Combes walks

This trail in the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants allows you to discover megalithic tombs.

A pleasant walk that climbs slightly at the start of this circuit through oak trees, leading to the small Notre-Dame de Capimont Sanctuary, a true haven of peace and coolness. Overlooking the Orb and Bitoulet valleys, you will be in the shade during hot weather and a panoramic view awaits you there.

This is the first circuit in a "pentalogy" of routes along the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very mineral environment consisting of ledges and ridges. The loop starts from the hamlet of La Fage and follows the upper part of the Colombières Gorges, before heading horizontally below the Caroux plateau, at the foot of the climbing cliffs. The climb back up to the plateau is near the orientation table, before returning via the south-eastern edge of the plateau.

An exceptional circular walk above the torrent of Arles where you can discover a cave dwelling and a superb Cervennes collection in the hamlet of Fage.

A challenging hike crossing the massif at mid-height. Magnificent views over a succession of valleys and combs connecting the Colombières Gorges to the Héric Gorges. Alternating ascents, descents and flat sections in wooded environments followed by very rocky sections. Two passages equipped with ladders and a few slightly exposed passages, but no particular difficulty. Recommended on days with strong north-westerly winds as the route is well sheltered.

This is a demanding hike with a long, very steep section covering a significant elevation gain from Esquino d'Aze to Tour Verte, but that's par for the course when climbing the south face of Caroux! Beautiful views of this remarkable rocky landscape forming a vertical barrier between the hills of Saint-Chinianais and the Caroux plateau. However, you need to be experienced in walking on rough, unmarked trails.

Located in the Haut Languedoc Natural Park, the two massifs of Caroux and Espinouse offer a multitude of hikes. I suggest a two-day circuit that allows you to explore a variety of landscapes and admire the abundant wildlife (including mouflons). The hike starts from the car park below the church in Colombières sur Orb. The bivouac area is located around the summit of Espinouse. The second day is spent returning via the Heric Gorges, with the option of a final detour to the old chestnut groves on the mountainside.

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.

This is the second route in a series of six balcony trails on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very rocky landscape of ledges and ridges. The route is high up, challenging and technical, but not difficult or dangerous. Avoid in wet weather as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly on the large slabs of schist. This route starts from the hamlet of La Pomarède, climbs the ridge of the same name to the Portail des Cades, before descending via the Biterrois and Garel paths to the sublime Albine waterfall (30 m high) and back to the car in the valley.

Magnificent views that have to be earned. Trail through the Saint-Michel National Forest: oak forest with mixed species, along small paths that are quite steep in places.

A summit between the high cantons of Hérault and the wine-growing plain.

Walk on the Caroux plateau, which offers magnificent views of the Orb valley, the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees.

This hike takes you across the Caroux plateau, from the Gorges d'Héric to the Gorges de Colombières, overlooking the area of small mountains south of the Balcon du Caroux towards the sea. On a clear day, this hike offers impressive views as far as the Pyrénées Orientales mountain range, from Cap Béar to Pic du Carlit via the Albères and Pic du Canigou.

A circular bucolic route through the hills surrounding Douch: La Tourelle, La Combe d'Estrets, La Rousselle, and above all Roc Laurès, offering a view of the surrounding mountains from a height of over 1,000 metres. Be careful, however, as there are no markings, so you have to follow the directions and the GPX track, which gives this route a bit of a fun/orienteering feel, without any major risk of getting lost for too long.

This very pleasant loop allows you to discover the work of our ancestors who, in order to communicate, cultivate and live, had created paths that hikers are now delighted to walk along. For our ancestors, sustainable development had not yet been imagined, they had simply created it. They were all a bit like Monsieur Jourdain.

This is the third day of the Haut Languedoc journey, which will allow you to discover the Carroux plateau, deliberately abandoned by man. Landscapes as far as the eye can see in characteristic purple heather. Looking at the route on the map, it is possible to shorten or adjust the hike, but a good sense of direction is essential.

