Refine your search for walks in Col de l'Ourtigas (990m)
Col de l'Ourtigas (990m) walks
The Col de l'Ourtigas
Visorando Member
6.28 mi
+1,565 ft
-1,578 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Rosis (Hérault)
In a varied landscape of rocks, broom, old farms and ruined hamlets. A discovery on the plateau: mouflon traps (not for hunting, but for monitoring populations).
Vialaïs circuit from Douch
7.89 mi
+2,274 ft
-2,244 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Rosis (Hérault)
This is the second day of the Haut Languedoc trip.Loop hike around the Montagne d'Aret.Depending on how much time you have, the hike can be shortened from (1) directly to (4).
Updated by the author on 10 June 2025, as the OFB reports that after (6) it is a Caroux-Espinouse hunting and wildlife reserve. Unauthorised entry is a 4th class offence punishable by a €135 fine. The route and description have therefore been modified.
The Caroux around Rosis
15.74 mi
+3,527 ft
-3,547 ft
10h 20
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare (Hérault)
A pleasant circular route starting from Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, passing through the Col de l'Ourtigas, Douch and the Caroux plateau, with its heather stretching as far as the eye can see, offering exceptional panoramic views of the valley and the Pyrenees on a clear day. Gravel paths, the remains of shepherds’ huts, old dwellings and the impressive Roquandouire Gate with its unobstructed view of the Mare Valley.
This hike is classified as very difficult due to its length and elevation gain… in reality, the climb is very gradual, in distinct sections and without any sudden changes in gradient. As for the duration, quite frankly, the landscape is so magnificent and varied that with a bit of training, you won’t even notice the time passing…
The Roquandouire Gate at the start of the Ourtigas
4.89 mi
+1,503 ft
-1,512 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Rosis (Hérault)
A lovely circular route starting from the Col de l'Ourtigas, with the Plo des Brus viewpoint and belvedere, the descent from the Serre de Majous, the Portail de Roquandouire pass, the return via the Casseloubre valley, the abandoned village of Caïssenols and the climb back up to the Ourtigas via the stream of the same name in the forest.
Walks near Col de l'Ourtigas (990m)
Espinouse - Colombières
14.42 mi
+2,008 ft
-4,760 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Rosis (Hérault)
On the second day, you can return to Colombières sur Orb from the summit of Espinouse via the Héric gorges.
From Bardou to Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal via the summit of Espinouse
15.90 mi
+2,313 ft
-2,818 ft
9h 20
Very difficult
Departure from Mons (Hérault) (Hérault)
Ascent of Espinouse starting from the car park before the hamlet of Bardou to Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal via the GR®7 and GRP® Tours des Monts et Lacs en Haut Languedoc. This hike is the first part of a two-day circular, completed by the ascent of Caroux, from Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal to the car park before the hamlet of Bardou.
Colombières sur Orb - Espinouse
11.30 mi
+4,262 ft
-1,529 ft
8h 55
Difficult
Departure from Colombières-sur-Orb (Hérault)
Day one: Climb up the Colombières Gorges towards the Caroux massif. Cross the Caroux massif towards Douch, then follow the Vialais stream before climbing back up to the Espinouse massif and settling down for the night.
From Mons to Douch via Héric
5.27 mi
+3,425 ft
-1,283 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Mons (Hérault) (Hérault)
This is the first day of the Haut Languedoc trip. It will take at least 5 hours to reach Douch. The climb to the Col de la Maure is unmarked but follows a well-marked, safe path. See § Practical information (¹).The access to the Col du Bardou is beautiful. The descent to the Ruisseau d'Héric and the climb back up to Douch via the hamlet of Héric are very varied.
In the Écrivains Combattants National Forest
6.67 mi
+2,477 ft
-456 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Lamalou-les-Bains (Hérault)
This route runs entirely through the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. It passes through two typical villages and offers numerous panoramic views of the Orb Valley, the Monts d’Orb, the Montagne de l’Espinouse and the Caroux Plateau. Charles Péguy, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Paul Nizan (Les chiens de garde), Robert Desnos and hundreds of others await us in the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants.
Crossing the Monts du Somail via Lac de Vesoles
16.03 mi
+1,253 ft
-1,224 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Fraisse-sur-Agout (Hérault)
In the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, you cross the Plateau du Somail at an altitude ranging between 900 and 1,000 metres, passing through forests and moorland. The balcony-like sections offer panoramic views of the valleys below and the other peaks of the Haut-Languedoc. After a break at Lac de Vesoles, a cliff-top descent overlooks the Saut de Vesoles and the Gorges du Ruisseau du Buraut, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Gulf of Lion.
The Maison de Peyrac - Lacaune
9.59 mi
+1,027 ft
-1,394 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Nages (Tarn)
This final stage takes place, for the most part, in the undergrowth, on wide paths lined with wild strawberries and various fruit bushes.The path winds its way up and down until it reaches the foot of the Roc de Montalet.From there, it is the final descent towards Lacaune.
Easy