Cournonsec walks

Starting from the beautiful medieval village of Cournonterral, this loop trail runs through heathland and plunges into the small gorges of Coulazou.

This is a pleasant hike in the Gardiole area, starting from Gigean. You will discover various remarkable viewpoints and beautiful panoramas. To the west, you can see the wind turbines of Villeveyrac and to the east, at Pioch Noir, there is a breathtaking view of the ponds and the sea in the distance. This hike takes place on beautiful tracks often lined with pine and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This hike allows you to discover the six painted cisterns of La Gardiole and enjoy the many views from the massif. Views of the Cévennes massif in the first part, then of the sea in the second part. At Le Pioch Noir, if the weather is favourable, you can see both Canigou to the west and Mont Ventoux to the east.

The Gardiole mountains: Pioch Noir (216 m), Pioch de Camille (224 m), Roc d'Anduze (234 m), Peyre Plantade (160 m), Rulet et Cabanes (140 m), Pioch Redonel (129 m) and other mountain passes offer a fairly comprehensive view of the four cardinal points. They offer a sublime panorama of the mountains and valleys across the entire perimeter. The views are remarkable. It is impossible to leave without taking with you what nature has to offer. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This leisurely stroll offers superb views of the village and the Montpellier area, the sea, the city and the hinterland (Pic Saint-Loup).

A lovely walk without any specific difficulties, with views over the vegetation of the Gardiole massif, Mont Saint-Clair and the lakes. Due to the large number of DFCI trails and paths, you can adjust this hike as you wish.

A circular route in the heart of the Gardiole Mountains, offering views of the surrounding area and allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful heath. Naturally, in this very dry massif, the route follows many DFCI tracks, but also some lovely, wilder paths.

This hike will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Gardiole massif. Starting from the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau, you will enjoy a superb view of the Mediterranean, from La Grande Motte in the north to Sète in the south. You will pass by the Pioch Noir and the Roc d'Anduze, two unmissable viewpoints of the Gardiole massif. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This very pleasant and easy hike offers a journey back in time to the heart of the Moure massif. Allowing you to discover the exceptional heritage hidden in the Hérault heath, this circuit of just over 5 km offers a high concentration of perfectly restored traditional buildings. A dozen drystone shelters and other buildings can be seen along the route.

A hike north of Montpellier through vineyards and fig trees, enhanced by a visit to Vignogoul Abbey.

Le Mas Dieu, situated in the centre of this small heath, was a stop on the Way of St James but also on the salt-traders’ route, who transported salt from Frontignan or Villeneuve-lès-Maguelonne towards Auvergne. With the decline of these two activities, by the end of the 19th century it was nothing more than a sheepfold, although the Montpellier–Lodève railway line ran through it. Having become a hunting lodge for local hunters in the 20th century, it nearly disappeared in 1991 when Montpellier considered converting it into a final waste disposal site. After numerous projects to save it, a complex of buildings fitted with rooftop solar panels was constructed there. Unfortunately, there is no road infrastructure connecting it to the motorway or the railway; only the ballast remains. It is also possible to start from the car park of the former Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle wine cooperative, following the old railway line to crossing point number 3.

The route consists of two circular paths of roughly the same distance. You can start on the east or west side, as you can leave your picnic in the cars if you do one circular path before midday.

Murviel-Lès-Montpellier, a small village nestled in the heart of the vine-covered hillsides, steeped in memories and history. For hikers and visitors in search of the past, nature lovers and adventure seekers, this is a place to discover in order to better face the future.

As you climb up to Roc d'Anduze, this hike offers wide panoramic views to the north-west over the Étang de Thau, all the villages in the valley and beautiful views of the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau. At the highest point of the Gardiole massif, there is a magnificent 360° view. The circuit then heads towards the summit of the Devèse along ridge trails, offering multiple panoramic views of the sea, Frontignan, Sète, Balaruc, the Étang de Thau and... the Canigou. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

An easy walk for families outside the hottest hours of summer. A walk through the heath on the Pioch Madame, on the northern slope towards Villeveyrac. Views over the Villeveyrac plain, the Causse d’Aumelas and its wind turbines, stretching as far as Montpellier. Birds of prey to spot. And as a bonus, the little bustard for the very lucky.

To explore the area around Lavérune, take the small tarmac or stone paths, as well as the trails that cross the Truc Pela woods. The hike is easy overall, but requires a little attention in the woods, or even a GPS.

From Champ de la Croix, at the start of the DFCI track, explore the foothills of Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle. An inspiring and surprising outing thanks to the places you’ll visit. Cross the Bois de Mascla and the Boscas ridges. Head to the Croix de la Gardie. Discover the ruins of the Tour d’Arthus. Wade across the Ruisseau du Coulazou. Walk along the old railway line. This leaves a lasting impression and immerses us in memories of times gone by.

It is interesting to delve into the past and discover little-known places that give us a glimpse into the history of our roots. For me, this is evident when visiting the Oppidum de la Roque site. It seemed appropriate to include a site that is also indirectly but historically related to a connection between ancient and contemporary history. This is La Chapelle Saint-Bauzille (Saint-Baudile).

A bucolic route full of discoveries. Cross the heath and the summit of La Madeleine with its Saint-Bauzille Chapel (view of the Montpellier plain: urban area, surrounding villages, ponds). In Gardiole, follow the Chemin de Croix, cross the Canabière Valley, the summit areas of: La Réserve, Roque Rousse, Pioch Champ, Table Mise, Truc des Cades. View of the motor racing route. In the distance, vineyards. This nature, so rich in biodiversity, commands respect.

Walk to a summit offering a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings of Montpellier, the heath, the ponds and the sea.

Two peaks in the Gardiole range offering views of the Gulf of Lyon. From the summit of Pioch Madame, you can see La Grande Motte and the summit of Pioch Michel, with unobstructed 360° views. To the north-east, you can see Villeneuve-les-Maguelonnes and La Grande-Motte; to the east, you can see the Espiguette lighthouse; to the south-west, the Sète mountain and the Étang de Thau; and to the north, La Gardiole. If the sky is clear, you can even see the Pyrenees. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This is an easy walk through the Mireval salt marshes, where you can discover all kinds of animal species, including the region's famous pink flamingos. (Please note that the section between (2) and (3) is closed between 1 April and 15 August each year to allow birds to nest. During this period, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the site.)

On the outskirts of Frontignan, this varied route takes you along tracks and paths to climb up to Roc d'Anduze, the highest point of the Gardiole. It offers beautiful views of the different sides of the mountain, from the coastline and its salt marshes to the hills of La Moure, via the Bassin de Thau.

A hike starting from Les Usines, a district of Balaruc-les-Bains, allowing you to approach the Gardiole massif from the south-west. There are many DFCI tracks, which are compulsory in this massif, but also a lovely path. The route offers numerous views of the Étang de Thau and its surroundings.

This route through the heathland and along the Étang de Thau offers two different landscapes. Along the lake, you can stop for refreshments at a café or taste oysters at one of the many oyster farms, which serve orders at any time of day.

A walk along the Étang de Thau in Bouzigues, returning via the village streets, which are very quiet. As you pass the harbour, you can visit the Étang de Thau Museum. At the end of the walk, you can also enjoy the small beach.

A walk to discover the unspoilt natural areas of a highly urbanised coastal region. You’ll cross the Bois des Arresquiers before exploring the marshes and old salt marshes. At the end of the route, I suggest a break on the beach.

A family walk between the pond, the salt marshes and the Bois des Aresquiers. This walk may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.