Avène walks

Avène is not just a cosmetics brand; it is also a thriving spa village in the upper cantons of the Hérault. Influenced by both the ocean and the Mediterranean, the Monts-d’Orb present striking contrasts from one slope to the other. From the Orb valley to the dry Rieussec valley via Peyreguille, the route—lovely and wooded, and therefore often shaded—alternates between south- and north-facing slopes. No fewer than six passes and four valleys are strung together in this way. Added to this is a well-preserved heritage (mill, Saint-André Chapel, etc.).

From Ceilhes-et-Rocozels, in Haut-Languedoc, near the ‘border’ with Aveyron, here’s an opportunity to head for the hills, in the Monts d’Orb State Forest, towards the Rocher du Canari on the edge of the Tesserièyres Plateau. The Ruisseau de Jure will then serve as your guide back to the village, which lies on the banks of the Orb, a coastal river regulated by the Avène Reservoir.

Here is a brief overview of the Avène Reservoir, starting from Ceilhes-et-Rocozels, first climbing up Mont Redon, south of the village. After the Rouvignac chapel and the holiday lodges, the route approaches the left bank of the Orb, which feeds the Bouloc lake, developed for outdoor leisure activities (water sports, camping). ⚠️ 11/05/2026:In winter and spring, and after heavy rain, when the reservoir is full, the walk may be impassable between points 8 and 10. It is possible to avoid walking along the banks by following the route shown on the IGN map between points 7 and 10.

This circuit is very elegant and very sporty, going around the valley formed by the Provères stream. For most of the route, you will enjoy distant views in almost every direction. At the end of the route, the gorges formed by the Bouissescure stream are very wild and have exuberant vegetation.

A very beautiful and varied hike through forest, alpine landscape, ridges and ravines. From La Coix de Marcou, a 360° panorama.

In a remote and uncrowded area, you will pass through valleys and ridges in the heart of the Monts-d'Orb national forest, renowned for its plantations of Laricio pines native to Corsica.

A circular walk along good paths, taking in the impressive mining faces of the coalfield, followed by a visit to the small, restored Saint-Sauveur Chapel and its rural setting.

From the Graissessac Mining Museum via the Castan district, climb up alongside the old mining spoil heaps towards the Chapelle Saint-Laurent and Les Nières, then return via the Pommier mine, the arboretum, the Saint-Simon mine and the Chemin du Papin.

A beautiful walk through a former mining site, among chestnut trees and terraced vineyards, overlooking a magnificent landscape.

Walk around the former mining site of Camplong, where you will find the Durand Pit headframe and, at the top of the hill, in the middle of a chestnut forest, the restored 12th-century Saint-Sauveur Chapel, which overlooks Camplong, Saint-Étienne-d'Estréchoux and Graissessac. The circular dry stone wall a few dozen metres from the sanctuary is an old cemetery.

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.

A very pretty, unmarked hike, taking paths and trails that sometimes run along the hillside and reveal varied landscapes, including the remains of mining activity, in the hinterland of western Hérault. There are a series of ascents and descents, but they do not require significant physical effort. It is a complete change of scenery for hikers looking for diversity.

A short half-day hike to discover these magnificent surroundings. Despite its ‘easy’ rating and the minimal elevation gain, it features a fairly steep climb from Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal and a similarly steep descent after the Orquette ruins. Sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness are essential.

This hike offers a unique circular route with, at the highest point, a 360° view providing a magnificent panorama towards the sea, the Carroux plateau and all the mountain ranges to the north and east of this remarkable dome: Mont Marcou. The ascent is quite demanding with steep slopes where you sometimes need to use your hands to climb rocky sections. The descent also features some fairly steep sections. This hike may therefore be difficult for some. However, the first 45 minutes provide a good warm-up before tackling the steep climb up to the antennas, and even beyond. A beautiful, wild and challenging route.

This hike forms a loop with a 360° view at the highest point, offering a magnificent panorama of the sea, the Carroux plateau and all the mountains to the north and east of this remarkable dome: Mont Marcou. The climb is quite demanding with steep slopes where you sometimes have to use your hands to climb rocky passages. The descent also has some fairly steep sections. This hike may therefore be difficult for some. However, the first 45 minutes allow you to warm up before tackling the tough climb to the antennas. A beautiful route.

This walk in the Roc d’Orque massif takes place largely on the south-facing side, which is lovely at this time of year. A lovely route at the foot of high limestone cliffs, passing close to a large waterfall that cascades down from the base of one of them. A resurgence causes the water to gush forth, having travelled through the mountain from the catchment area formed by the plateau above the cliffs. Well worth a visit. Hikers who completed this circular route after Storm Nils reported difficulties in following the route from the starting point (10). Extensive work has been carried out by a forestry company, enabling the route to be restored. See Practical Information.

Starting from the Andabre sports complex, opposite the cemetery, this is a lovely walk in a corner of the Hérault that once lived off coal mining. Although mining ceased in the early 1990s, it has left a lasting impression on the local community. This walk gives you an insight into another type of activity, still practised today, namely agriculture, specifically chestnut farming.

This route passes through the ridges of the Serre de More, which overlooks the Mare and Casselouvre valleys. It crosses the Portail de Roquandouire, a surprising natural gateway.

A superb circular route, climbing up to the Plo des Brus plateau via the Saint-Eutrope ridge, before descending via the Roquandouire Gate. Start at the foot of the Mare, the river that runs through Andabre. Head towards the Notre-Dame de Saint Eutrope chapel, then climb the ridge of the same name towards the plateau. Descend via the Serre de Majous to the Portail de Roquandouire, to reach the village of Andabre in the middle of the broom bushes. There are few markings in the middle of the hike => follow the GPX track carefully.