On the edge of the Larzac plateau above Saint-Privat

On the southern edge of the Larzac Plateau, this walk offers magnificent views of the landscapes below the plateau, stretching almost as far as the sea. Part of the route is shaded (pine forest), but generally the vegetation is typical of southern Larzac (dry, open grasslands with a rich and varied flora). Very flower-filled in spring.

Details

n°94594226

Creation:
08 Apr 2026

Last update:
today

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 8.41 km
Average duration: 2h 45
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 119 m
Descent: - 110 m
Highest point: 775 m
Lowest point: 696 m

Country: France
Areas: Cévennes, Massif central
District: La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries (34520)
Start/End: N 43.770344° / E 3.456839°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2642ET
Hour-by-hour weather

Avalanche risk assessment bulletin

Discover Visorando Premium

Downloads

Open in the mobile app

Download GPX GPX

Download PDF PDF

Photos

Description of the walk

At the D9, 2.5 km past La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries heading towards the Col du Vent, take the road towards the Cantercel site for about 1.4 km to reach a parking area (at the side of the road, just before a sign indicating the entrance to the Cantercel site). See the section: practical information regarding parking.

(S/E) At this point, the road runs very close to the “Grande Traversée de l’Hérault” trail. Take this trail (a stony path) uphill and rejoin the road.

(1) Continue along the Grande Traversée de l’Hérault until you reach a crossroads (elevation 770m).

(2) At this point, the Traversée de l’Hérault trail crosses the GR®7. Take it to the left, following a gentle descent for about 550 m until you reach a junction of three tracks.

(3) Continue straight ahead on the track (GR®7) to an area where there is a large fire-fighting tank; enjoy some lovely views. Continue for a further 100 m (GR®7) to a junction of three tracks (elevation 697).

(4) Leave the GR®7 and turn left onto a well-marked forest track which takes you on a circular route through a shaded part of the forest, passing along the edge of the cliff above Saint-Privat (very pretty views through the gaps in the vegetation).
After about 2 km, you’ll reach a junction of three tracks that you passed on the way out.

(3) Follow the track to the right (GR®7) in the opposite direction to the outward journey and return to the junction you also passed on the way out.

(2) Turn right, heading in the opposite direction to the outward journey, along the Grande Traversée de l’Hérault until you reach the initial fork.

(1) For a slight variation, take the access road to Cantercel rather than the hiking trail to reach the point (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 728 m - Start - Cantercel site expérimental dédié à l’habitat
1 : km 1.07 - alt. 768 m - Junction of the road and the Grande Traversée de l’Hérault
2 : km 1.92 - alt. 770 m - Junction with the GR7 - Col du Jouquet (770m)
3 : km 2.47 - alt. 762 m - Junction of three tracks
4 : km 4.42 - alt. 697 m - Junction of three tracks
S/E : km 8.41 - alt. 728 m - Arrival - Cantercel site expérimental dédié à l’habitat

Notes

Like many places in the Larzac, this walk has neither a water point nor a place to buy supplies, so you must take precautions.

Mobile phone coverage is available throughout the route.

Please note that in 2026, parts of the access road to Cantercel are in very poor condition (deep ruts); it is therefore possible to park near the D9 (designated car park), which adds approximately 3 km to this walk.