This iconic hike on the Caroux plateau allows you to discover the diversity of the Haut Languedoc's flora and fauna at an altitude of 1,000 m: deciduous and coniferous forests, streams, peat bogs, orientation table, and heathland covered with broom and heather. You will enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Access from the village of Douch to the plateau and Roc du Caroux, then a semi-climbing route and balconies around Roc de la Siejo, to go around the peaks and enjoy a 360° view of the Héric Gorges below. Return via the plateau to the village. ⚠️ Poor mobile phone reception in the rocks of the peaks. The circuit is challenging, so make sure you tell your loved ones about your route.

A bucolic circuit starting from Douch, passing through the Col de l'Airole and Col du Tirondel, offering beautiful views of the Gorges d'Héric and Gorges du Salis, and stunning panoramas of the hamlet and surrounding mountains (Roc Noir, Espinouse).

A variation on the classic Caroux plateau hike, allowing you to discover the diversity of the Haut Languedoc's flora and fauna at an altitude of 1,000 metres: deciduous and coniferous forests, streams, peat bogs, and heathland covered in broom and heather. You can also take advantage of an orientation table and sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. During the second part of the hike, you will discover the mineral world of the north and west faces of the plateau, which are wilder and less frequented, near Roc Caroux and the mouflon populations.

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.

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).

A hike in the Caroux massif that partly follows the GRP® du Haut Languedoc et des Vignobles trail, which crosses the southern face from west to east, winding its way through a rugged granite landscape. There are some beautiful views along the way, looking south towards the sea. This is a somewhat challenging hike given the fairly steep slopes to reach the plateau.

Climb up a little-used path to reach the Caroux plateau. Challenging due to its configuration, the ascent in this part of the massif is wilder than the usual access routes. This hike is for experienced walkers, as the route is not always easy to find and some passages are a little difficult or exposed, but not dangerous.

The Caroux Massif offers a remarkable view of the Hérault plain, the nearby Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees in the distance. The orientation table located on a belvedere is the ideal spot to enjoy this panorama.

This is the third route in a series of five balcony trails on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very rocky landscape of ledges and ridges. An aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly on the large schist slabs. This circuit starts from the village of Saint-Martin-de-L'Arçon, climbs straight up the Saint-Martin ridge towards the summit of Caroux, to the orientation table, before descending, just as dry, via the Sentier des Gardes and the Sentier de Saint-Martin.

A lovely walk through rolling countryside, among vineyards and cherry trees, accessible to most people.

Fourth route of six balcony trails on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very rocky landscape of ledges and ridges. An aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Good physical condition is necessary, as this route offers no respite from sustained effort! Several sections involve semi-climbing, so you must not be prone to vertigo or afraid to put your hands on the rock. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, especially around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts from the hamlet of La Coste, climbs straight up the ridge of the same name towards Roc de Bartouyre, before continuing horizontally towards Col de l'Ours and Saut de l'Âne, then descends via a stony path towards Saint-Martin de l'Arçon, finally returning to the starting point in the neighbouring hamlet.

A very pleasant circular loop with no difficulty except for the slightly steep climb from the Sentier des Gardes to the Col de Bartouyre, but the trail is indeed splendid and consists, for the most part, of easy-to-walk flagstone steps. Hikers are treated to superb views at the Col de Bartouyre.

This short circular walk offers beautiful views uphill to the north over the Caroux massif and downhill to the south over the Orb valley. This walk is particularly pleasant in spring or autumn.

This 14 km loop takes you past the main points of interest in the area: the Gorges d'Héric, the Refuge de Font Salesse, the Caroux plateau and its orientation table, and the very charming village of Héric.

The last of six balcony routes, on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very mineral environment consisting of ledges and ridges. An aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts from the hamlet of Héric, climbs to Roc Caroux via the Ravin des Hêtres, before descending to the Piste des Aiguilles via the Ravin du Rieutord, crossing the Col du Curé and Col de la Narquoise, before beginning the descent to Héric via the Piste du Pouce. A second, optional section of the route descends into Héric at the Roman bridge, then follows a circular path below the Fourcat d'Héric before returning to the starting point via the Sentier du Vialais.

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.

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 hike starts in Mons-la-Trivalle, a town known for its Gorges d'Héric, and explores the hamlets located on the southern slopes of the mountains. There are beautiful panoramic views of the Caroux massif, as well as hamlets nestled in the forest and carefully restored. The hike consists of a trip to the hamlet of Ornac on the other side of the Jaur, followed by a circular route through the various smaller hamlets: Courbou, Toulé and Fenouillède. The return trip is via Ornac.

