Circular Pic Saint-Loup route via the western ridge

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A wild and extremely demanding alpine route to the summit of Pic Saint-Loup. This route via the West Ridge is intended exclusively for experienced hikers. Warning: those prone to vertigo must absolutely refrain from attempting this. A complete lack of markings, numerous rock-climbing sections on vertical faces and significant exposure to the void characterise this ascent. The return is via the normal route.

Details

n°98984543
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.23 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,181 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,178 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,146 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 997 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Cazevieille (34270)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.770397° / E 3.788701°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2742ET
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Description of the walk

Parking is available at the hiking car park north of Cazevieille, accessible via the Chemin de Tourrière from the chapel on Rue du Pic Saint-Loup.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the Chemin de Tourrière to the left-hand bend.

(1) Leave the track and turn right onto the path that climbs gently through the heath towards the Pic. Walk for about 300 m to reach the main path (GR®60).

(2) Leave the path on the left and head towards the western end of the mountain. The path quickly becomes less defined, very wild and unmarked. Take a wide left turn, then another to the right to find yourself near the ridge.

(3) Here, the real challenge begins along the western ridge. Progress requires placing your hands very frequently and facing almost vertical rock faces where proper climbing techniques are essential. Remain extremely vigilant: there is a sheer drop to the left (northern cliff) and the wind can blow strongly across the limestone slabs. Proceed slowly, securing each hold.
After this intense effort, you finally reach the summit of Pic Saint-Loup (651 m).

(4) At the Chapel and the Iron Cross, enjoy the exceptional 360° panorama over the Cévennes and the Hérault plain.
For the return journey, begin the descent towards the east then south-east, taking the classic standard route (red and white markings of the GR®60). The path is very stony, uneven and steep; walking poles are essential here to take the strain off your knees and provide a secure footing. Follow the obvious path as it winds down to a junction (IGN elevation 538) at a place called La Croisette.

(5) Walk a few metres then turn right towards the west. Continue through the woods on the GR® which heads west-south-west to another junction

(6) Take the path on the right; it levels out and leads gently to the Cazevieille car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 997 ft - Cazevieille car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.08 - alt. 1,030 ft - Start of the trail
  3. 2 : mi 0.26 - alt. 1,125 ft - Western Ridge junction
  4. 3 : mi 0.72 - alt. 1,572 ft - Start of the climb (ridge line)
  5. 4 : mi 1.51 - alt. 2,142 ft - Pic Saint-Loup
  6. 5 : mi 1.82 - alt. 1,752 ft - Crossroads - GR®60
  7. 6 : mi 3.09 - alt. 1,020 ft - Junction
  8. S/E : mi 3.23 - alt. 997 ft - Cazevieille car park

Notes

Caution: sections requiring mountaineering/climbing skills

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Benmwz3
Benmwz3
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, challenging hike up Pic Saint Loup! There are no markings between points 1 and 3, but the path is clearly defined, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way – provided you have a mobile phone and a good app if needed. At point 1, it’s possible (and recommended!) to continue northwards to take a detour via the ruined tower at Tourrière, then head back to point 3 along the ridges. There are yellow and red/pink markings from the tower to point 3 and on to point 4 at the summit of the Pic. Please note that these are amateur markings and are often rough, sometimes faded, so you need to be careful not to lose sight of them! As mentioned in the description, the section along the ridges between points 3 and 4 involves a bit of rock climbing. Some sections are not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo, so please exercise caution. However, there are no particularly exposed or extremely dangerous sections… if you do encounter such a section, you’re probably on the wrong path, so don’t hesitate to turn back and look for the markings. Of course, avoid days with bad weather, such as strong winds, fog or rain. From point 4 to points 5 and 6, the route follows the classic descent via the Pic Saint Loup path, which is well signposted and very popular.

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