Candillargues walks

Natura 2000 site closed from 1 April to 30 June 2024 At the eastern end of the Étang de Mauguio, a multitude of marshes separated by canals are home to all kinds of birds from the Petite Camargue, a protected site of the Étang de l'Or. Please note: access to the marshes is closed from 1 April to 30 June so that the birds can lay and hatch their eggs in peace.

A walk in white, green and blue: the white of the beautiful buildings designed by architect Jean Balladur, the green of the small but numerous parks criss-crossed by a multitude of pedestrian walkways, and, of course, the blue of the sea.If I were God, I would be wary of architects! They are the subversive instruments of the human race's secret project: to rebuild Paradise Lost.Jean Balladur

This hike offers two different atmospheres. The first part is a circular route along the edge of the Bois du Boucanet and then through the marshes bordering the Étang du Ponant, where you can encounter birds and horses. The second part, on the other side of the Vidourle, is an urban walk in the Ponant district of La Grande Motte, where you may encounter sea turtles, then through the town centre and back via the beach.This circular route can easily be split into two shorter walks.

This route will allow you to discover the Bois du Boucanet with its typical Mediterranean habitats (pine forest, salt meadows, etc.). Depending on the season, you may see birds landing or flying around the Étang du Ponant. Important: the Bois du Boucanet is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. You must follow the marked trail (do not walk along the edge of the lake) to avoid damaging the natural habitats and flora and to avoid disturbing the horses that graze there.

This hike takes place partly along the water's edge and partly on trails near wooded areas. It allows you to discover the habitats of the Mediterranean coast. The northern part is a lovely place to watch the sunrise or sunset. The Bois du Boucanet is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is important to follow the marked trails (yellow markings) in this area so as not to impact the natural habitats and flora of these environments.

The first third of the hike will take you to the castle, its large park and a small part of the old village. The rest of the hike will take you through various forests, a mixture of heath, pine forests, olive groves, etc. Along the way, you will cross the famous aqueduct several times, as well as some lesser-known places such as La Capelette and the old quarries.

This walk will allow you to discover the Castries aqueduct in the section where its arches are highest, but also its path along the bottom of the hill at the end of the route before returning to the large arches of the aqueduct bridge. You can also observe the diversity of the heath in Castries via wide paths and a few more discreet trails. The vegetation is a beautiful mix of heath and pine forest.

Hike to discover two castles: the Château de Marsillargues, former castle of Guillaume de Nogaret, in the centre of the town, which houses a museum, and the Château de Teillan, a former fortified castle nestled between the Vidourle river, the Camargue horse pastures and the vineyards of the Marsillargues region.

A walk through the Castries scrubland, where you can admire the aqueduct, the Château de Castries and its distinctive water tower, visible for miles around, as well as the historic centre of this pretty village in the Hérault.

This hike takes you on a grand tour of the Bannières plain. The old Pont des Tourilles bridge, the Source du Boulidou spring, the ruins of the Templar farm and, above all, varied forests and flora will be along the way. This route deliberately takes small, unmarked and little-used paths. Therefore, although the description may be sufficient, it is advisable to use the GPS function of the Visorando app to monitor your progress during the hike.

Take a walk through the marshes and along the edge of the Étang de la Marette (free visit but subject to timetables) before setting off to explore the streets and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes. This itinerary includes a visit to the Tour de Constance and the ramparts, which is subject to a fee but optional.

Round trip hike on the beaches of Le Grau-du-Roi, passing through the port and a few streets in the village.

A short walk along the harbour and then the beach, passing by a few sculptures by Albert Marchais and the harbour master's office, with its beautiful architecture.

A walk through the wild countryside around Castries, not far from Montpellier. You will discover quarries and some particularly interesting sculptures. You will walk through the undergrowth. An amazing route with many surprises in store.

This peaceful walk partly follows the Castries Aqueduct, built by Paul Riquet (architect of the Canal du Midi) and completed in 1676. This structure supplied water to the Château de Castries via 7 km of tunnels, trenches and aqueducts. This hike also allows you to discover the ruins of the Pont des Tourilles bridge over the Cadoule, a remarkable little chapel, the Fondespierre departmental estate and a small drystone shelter nestled in a dry stone wall.