Faugères (Hérault) walks

Leaving Faugères, climb up to the mill and cross the heath dotted with drystone shelters...

A discovery walk organised by the Association des Pierres Sèches en Faugérois.A short walk accessible to all, following forgotten paths rediscovered by the Association Pierres Sèches en Faugérois. It offers the chance to discover 15 carabelles – the local name for drystone shelters – among the many found in the Faugères area. The route is fully signposted in blue.

Set in the heart of the Hérault heath, this route offers an immersion in a landscape typical of the southern Mediterranean, blending unspoilt nature with rural heritage. The walk begins at the Grotte de Soumartre, a natural formation comprising three distinct chambers, where you can admire beautiful limestone formations and spectacular stalactites, evidence of thousands of years of slow erosion. The route continues towards the Moulins de Faugères, former windmills historically used for grinding grain, the earliest traces of which date back to medieval times. Finally, the trail passes through a remarkable heritage of dry-stone construction, featuring agricultural terrace walls that once shaped the terraced fields, as well as ‘carabelles’ – small stone structures used as shelters or for agricultural tools – a legacy of traditional farming practices and the organisation of the region’s ancient gardens and crops.

Features of the route: heath, holm oak forests. Discover the heritage of dry stone buildings, testimony to the work of man. The art of dry stone has been listed as UNESCO cultural heritage since 2018. At the end of the route, visit the interpretive trail.

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.

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

Discover two interesting mills, restored by the community of communes and the Cabrerolles town hall, which bear witness to a past activity entirely different from that practised today in a predominantly wine-growing environment.

A walk amongst the vines that produce the fine wine of Faugères.

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.

For walkers who like to venture a little off the beaten track and who have a good sense of direction. A lovely walk through the maquis, the tops of the old bauxite quarries and the Bois de Levers, mostly in the shade apart from a few sections of quiet road.

This route combines historical discoveries with breathtaking views, allowing you to see the destination of the hike before you.

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

Magnificent views that must be earned.Route through the Saint-Michel National Forest: forest of oak and mixed species, along small paths that are quite steep in places.

This challenging hike will take you along steep paths to the ruins of Mourcairol Castle and Saint-Michel Chapel, then on to the magnificent ruins of Cabrerolles Castle.

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.

Starting from Gabian, this 8 km hike takes you through the Hérault heath, amongst small hills, streams and the banks of the Thongue. An easy to moderate route, perfect for discovering an authentic, wild and peaceful corner of nature.

A challenging circular walk in the heart of the Hérault, the Resclauze de Gabian walk alternates between heath, woodland, ridges, steep sections and more technical stretches. It offers beautiful views over the hills, vineyards and villages of the area. The route also passes through an area of remarkable heritage: the Font de l’Oli, a former natural oil spring, whose oil was extracted as early as the 17th century for medicinal use; the Château-Abbaye de Cassan, a former priory founded in the 11th century, with its 12th-century Romanesque church and 18th-century castle; as well as the Church of Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse in Gabian, of medieval origin and remodelled in the 16th and 19th centuries. This long and varied hike is classified as difficult: some sections are steep, technical or slightly exposed, with a rope sometimes provided as a handrail. A GPX track is strongly recommended.

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

A circular loop on the left bank of the Peyne climbs along the dam's reservoir opposite Vailhan to follow the local hiking trail, which is dotted with picnic tables and offers beautiful views.

A short walk with a historical focus and a beautiful view over the valley. This route takes you on a wide circular route, allowing you to discover a thoroughly pleasant and refreshing historical and religious site.

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.

E12th-century Romanesque chapel with a17th-century hermitage attached, it bears witness to the religious past of the neighbouring villages. Behind the building, a steep path leads to a small chapel at the top of a monumental staircase: this is the Chapel of Sainte-Anne, mother of Our Lady. From the esplanade in front of the church, there is a superb panoramic view stretching from Carlencas to Caroux and from Pic de la Coquillade to Orb. An orientation table helps you to locate this environment.

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.

Having found traces of this local road No. 13 on the 1827 land registry, I went in search of it. It starts at La Lieude and climbs up through the Las Moles valley. This hike is reserved for experienced hikers who are familiar with the terrain and enjoy getting off the beaten track. The path is not always easy to follow in the ruffes (red earth). Return via Mas Bousquet and Mas Valos le Vieux and Valos le Bas. No markings - GPS very useful.

A lovely walk through vineyards and holm oak woods.

A walk through the hills above the medieval village of Boussagues, amongst the vineyards and ancient terraced fields, which can be extended with a visit to the village.

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.

This hike takes you from Brenas to the Saint-Amans Chapel via a fairly easy and varied route.

This easy walk takes you to the Chapel of Saint-Fulcran, where tradition holds that Saint-Fulcran – Bishop of Lodève from 949 to 1006 – was born in the vicinity. You then climb along an old path to Mas de Pradels. The return journey takes you to the Montagne de la Boutine, from where you descend via a winding track.

A butterfly-shaped hike around Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, climbing up to the Saint-Étienne Hermitage, with magnificent views of the sea and the Pyrenees, then along the Crouzet Stream.

An easy circular route around Margon, with several views of the beautiful 17th-century château. Pleasant in winter to enjoy an unobstructed view of the vineyard. This circular route includes many tarmac roads. The entire route is marked in blue.

A short but very pretty hike in the Octon hills, offering views of Lake Salagou at the start. The destination is the small Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame de Roubignac (7), but there are other places of interest along the way, such as the dolmen and the ruins of Octon Castle, visible from the other side of the valley.

Starting from Octon, this beautiful walk takes you to the ruins of Château de Lauzières and the 12th-century Romanesque chapel of Roubignac.