbridge to reach the starting point. There are no signposts, but the route is easy to follow and offers beautiful views along the Chemin des Crêtes, which you must leave at bridge 4 to rejoin the coastal path.

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Vejapi
Vejapi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk along the footbridges with views of the ponds, no difficulty.

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User 13774278

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy and very pleasant route with views of the Bage and Doul lakes, ending in the pretty village of Peyriac.

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Léalys
Léalys

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful loop to explore the lake. Unfortunately, the wind spoiled our outing; it was much too strong.

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Lilou...
Lilou...

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike in May 2025, not very busy, with beautiful views of the ponds.
GPS tracking was used throughout the hike as there were no signposts.
After the last climb, don't hesitate to stray a little from the path to admire the ponds from the ridge.
The section on the pontoons is quite short, so don't hesitate to do an extra loop at the end to admire the ponds.
Paid parking (€2.70 for 3 hours), do not park in the village or you will be fined....

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Thenry
Thenry

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful trail completed in early March with few people around. As other reviews have mentioned, it is advisable to follow the route using the app when entering the woods after the first kilometre. The rest is easy, with no possibility of getting lost.

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CetG
CetG

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

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Philippe sla
Philippe sla

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike, but it lacks signposting, which would make it more enjoyable without having to refer to the route map or check your GPS position very often.

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Mailys-carn
Mailys-carn

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very difficult hike to access. Not marked at all, with nature having reclaimed its rights, you will have difficulty following a trail as it is sometimes non-existent.

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Rouleau guy
Rouleau guy

The tracker allows you to follow the route without getting lost. The crossroads

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