The Montcalmès plateau

de fr

(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).

Details

n°530219
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.71 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 276 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 282 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 297 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 64 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

ruins of montcalmès
view from the belvedere
irrigation canal and its small bridges
irrigation canal gates open

Description of the walk

Coming from Aniane and at the entrance to Puéchabon, turn left onto Rue du Calvaire and immediately right onto Route de Lavène, which leads to Bergerie Neuve 3 km further on. Park on the right-hand side just after the sheepfold.

(S/E) Returning towards Puéchabon, take a path on the right that runs alongside the road, then gradually moves away from it.

(1) It joins the red and yellowGR®® de Pays trail, which you follow until you reach the Chapelle Saint-Sylvestre-des Brousses, turning right.

(2) Continue along the path that descends north-west, marked in yellow. It runs through the vineyards, crossing several paths at elevations 117, 101 and 96, crosses the irrigation canal and joins the D27.

(3) Cross the road and follow it to the right for 150 metres. You will arrive at the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge). Cross the road again and take the path on the right before the bend. Pass behind the old sheepfold, which has been converted into a restaurant.

(4) Then begin a steep climb on the path on the right, which will take you up 230 metres to the causse. Follow the ledge along the Hérault. Cross an old dry stone wall and follow it to the right for 200 metres. You will come out at the corner of a wide, straight track.

(5) Go up the track on the left, heading north. After passing a wash house, marked Lac de Montagné on the map, turn left towards the viewpoint over Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

(6) Retrace your steps and take the straight track on the left.
(7) At an altitude of 279 metres, turn right, pass the Croix de la Sablière and then, at the next fork, turn right again.

(8) At an altitude of 290 metres, turn left, passing close to the stream marked Lac de Montcalmès on the map.

(9) Pass through and visit the more or less ruined hamlet of Moncalmès. Continue straight ahead until you reach a wide track. Turn left and pass close to the stream marked Lac Neuf on the map.

(10) Cross the inhabited hamlet of Lavène. Descend the concrete path to reach the Bergerie Neuve (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 216 m - Bergerie Neuve
  2. 1 : km 0.96 - alt. 211 m - GRP junction
  3. 2 : km 2.71 - alt. 141 m - St Sylvestre Chapel
  4. 3 : km 5.78 - alt. 65 m - D27 road
  5. 4 : km 6.1 - alt. 69 m - Climb up the path on the right.
  6. 5 : km 8.11 - alt. 288 m - Junction with the carriage road
  7. 6 : km 9.11 - alt. 285 m - View
  8. 7 : km 10.54 - alt. 279 m - Northernmost point, altitude 279 metres
  9. 8 : km 11.8 - alt. 289 m - Fork in the road at elevation 290
  10. 9 : km 12.42 - alt. 297 m - Hamlet of Montcalmès
  11. 10 : km 13.88 - alt. 265 m - Hamlet of Lavène
  12. S/E : km 14.71 - alt. 216 m - Bergerie Neuve

Notes

Shelter: ruins of Moncalmès.
Walking shoes.

Worth a visit

Things to see:
- The Saint-Sylvestre-des-Brousses Chapel, a 12th-century Romanesque building (2).
- The Devil's Bridge.
- The viewpoint over the Hérault Gorges and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (6).
- The ruins of the Montcalmès sheepfolds (9).

BE A GOOD CITIZEN: Be vigilant about fire safety and adopt eco-friendly habits.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 68 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
boubbou.com
boubbou.com

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route, but watch out for the turn-off to the right after the Devil’s Bridge – we missed it and had to climb up a tricky scree slope; the GPS didn’t beep straight away and by the time it did it was too late for us, especially as the descent down that scree slope was even harder. There’s a stunning view of St Guilhem-le-Désert.

Machine-translated

Xouxounet
Xouxounet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route is open again at Devil's Bridge!

A very beautiful hike (done on 1 March 2026), you pass through many different landscapes, the most beautiful part being undoubtedly the climb from the Devil's Bridge to the Berger viewpoint overlooking Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

The end of the route on DCFI tracks is a little monotonous, but you pass through some charming villages. A must-do! (to be continued)

Machine-translated

kris.teyran
kris.teyran

Thank you sabinelagardeval. Between points 2 and 3, a path goes up to the right and joins point 5.

Machine-translated

sabinelagardeval
sabinelagardeval

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route was effectively closed at the Devil's Bridge, but we then made a half-turn, and using the GPS, we were able to reach the Moncalmès plateau at point 5 without any particular difficulty. In all, we covered 16 km.

Machine-translated

kris.teyran
kris.teyran

Hello Edipie
It's a real shame, but it's beyond my control. A warning about the landslide and the prohibition order
appears in the header of the description.

Machine-translated

Edipie
Edipie

Overall rating : 2 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Circuit prohibited by order of the town hall

Machine-translated

jaber
jaber
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Caution: path closed just after point 4 following a rockfall: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story...

Machine-translated

Nicolas2407
Nicolas2407
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This route took 3 hours 45 minutes out of season. The person on the trail was quite nice - the walk through the vines at the start towards the causse - the view from the Devil's Bridge after the technical climb and the view from the lookout point towards St Guillem.
The track is not good before branching off to the belvedere on the left, so stay on the stony path and follow the signs.

Machine-translated

alainn34
alainn34

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike with 2 magnificent points of interest (pont du diable and belvedere)

Steep ascent after the Devil's Bridge and extraordinary arrival on the plateau
the rest of the walk on the plateau is quiet

I'd recommend going in the planned direction, as the climb between markers 4 and 5 is steep, but take it easy and don't take the route in the other direction, as the descent will be difficult.

