Cévennes walks

A fairly conventional circuit that lets walkers admire the Cirque de Navacelles and hike in the gorges of La Vis. The ruins of the Moulins de la Foux are the ultimate goal of the hike, with beautiful explanations of these water mills and on the underground portion of the screw, not yet fully explored.

From Valleraugue, take the famous 4000-step trail that climbs up to the Mont-Aigoual observatory. To complete the loop, follow theGR®6for a long descent through the forest towards Aire de Côte, before finishing with a crossing of the chestnut grove above the hamlet of Berthezène.

The Cirque de l'Infernet is a gigantic natural wall. Its impressive cliffs enclose the upper part of the Val de Gellone. Between these walls and the Verdus, scree from another time forms impressive slopes. To get to the 'Max Nègre' viewpoint, you'll have to follow a route used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through a splendid structure called "Les Fenestrelles". Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the Fenestrettes PR® has been affected, as has the Route d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult

This short hike will give you a change of scenery in record time. Keep your eyes and ears open, but wear good shoes. On the plateau, you might even be able to see the sea. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the PR® des Fenestrettes has been affected, as has the voie d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

One of the most beautiful routes in the Vans region, both in terms of scenery and heritage. Balcony paths, chestnut groves and drying rooms, a gold-bearing river, low walls and beehives carved into chestnut tree trunks: everything invites you to discover this enclave of the Ardèche and its hamlets, which were once only accessible on foot. Be careful, there are steep and very steep ascents and descents. Allow 5 hours for the route, plus extra time for wandering around.

This walk takes place entirely within the "Les Causses et les Cévennes" site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Navacelles, you climb up the Gorges de la Vis to its resurgence. After visiting the Moulins de la Foux, the return journey halfway up the southern slope of the Causse de Blandas offers spectacular views of the Gorges de la Vis and the Cirque de Navacelles. You have to walk in the Cirque de Navacelles at least once in your life, that's all there is to it! Don't think twice: just go!

Take a short tour of the Gorges de la Buèges and, in summer, enjoy this beautiful clear river to cool off.

(Warning) Part of the route is closed by municipal order. See comments posted on 15 February and 12 May 2025. From the Montcalmès plateau, near Puéchabon, you can see the exit of the Hérault gorges with a breathtaking view of the legendary village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. This small plateau, once grazed by sheep, is home to some beautiful sheepfolds, some of which have been abandoned. Below, the Saint-Sylvestre-des Brousses chapel is worth a visit, as is the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge).

From the beautiful village of Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, set off to explore the Séranne plateau along paths that are paved with slanting stones in places. After passing through Peyre Martine and the Cirque de la Séranne, the trail takes you back to Pégairolles-de-Buèges where you will discover the source of the Buèges.

This moderately difficult hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Saint-Roman de Codières from the ridge of the Montagne de la Fage.

A beautiful hike in a magnificent setting, with one of the most beautiful cirques in the region and the resurgence of the Vis.

In the Cardonille massif, south of Ganges, this lovely hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Cévennes, Mont Aigoual and the Thaurac plateau with its Grotte des Demoiselles. It then approaches the banks of the Hérault via shaded paths and trails, offering a real haven of coolness in the summer. The circuit, which sometimes runs along a balcony, offers beautiful views of the river and its meanders before reaching the picturesque Moulin de Clauzel.

This hike is a great way to discover Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in a different way, arriving via the Cirque de l'Infernet, without long lines of cars or queues at the car park. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the PR® des Fenestrettes is affected, as is the Arles road (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the passability of the route.

Let's start with a nice climb up to the ridge of the Château du Géant (unfortunately, it is not open to visitors as it is private property). The trail enters the Saint-Guilhem national forest, once developed by monks, and leads to a chapel nestled in the shade. The trail then passes through Cap de Ginestet and Cap de Pousterle before returning to the magnificent village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Stroll through the narrow streets of Les Puechs and Carnoulés, beautiful Cévennes hamlets, and discover panoramic views of the Cévennes with the scents of the heath, chestnut trees and green oak groves.. Be careful on rocky sections, which can be dangerous (3) and (6).

