At the salt marshes of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone

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.

Details

8822729
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.45 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 31 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 31 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 30 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the leisure park car park.

(S/E) From the car park, return to the level crossing and join the D116.

(1) Cross it carefully and continue straight ahead until you reach the entrance to Mas des Quinze.

(2) Take the path on the right to the old salt marshes (yellow signposts) where the road ends.

(3) Turn left to reach the edge of the salt marshes and follow
the right, the path that runs alongside the salt marshes for 700 m until you reach the lock.

(4) Turn left and continue for 1.3 km until you reach the old saltworks buildings.

(5) Cross the bridge on the right and follow the track on the left (yellow signposts) for 450 m until you reach the paths on the left, which are closed to traffic.

(6) Turn right and continue to the D116, cross it with caution and continue to the railway line.

(7) Turn right towards the level crossing; at the road, turn left to cross the railway line and continue straight ahead, keeping the Étang de l'Estagnol on your right. Pass the Château d'Exindre on your left and continue to a crossroads.

(8) Turn left onto Chemin de la Diligence and continue to a car park, where you can return to the starting point by turning left.

(9) Continue straight ahead until you reach the fork towards Creux de Miège.

(10) At this crossroads, turn right towards Creux de Miège (take care).

(11) Retrace your steps.

(10) Take the road that leads to the Parc de Loisirs car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2 m - Parking at the Parc de Loisirs
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 2 m - D116
  3. 2 : km 0.67 - alt. 1 m - Mas des Quinze
  4. 3 : km 1.33 - alt. 1 m - End of the road
  5. 4 : km 2.87 - alt. 0 m - Lock
  6. 5 : km 4.28 - alt. 2 m - The saltworks buildings
  7. 6 : km 5.08 - alt. 0 m - End of the salt marsh tour
  8. 7 : km 5.97 - alt. 3 m - Railway line; caution advised.
  9. 8 : km 6.9 - alt. 7 m - Fork in the road after Château d'Exindre (vineyard)
  10. 9 : km 7.62 - alt. 3 m - Parking
  11. 10 : km 8.24 - alt. 12 m - Towards Creux de Miège
  12. 11 : km 9 - alt. 30 m - Creux de Miège
  13. S/E : km 10.45 - alt. 2 m - Parking at the Parc de Loisirs

Notes

Walking shoes.
IGN map 2743 and Montpellier/Palavas les flots.
Binoculars and camera (bird sanctuary)

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

View of the salt marshes on the left; on the right, view of the lake where many migratory birds frolic.
(4) Lock.
(5) Old saltworks buildings.
Continuing towards the point (8), on the right is the Étang de l'Estagnol; on the left is the Château d'Exindre.
(10) Towards Creux de Miège (1.5 km round trip)

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 32 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Michel josquin
Michel josquin

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We never managed to reach point 3... everything was completely flooded, so we headed inland, still hoping to find a way back to the trail, but... it was impossible, so we made a circular route and came back to the Mas des 15. We then drove to point 6 and finished the walk... it was all down to the weather... what a shame!

Machine-translated

patrick.morisse
patrick.morisse

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike accessible to all, not to be undertaken in hot weather.

Machine-translated

COLOMBIERE
COLOMBIERE

We did this hike on 18 November 2025. The directions to the leisure park were very unclear and we wasted over 30 minutes. You mention returning to the level crossing from the car park, but you actually have to continue and then cross the D116. Please could you explain the route to me and how to get to the leisure park? We asked for directions and were sent down a very narrow road, then we followed the yellow markings. It was a lovely walk and I would like to do it again. Thank you.

Machine-translated

User 6588929

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Depending on the season, part of the circuit is closed to allow our winged friends to nest.

Machine-translated

papadid
papadid

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, easy walk: 10 km/2.5 hours/30 m elevation gain
Special features: birdwatching, flora (everything is in bloom in spring) and the Creux de Miege (a geological feature of the salt marshes).
Please note: bring a hat, sunglasses, water and sun cream in summer.

Machine-translated

Antonia1
Antonia1

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The part in the salt marshes is really lovely... especially at this time of year, when flowers are starting to bloom everywhere, which is a real treat. The mosquitoes (in large numbers) are already out, so bring something to protect yourself from getting bitten
The second part, which is much less interesting, is on tarmac with road noise when you take the path that leads to Creux de Miège. Perhaps reversing the direction of the walk and finishing with the "best" part would be more interesting in the end?
Thanks anyway for this route

Machine-translated

Guide Lolo
Guide Lolo

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The area around the salt marshes is really interesting. The last section (Creux de Miède) is well worth the detour. The transition route is unremarkable but necessary. I was very pleased with this walk.

Machine-translated

Elisa07
Elisa07

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk on a beautiful, sunny and mild February day. Pretty landscapes brightened up by numerous birds and flamingos. Paths a little muddy and slippery due to previous rainy days, so good shoes are recommended.
Highly recommended walk, easy and without any difficulty

Machine-translated

ceclpz
ceclpz

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice tour. Simple and very pleasant in the middle of the salt flats. Lots of flamingos and other wading birds along the way. Very peaceful place.

Machine-translated

bouchut
bouchut

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful loop with a section around the ponds, which is magnificent, and an unlikely discovery in this flat environment: the Creux de Miège canyon.
Allow 2½ hours in total for the loop

Machine-translated

Christine LR
Christine LR

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Morning stroll with the flamingos and other wildlife waking up.
Trails and paths are easy to follow. However, not recommended during hot weather as there is little shade.

Machine-translated

vero4030
vero4030

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

On a sunny day in September, this is a beautiful route between salt marshes, vineyards and heathland, surprisingly varied and easy.

Machine-translated

daniel-pierre
daniel-pierre

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

pleasant walk, best enjoyed early in the morning

Machine-translated

Jipé42
Jipé42

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, easy and peaceful walk, but a little too much tarmac for my liking

Machine-translated

Chlebegue
Chlebegue

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello, a good tour for children who can get excited admiring the flamingos

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.