La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries walks

This hike is a great way to discover Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in a different way, arriving via the Cirque de l'Infernet, without long lines of cars or queues at the car park. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the PR® des Fenestrettes is affected, as is the Arles road (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the passability of the route.

South of the Causse du Larzac, the trail runs along a ledge overlooking the hamlet of Gourgas. Halfway up the cirque, a trail enters the woods and rocks and crosses the beds of the small tributaries of the Brèze stream: the Aven, the Figaret and the Rieussec. Below, the valley opens up to reveal a variety of landscapes, including dark ravines and bright meadows watered by numerous springs. The trail reaches the Pioch Blanc and then returns to the hamlet via the Doumergarie bridge.

A hike in the foothills of the Larzac plateau overlooking Cirque du Bout du Monde and the village of Gourgas with a return journey via a beautiful forest path.

On this hike, we will be able to access the orientation table at Mont Saint-Baudille, the highest point in southern Larzac (848 m), and enjoy a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mediterranean Languedoc.

Arboras, a village located in the foothills of the Larzac. This route takes you through the Grotte aux Fées (a magnificent little cave) and up to the heights just below Mont Saint-Baudille.

This hike follows small paths and forest tracks to reach Max Nègre, a remarkable geological site. The return route passes through the wild Joncas valley, where the Grotte des Fées opens up: a good torch is needed to visit the entrance, which is about 30 metres long (stalactites and draperies). Avoid this route during hot weather.

In Soubès, follow the signs to the hikers' car park near the Impasse des Garennes retirement home. Then simply follow the yellow markings, passing through the botanical trail and then the old salt road, which leads to the foothills of the Larzac. This walk offers breathtaking views of the Cirque du Bout du Monde before returning to our starting point via the Camin Farrat.

The Cirque de l'Infernet is a gigantic natural wall. Its impressive cliffs enclose the upper part of the Val de Gellone. Between these walls and the Verdus, scree from another time forms impressive slopes. To get to the 'Max Nègre' viewpoint, you'll have to follow a route used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through a splendid structure called "Les Fenestrelles". Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the Fenestrettes PR® has been affected, as has the Route d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult

Let's start with a nice climb up to the ridge of the Château du Géant (unfortunately, it is not open to visitors as it is private property). The trail enters the Saint-Guilhem national forest, once developed by monks, and leads to a chapel nestled in the shade. The trail then passes through Cap de Ginestet and Cap de Pousterle before returning to the magnificent village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

This short hike will give you a change of scenery in record time. Keep your eyes and ears open, but wear good shoes. On the plateau, you might even be able to see the sea. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the PR® des Fenestrettes has been affected, as has the voie d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

This trek works its way up from the Hérault valley to Roc de la Vigne. Leaving the village, off the beaten tracks, you'll explore Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert on cobblestone roads. Along the way, the remains of old farms, caves, a semi-troglodyte retreat and a breath-taking view from the top of Roc de la Vigne.

Overlooking the village of Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, the Roc des Deux Vierges, the highest point of the massif, offers a breathtaking panorama. This interpretive trail, to be enjoyed with family or friends, allows you to appreciate this unique site from a geological, historical and cultural perspective.

A hike in a pleasant valley with plenty of water and the Pas de l'Escalette, a spot steeped in history. The return via the plateau offers a wide view of the surrounding area. Moderator update on 27/01/2021: some of the paths used in this itinerary have disappeared. However, there is a yellow-marked trail on site. See the reviews from January 2021.

A fairly conventional circuit that lets walkers admire the Cirque de Navacelles and hike in the gorges of La Vis. The ruins of the Moulins de la Foux are the ultimate goal of the hike, with beautiful explanations of these water mills and on the underground portion of the screw, not yet fully explored.

A beautiful hike in a magnificent setting, with one of the most beautiful cirques in the region and the resurgence of the Vis.