On this hike, we will be able to access the orientation table at Mont Saint-Baudille, the highest point in southern Larzac (848 m), and enjoy a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mediterranean Languedoc.

Overlooking the village of Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, the Roc des Deux Vierges, the highest point of the massif, offers a breathtaking panorama. This interpretive trail, to be enjoyed with family or friends, allows you to appreciate this unique site from a geological, historical and cultural perspective.

This trek works its way up from the Hérault valley to Roc de la Vigne. Leaving the village, off the beaten tracks, you'll explore Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert on cobblestone roads. Along the way, the remains of old farms, caves, a semi-troglodyte retreat and a breath-taking view from the top of Roc de la Vigne.

A varied walk consisting of a challenging climb to discover the heights of Mialet and a more leisurely walk along the Gardon de Mialet. Along the way, you will discover hilltop hamlets, a temple, a dolmen and the famous Pont des Camisards bridge.

Mont Lozère rises to 1,699 metres, making it the highest point in the Cévennes. However, its geological nature sets it apart from the rest of the massif. This imposing granite wall closes off the schist valleys of the Cévennes and heralds the high plateaus of southern Auvergne. It also offers magnificent views of all the peaks of the southern Massif Central, as far as Mont Ventoux. Best explored in good weather.

From the cliff top, there is an exceptional view over the Cirque de Navacelles. The Blandas plateau is at an average altitude of 700 metres, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding region. The vegetation is constantly changing, with black pines, cedars, box trees and meadows. This plateau also conceals many prehistoric remains.

Despite its uninviting name, this is a superb hike under the forest canopy. The name comes from the fact that there was once no cemetery in Camprieu, forcing the inhabitants to carry their dead to the hamlet of Saint-Sauveur.

Hike in the foothills of the Cévennes in a heath landscape with beautiful views of two characteristic hills: the Rouquette and Saint-Chamant peaks. The difficulty can be adjusted: each summit can be climbed on a short round trip. I recommend taking a break for a snack at the summit of Saint-Chamant.

A long loop to climb to the summit of Capélans, which offers a fine view of the surrounding area, then to discover the dolmens on the Grande Pallières ridge and the Panissière dolmen further down. Return via the quiet districts of Anduze.

This magnificent hike is featured on the beautiful Massif de l'Aigoual map published by the Mont Aigoual Causses Tourist Office. Enjoy the diversity of the forests you will pass through, where you will constantly switch between beech, oak, fir and spruce trees. The panoramic views at (3) and at the André Chamson Monument are sublime.

Arboras, a village located in the foothills of the Larzac. This route takes you through the Grotte aux Fées (a magnificent little cave) and up to the heights just below Mont Saint-Baudille.

This hike will take you to the highest point of the Séranne mountain, the Roc Blanc. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy wide panoramic views of the Buèges and Hérault valleys, the Gorges de la Vis, the Pic Saint-Loup and the Hortus.

On the heights of the Doucette valley, discover a Camisarde cave, the Grotte de Pagès, then climb to the Roc de la Chapelle, a sheer drop overlooking the Boisseson valley, before descending to the banks of the Gardon de Saint-Jean.

Loop starting from the car park at the spinning mill in Lasalle towards Sainte-Croix-de-Caldere and its magnificent chapel via the Col de l'Oursine. Return via Calviac and Saint-Bonnet-de-Salendrinque. Mainly in the woods, but you will still have plenty of magnificent views. Places to visit: Le Sollier and Le Castellas castles, the chapel of Sainte-Croix-de-Caldere, the Menhir à la Borie, the Salendrinque river and the spinning mills of Lasalle.

The hamlet of Cézas, in the commune of Sumène, clings to an altitude of 650 m between the Cagnasses and Fage mountains, in the heart of a national forest. This short mid-mountain route alternates between numerous shaded passages and views of the Cévennes and beyond. On the way, a visit to the 12th-century Priory of Saint-Martin is a must, offering a peaceful spot for a picnic.

