Circuit around the Pic Saint Loup

There are several very interesting walks in the Pic Saint-Loup area near Montpellier, with distant views of the Cévennes to the north and the sea to the south.

Details

90539
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.22 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 6 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 604 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 592 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 657 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 222 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Cazevieille (34270)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.770444° / E 3.792228°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2742ET
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is the large car park at Cazevielle. Note that it is closed for refurbishment until 31 December 2020.
A second car park is available at the centre of the village and gives access directly to the lane "Chemin de Tourrière".
In the high season, it is often full, which is why the large car park outside the village is to be preferred.

(S/E) From the car park, proceed to the Chemin de Tourrière and follow it to the right, heading north-north-west. Carry on up the stony path, with the entry to Tourrière on the left.

A first choice needs to be made on reaching the track leading to the ruined towers. This point is marked on the ground, on the right-hand side, by two strokes of blue paint, then a yellow waymark a little further back and finally, a bit higher up on the rock mass, two large red letters A. Take the track to the left.
This is the path I recommend. It is shown on Open Street Map but not on the IGN maps.

The path shown on the IGN map is about a hundred yards further on. Care is needed, since there are two further possibilities (cairn, choice depending on how overgrown the paths are at the time).
All three routes join up just before the altitude marker 375.

The descent to waypoint (1) is very pleasant and affords fine views. However, the first three to four hundred yards after the saddle are stony and slippery in rainy weather. Shortly before point (1) there is a fork which is not marked on the map. Bear left, following a blue arrow.

(1) Take the track to the right, heading due east, and follow it as far as a fork. Keep right.

(2) On the right of the path, there is a block of stone with blue and yellow markings whose meaning is unclear. Continue to the right.

(3) At the end of the grassy area, bear right and follow this path as far as an intersection. Bear right (altitude marker 221).
Take care since there are many intersecting paths on this section.

(4) Follow the path, ignore a track heading off to the left and continue to the saddle "Pas de la Pousterle".

(5) At the junction, turn right along the long-distance path with red and white waymarks (the "GR®60").

(6) From this point, there are two options:
Option 1: climb to the summit of the Pic Saint-Loup along the ridges, but beware many difficulties: scant waymarking (occasional blue paint on stones), various obstacles requiring the use of handholds, frequent drops (cliffs) of 60/70m on the right, climbing from altitude 374 to 658, etc.
To negotiate this route you must have a good head for heights and be in good physical condition.
The route indicated between waypoints (6) and (7) is approximate.
Option 2 : stay on the GR®60 until the next junction (8) and follow a safe but very stony path to the summit, before retracing your steps.

(7) Rejoin the GR®60.

(8) Continue to the right along the GR®60 to descend from the Pic Saint-Loup and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 298 m - Large Cazevielle car park
  2. 1 : km 0.58 - alt. 332 m - Optional choice
  3. 2 : km 1.11 - alt. 375 m - Trail junction
  4. 3 : km 2.11 - alt. 245 m - Right-hand path, due east
  5. 4 : km 3.53 - alt. 278 m - Three-way junction
  6. 5 : km 3.74 - alt. 277 m - Right fork
  7. 6 : km 4.14 - alt. 222 m - Bifurcation
  8. 7 : km 5.37 - alt. 330 m - Pas de la Pousterle
  9. 8 : km 5.57 - alt. 373 m - Bifurcation: two possible routes
  10. 9 : km 6.64 - alt. 634 m - Summit - Pic Saint-Loup
  11. 10 : km 7.08 - alt. 538 m - La Croisette
  12. S/E : km 9.21 - alt. 301 m - Large Cazevielle car park

Notes

Since the paths are rough, good hiking footwear is essential. Do not forget to take enough water since there are not many shady resting places in the warm season.

Between points (6) and (7) following the ridge there are many difficulties: scant waymarking (occasional blue paint on stones), various obstacles requiring the use of handholds, frequent drops (cliffs) of 60/70m on the right, climbing from altitude 374 to 658, etc.
To negotiate this route you must have a good head for heights and be in good physical condition.

If in doubt, choose the second option and continue along the GR®60 to point (8) (La Croisette). From here, you can either go up to the summit or return to the car park.
In places, it can be useful to have the track recorded on your smartphone and/or a good map.

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.

Reviews and comments

4.1 / 5
Based on 93 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Cabrie
Cabrie

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

I did this hike on 4 January 2026, — The weather was superb.
The start of the hike, which runs along the north-facing slopes of the peak, is a good warm-up. I only came across two joggers. It's probably an interesting trail in the warmer months, suitable for trail running or warming up.

After point 7, I made a round trip to Montferrand Castle. The path is pleasant.

Between points 8 and 9, via the ridge option, the difficulty far exceeds what many would call "hiking".

It is no longer just a matter of technical or aerial passages, but in places of real climbing, with constant use of your hands over several metres and considerable effort.
Already well into this section, and not knowing the quality of the shortcut between points 8 and 10, I continued on my way, telling myself that once I reached the cross, it would be easier. But if the climb is already quite risky, descending this section is clearly a bad idea.

I sincerely wonder how many accidents or people have been stranded on this section.

Another important point: there are no safety lines or other safety features. On other hikes with dangerous passages, there is sometimes safety equipment in place. Here, there is nothing: some via ferrata-type equipment would be welcome.

The signage may seem insufficient. It is still passable, but take your time.

In conclusion, the hike is generally pleasant, but the section between points 8 and 9 is a separate and dangerous stage.
The difficulty is very subjective: it is not necessarily "difficult" from a technical point of view, but it requires excellent physical condition, agility and complete ease in exposed terrain. The slightest accident can have serious consequences.

This route is not suitable for the average hiker, even if they are fit. This section is reserved for experienced individuals who are accustomed to alpine and exposed terrain.