This walk takes place entirely within the "Les Causses et les Cévennes" site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Navacelles, you climb up the Gorges de la Vis to its resurgence. After visiting the Moulins de la Foux, the return journey halfway up the southern slope of the Causse de Blandas offers spectacular views of the Gorges de la Vis and the Cirque de Navacelles. You have to walk in the Cirque de Navacelles at least once in your life, that's all there is to it! Don't think twice: just go!

(Warning) Part of the route is closed by municipal order. See comments posted on 15 February and 12 May 2025. From the Montcalmès plateau, near Puéchabon, you can see the exit of the Hérault gorges with a breathtaking view of the legendary village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. This small plateau, once grazed by sheep, is home to some beautiful sheepfolds, some of which have been abandoned. Below, the Saint-Sylvestre-des Brousses chapel is worth a visit, as is the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge).

Take a short tour of the Gorges de la Buèges and, in summer, enjoy this beautiful clear river to cool off.

From the beautiful village of Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, set off to explore the Séranne plateau along paths that are paved with slanting stones in places. After passing through Peyre Martine and the Cirque de la Séranne, the trail takes you back to Pégairolles-de-Buèges where you will discover the source of the Buèges.

A walk downstream along the banks of the Buèges is a bucolic, relaxing route that will delight the uninitiated. Blend into the landscape where nature, in season, displays its thousand colours and seasonal scents, offering a changing and picturesque landscape in all its generosity. The area is cool and the silent, blue-coloured river is ideal for swimming. Pass through the medieval village of Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, which you can visit if you wish.

This is a magnificent hike in the hills above Saint-Jean-de-Buèges and its valley. The village is worth exploring on the way back. The Buèges valley is well worth a visit. We enjoyed repeating this hike in January 2025. Cold weather but bright sunshine. No notable changes except for a new muddy patch at point 6 and the absence of the pierced rock at point 5. The hike is almost entirely on a balcony, so you'll be in the sun.

A spectacular cirque with breathtaking views.

In a limestone circus setting, this circuit climbs to the foot of the cliffs, offering views of the Lodève countryside. After a refreshing stop in the hamlet of Labeil and its converted cave, it continues on the plateau, enters a dark forest, then crosses the limestone plateau amid a chaotic rock formation.

A beautiful walk, without major difficulty and well marked, that takes you through scrubland and forests, cliffs and limestone plateaus.

From the cliff top, there is an exceptional view over the Cirque de Navacelles. The Blandas plateau is at an average altitude of 700 metres, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding region. The vegetation is constantly changing, with black pines, cedars, box trees and meadows. This plateau also conceals many prehistoric remains.

At the gateway to Lodève and Lake Salagou, on the Cayroux plateau, discover dolmens, drystone shelters and stone enclosures as you cross a landscape of "ruffes", an astonishing red earth.

The artificial lake of Lac de Salagou has created an attraction that goes far beyond water sports and bathing. Geology, pastoralism, old villages, drystone shelters and vineyards complete the appeal of this region, which returns to peace and quiet at the end of summer.

Discover Lake Salagou from the plateau and its drystone shelters scattered among the vineyards. Herds of animals guarded by Patou dogs, between 2 and 5 in number. Avoid hiking with your dog! See practical information.

At the edge of Lake Salagou, there are beautiful views of the lake, first between the red cliffs and the blue waters of the lake, then from the balcony at the edge of the Auverne plateau.

At the heart of the Languedocian hinterland, Lake Salagou is a perfect place for a hike and all sorts of sports activities in the fresh air.

A circular hike allowing you to discover the Cirque de Mourèze, the picturesque village of the same name and enjoy an exceptional view of Lake Salagou. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Mont Liausson overlooks Lake Salagou, and the climb offers beautiful views. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

A very beautiful hike with stunning views of Lake Salagou on one side and the Cirque de Mouréze on the other, as well as magnificent views of the Cévennes and the Mediterranean. Hike modified on 11/05/2023 with Hérault Tourisme. See practical information. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

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.