Machine-translated

DamDam78
DamDam78

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Made on 28/06/24. Not a cat! Nice walk through the heath.
Did it in the opposite direction so that the pont du diable -and its beach- was towards the end rather than at the first markers. Snack, nap and swim 🤩 (it's the first time I've added a beach towel and swimming costume to my hiking bag 🤣)
A beautiful viewpoint from the Belvedere and the information panels scattered along the path are super interesting (History, anecdotes and explanations of certain features of the plateau).
It's always pointed out, but I'll say it again, that the track often follows a mountain bike itinerary (yellow markings), so be sure to check the TRACK as you go along to follow the right path when it differs.
Otherwise, there's no problem getting there.
All the best.

Machine-translated

Huerga
Huerga

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

More of an easy walk than a hike, with a small proportion on forest tracks. The first part is only interesting because it takes you through two partially abandoned hamlets.
After that, it's more interesting as you cornice over the Hérault valley, then descend to the Devil's Bridge.
The viewpoint over Saint Guilhem and the cirque behind it is a must, and is the most beautiful part of the whole walk.
Fortunately, we did the walk at the end of November, so the sun was shining brightly and there was no one on the route?

Machine-translated

Nadège12
Nadège12

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely hike with 2 magnificent points of interest (pont du diable and belvedere)

Steep ascent after the Devil's Bridge, with little or no signposting, but arrival on the magnificent plateau
Quiet end to the hike

Machine-translated

Lauraac
Lauraac

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A marvellous hike with a few changes in altitude, but one that's still doable. Breathtaking views with very informative signposts.

Machine-translated

bertrand des bartassaïres
bertrand des bartassaïres
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike is fairly easy, apart from the short climb from the sheepfold above the Devil's Bridge, the viewpoint above the village of St Guilhem le Désert is worth the effort alone, and the village of Montcalmes, which is currently being restored, is very pretty. On the way back, we took a variation that takes us between points 9 and 10 to point 2 (St Sylvestre church).
which we had started from because of work at the beginning of the village of PUECHABON, but it is quite steep and very difficult because of the many pebbles and stones (to be avoided by those who are not familiar with the route).

Machine-translated

NathouNath
NathouNath

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike. Be careful if you do it in summer as it is often sunny. Bring plenty of water as there are no water points along the way.
A beautiful climb from the Devil's Bridge. The view over Saint Guilhem du désert is well worth the diversions.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking The Hérault Gorges from Puéchabon

Visorando member
Les Gorges de l'Hérault depuis Puéchabon
↔13.32 km ↗+362 m ↘-358 m ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Puéchabon (Hérault)
Reach the banks of the Hérault from Puéchabon. There are various routes, but not from this village with its hidden mysteries. The area you will be crossing will surprise the novice. Discover the flora and fauna, which has many surprises in store. Swimming is possible on the Hérault river. Everyone will be enlightened in their own way and will take away memories that may reinforce their choices and visions. Nature offers many surprises for those who are willing to linger.

Walking The Rocs Trinquat, Pioch, de la Jarre and de la Vigne

Visorando member
Les Rocs Trinquat, Pioch, de la Jarre et de la Vigne
↔16.07 km ↗+714 m ↘-720 m ◔6h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Puéchabon (Hérault)
Mythical rocks, shaped by nature over centuries. Today, with a little effort, we can see these places steeped in history. The inhabitants are no longer there, but we can keep a personal memory as we cross the hamlet of Estagnol and Mas d'Agre, immersing ourselves in the life of yesteryear. cross the Estagnol de Lacan plain and the Pont d'Agre bridge, go around the Roc de la Jarre and the Mas de l'Arbousier, then descend via Combe de Légeaux and part of Combe Malafosse.

Walking Circular path in the Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert National Forest

Visorando member
↔18.49 km ↗+728 m ↘-721 m ◔7h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Puéchabon (Hérault)
This hike, which mainly follows shaded paths through the Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert National Forest, will allow you to discover magnificent landscapes over the Hérault Valley on the way there and beautiful panoramas of the Séranne Massif on the way back.

Walking Le Roc de la Vigne

Association / Club / Walk leader
Le Roc de la Vigne
↔12.71 km ↗+674 m ↘-674 m ◔5h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)
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.

Walking The Infernet loop at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Visorando member
Boucle de l'Infernet à Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
↔9.97 km ↗+518 m ↘-510 m ◔4h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)
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.

Walking View of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Association / Club / Walk leader
Vue sur Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
↔1.98 km ↗+135 m ↘-135 m ◔0h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)
A short walk to do when visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to get a bird's eye view and discover the medieval village in its entirety.

Walking Hermitage of Notre-Dame de Belle Grâce in St-Guilhem-le-Désert

Visorando member
Ermitage Notre-Dame de Belle Grâce à St-Guilhem-le-Désert
↔11.01 km ↗+431 m ↘-431 m ◔4h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)
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.

Walking The southern Larzac circular route

Visorando member
La boucle du Larzac meridionnal
↔48.92 km ↗+1,439 m ↘-1,429 m ◔2 days ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)
A circular two-day tour starting from Saint Guilhem le Désert. Start at the Verdus Gorges and the Cirque de l'Infernet and climb Mont Ste Baudille. Stop at Les Besses before heading back towards Le Coulet via theGR®74and returning to St Guilhem.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.