Do not underestimate this passage, read the reviews before setting off and turn back without hesitation. The panorama can be reached by much safer routes.

If climbing is your thing, it is better to put on a harness and choose a dedicated route.

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Calou51
Calou51

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

blanblann's comment is not only wrong, it's irresponsible. This route is literally dangerous, and not just for people prone to vertigo. For the others, who won't be impressed by the precipice they'll occasionally brush up against on the right, the danger lies in the fact that, on the ascent, it's no longer a hike, but quite simply a climb. In other words, you'd better be warned, because not everyone can do it...
Is the route easy to follow? No. Even though I have a good "sense of direction", as they say, I couldn't interpret the signs from point 4 onwards. If at any point you find yourself on a steep slope in the middle of light-coloured scree close to the cliff, turn back: earlier, you should have gone left, not right... Fortunately, there are a lot of people around, so ask after each fork to make sure you're on the right track. And once you're on the ascent, don't lose sight of the yellow dots. At the very top, there are around 500m to go before you reach the cross, which you can't see at any point. I followed the ridge as closely as I could (was there a better way? I don't know...).
I only gave the route 4 stars because the difficulty of finding your way around and the difficulty of reaching the summit somewhat detract from the pleasure of discovering a panorama that can be enjoyed much more easily by climbing directly from Cazevieille...

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michelbca
michelbca

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice hike.... you'll need to put your hands in often

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blanblann
blanblann

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

I'd recommend it 100%. Nice little walk with incredible views all the way round the peak. Contrary to some of the comments, the ridges are very passable and without major risk. From point 1 to point 6, you pass through the forest around the peak before tackling a short climb up the ridges. All the rocks provide good support. You may come across some goats on the ridges. At the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree view before returning down the classic (and very busy) path. It's a fairly leisurely 3.5-hour walk, so you'll definitely want to do it again.

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Laurane
Laurane

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I recommend this hike, which is very pretty, although you need to be sporty and bring water as the climb is steep, but the first part of the hike is very easy.
I was dreading the ridges, given the comments and the description, but there was just one moment when I wasn't very reassured. Otherwise, the path isn't stuck to the void, although you still have to be careful.

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Palavas34
Palavas34

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A great classic for Montpellier residents. Beautiful views from the summit.
I didn't take the path along the ridges, which I found difficult and dangerous, although it is possible to continue along the Gr as far as the junction for the final climb.
Pic Saint Loup is very popular at weekends with hikers coming directly from Cazevieille and back.
The last part is therefore very popular on weekends. This is a fairly stony path, so wear good shoes.
Keep an eye on your GPS at the start of the route to make sure you stay on the right track.

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ychampagnac
ychampagnac

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Done on Tuesday 11/03 with 15 well-informed hikers. Lovely hike, ideal weather, few people on the uphill section of the peak (on a Tuesday in March). We chose this option because of the heavy rainfall at the weekend and the number of participants.

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philippe maxou
philippe maxou

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Passages where the path is very, very gullied.
Difficult route to follow around the tower, before the passage on the north face and then after crossing the ridge on the south face. The route that follows the ridge is very difficult. It is best to follow the path up from Saint Mathieu de Treviers.

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robertm30
robertm30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike with superb scenery. Good shoes and plenty of water, especially in summer!
I did this hike before the cross at the summit changed. I'll be going back to take more photos.

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beauvillage
beauvillage

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this walk from the village car park. The weather was poor (foggy). You sometimes have to use your hands to get up in certain places and walk on large boulders that can be slippery. The view was fairly clear on the seaward side, but foggy on the inland side (we couldn't see the precipice).

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papadid
papadid
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice, easy hike up to the ridge.
Dangerous climb with little or no signposting. Very dangerous ridge: for experienced walkers only. Absolutely avoid in strong winds, rain, snow, ice and thunderstorms. Elderly people and children are not recommended. If you decide to go back down, it is also very dangerous and little or not at all signposted.
Beautiful views over the valley, the Pic Saint Loup and the Hortus.

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Brillant2023
Brillant2023
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello, there's an error in the description of stage 3 in relation to the route, which is not serious but not insignificant either
(presents a risk of additional fatigue with a slight diversions)

as a reminder
(3) At the end of the grassy area, turn right and follow this path to a crossroads, then turn right (hill 221).
Be careful as there are many paths that cross each other on this route.

In reality, at the end of the grassy area, turn LEFT and you will find the crossroads where you can start to climb back up after a long flat section along the north face.

to the LEFT then certainly to the right at the crossroads
(turning left puts you right back on the route)

no because by turning right you come across an animal trail with a crossroads that you reach after descending off the trail following 3 blue cords tied around trees

except that turning right and then right leads you to the rock face with 0 ways up

In short, a rather avoidable and annoying error. It seems to me that the route was badly updated when the difficulty was changed?


Incidentally, I'd like to point out that if you avoid the Chemin de Crete on the way up and back, this hike can easily remain "difficult".

if you compare it to other hikes in the region with such a high gradient/km ratio


I did this walk again today. always a great pleasure.
ps: in wet weather it can easily be classed as very difficult because of the extra strength you have to put on your feet to keep a steady stride.

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freezer1
freezer1

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

hike on 17/06.
Sporty but nothing more. On the other hand, to echo the reviews, I did note the difficulties but I wasn't expecting it to be so dangerous on the ridge section.
It's simply life-threatening if you don't get a good grip, on the borderline between climbing and roping up.

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De Nimes
De Nimes

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
This is a great hike.
You need a bit of strength in your arms and legs on the crest path.
But, in the end, what a spectacle!

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plancelle25
plancelle25

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike around the Pic Saint-Loup. Be careful not to take the wrong path on the north face at point 2. Do not take the path on the right which climbs straight up to the cliff.

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