View and passage through two villages isolated from the main roads, featuring beautiful stone houses. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Fifth of six balcony routes on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very mineral environment consisting of ledges and ridges. Aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts at the church in Mons, on a balcony in the Gorges d'Héric, facing west towards Bardou via the Piste supérieure du Cabalet, before descending via the Piste de la Réserve and crossing the river. It climbs back up opposite in the Cirque de Farrières via the Piste des Hirondelles, before continuing horizontally along the Piste des Aiguilles, Piste des Garroffes and Piste des Triangles, descending via the Sentier des Gardes to the river, and finally returning to Mons via the chestnut grove.

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.

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.

Starting from Bardou (a small but charming private hamlet), the route joins the Tour du Montahut, where the view is simply magnificent! It then passes by the little Chapelle Saint-Martin-du-Froid, which offers a sumptuous view, and ends with a descent with a view of the splendid Caroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.

This hike uses part of each Visorando route entitled "La Tour du Pin - Vieussan" and "circular at Le Pin". They are done in reverse, allowing you to do most of the trail at the beginning. Large sections of the route offer interesting views.

This hike offers beautiful views of the foothills of the Massif Central and the plain to the south, with the Orb valley winding at the foot of the slope, and to the north, facing the Carroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.

Hike through holm oaks and heath at the edge of the hinterland. It allows you to climb a certain height with ease (gentle slope) before descending "abruptly" via the Chemin de la Bouissonade (an old Roman road) lined with stone walls.

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.

On the second day, you can return to Colombières sur Orb from the summit of Espinouse via the Héric gorges.

This hike takes you to the top of the Tour du Pin from Vieussan, a picturesque village with many stone buildings, built in the meanders of the Orb. Discover this commune, which offers interesting historical remains and a walk that changes slopes regularly, allowing you to enjoy splendid views, including a 360° panoramic view from the summit of the Tour du Pin at 666 metres.

The Cabrerolles Heritage Preservation Association has cleared forgotten paths to create this hike, which allows you to discover sites that are emblematic of the history of this area: the Chapel of La Liquière, the Lenthéric Mills and a memorial to an Aéropostale aviator. You will also walk among the vines of the famous Faugères vineyard. The route does not pass by Cabrerolles Castle, but we highly recommend extending your hike with a return trip to this magnificent monument.Please note: this hike is not recommended in hot weather as there is not much shade.

A magnificent hike starting from Cabrerolles, a pretty little village with a 10th-century fortified castle. Inside the castle, you will see the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Roque Chapel. At the start of the trail, you will find a botanical trail featuring different plant species and other plants, which is great fun for children. Finally, at the top of the Pic de la Coquillade, you will enjoy a splendid 360° view of the Caroux, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees.

A superb circular route starting from Castanet-le-Haut: can be done in one day or over two days with a stopover at the bivouac in Caissenols-le-Haut. Ascent to the Plo des Brus plateau via the Razigade ridge, passing through the Col de l'Ourtigas, then descent to the abandoned hamlet of Caissenols-le-Haut. Continue towards the Roquandouire gate, heading towards Saint-Gervais along the ridge, before joining the GRP® de la Mare trail and following it upstream along the river towards Andabre and then Castanet-le-Haut.

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.

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.

This beautiful route climbs up the fabulous Orb Gorges to the village of Vieussan and then heads back into the thick scrubland that covers the western slope of the Ayrolle summit. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Climb up to the Hermitage of Saint-Étienne, built in the 8th century by the Visigoths, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Orb valley and, on a clear day, the sea. The descent is a gentle walk through heath and pine trees.

This loop trail starts in Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez and climbs up to Puech de la Knoll (407 m), passing a Roman wall along the way. The trail follows an ancient path from Béziers. This trail, which follows in the footsteps of the Visigoths, offers several interesting ruins and panoramic views.

Half-day hike starting from the hamlet of Mézeilles (commune of Vieussan) to reach the Pic de Naudech (753m) and enjoy several viewpoints.

A pleasant hike through the schistous terroirs of the Faugères wine region, with vines at all altitudes right down to the bottom of the "Meteor" crater.