A beautiful autumn walk. Moderator's addition: For a slightly tricky section on the descent, it is advisable to do this hike in the opposite direction to the description

In the heart of the Cévennes, a circuit along paved slanting streets and forest tracks, discovering the farmhouses and hamlets of the Camisards.

Former calamine furnaces, the Œil de Bœuf and the Tombeau du Géant on the Causse Bégon. Step back in time from the industrial era to prehistory.

A lovely loop through the woods with several viewpoints.

A peaceful walk for the whole family along the Felgérolles irrigation channel to the Tarn bridge.

A short hike in shade to discover no less than five Neolithic dolmens, including the four dolmens of the Grande Pallières site.

The route follows part of the drovers' road from Colognac to Mont Aigoual.

From one side of the Dourbie to the other via the Tayrac footbridge.

This circular hike takes you through the Combe Chaude Nature Reserve, a nesting area for birds of prey and bats in the numerous caves. This limestone barrier overlooks the Rieutord valley and offers a beautiful view of much of the Cévennes in the Gard department. Don't miss the unusual crossing of the Baume Clauside, the climb up the Ranc de Banes offering a 360° panorama from Pic Saint-Loup to Mont Aigoual, and a short tour to discover the village at the end of the circuit.

A spectacular cirque with breathtaking views.

From the village of Laroque, take a tour of the Thaurac plateau and its many karstic caves.

A beautiful loop in the Cévennes, 99% on trails. Varied terrain, diverse panoramas including the superb 360° view of Montcalm from the heights of Alès. For me, this is the most beautiful loop to do in less than 3 hours near Alès. There is only tarmac on the street where you park, and the terrain is very varied (pine and oak forests), with trails ranging from narrow, steep and technical to wide, open tracks, with fords, beautiful views and the most beautiful panorama in the area: it has everything!

Set amid pastures and wooded hills covered with chestnut trees, this Cévennes getaway offers splendid views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

This is a magnificent hike in the hills above Saint-Jean-de-Buèges and its valley. The village is worth exploring on the way back. The Buèges valley is well worth a visit. We enjoyed repeating this hike in January 2025. Cold weather but bright sunshine. No notable changes except for a new muddy patch at point 6 and the absence of the pierced rock at point 5. The hike is almost entirely on a balcony, so you'll be in the sun.

Located at an altitude of 600 m, in the foothills of the Cévennes, Colognac is a typical Cévennes village. The lush vegetation of the meadows, chestnut and oak trees contrasts with the arid heath. You are in the mountains. From the Col des Fosses (900 m), the views stretch north over the Borgne valley to the Barre des Cévennes, and south-west over the Viganais and beyond. At the start, the Mouleyrette mill is a little gem.

For experienced hikers, here is a 40 km loop starting from Valleraugue and reaching Aigoual via the famous 4,000 steps. It descends to Lac du Bonheur near Camprieu, then climbs back up to Espérou and ends along the ridges facing Mont Aigoual, which you will have discovered a few hours earlier. This hike is not technically difficult but is very long with some steep sections and requires good stamina.

Here too, in the Lozère region, a 360° summit bears the cartographer Cassini's famous name. Did he ever see, this cartographer, the map of this corner of Lozère? Perhaps not. On the other hand, this summit, which is easy to get to, offers a remarkable view, which can then be completed by a loop via the source of the Tarn river.

A magnificent hike amid broom and granite boulders. Beautiful descent between the ridge and the village of Vialas. Superb ridge trail along the impressive Trenze rock face.

Menhirs are found in Brittany. The proof: the name itself is of Breton origin (maen hir = long stone). And even more so when they are made of granite. But if I told you that one of Europe's main megalithic sites is in Lozère, would you believe me? The standing stones along this route at the foot of Mont Lozère are like those scattered by Tom Thumb: just follow them to find your way.

This hike follows small paths and forest tracks to reach Max Nègre, a remarkable geological site. The return route passes through the wild Joncas valley, where the Grotte des Fées opens up: a good torch is needed to visit the entrance, which is about 30 metres long (stalactites and draperies). Avoid this route during hot weather.