Les Matelles walks

From Les Matelles, a pretty medieval village, this circuit provides access to the path on the crest of a ridge. The Tour de Vias (watchtower) was once built on this promontory. It offers beautiful views of Pic Saint-Loup, the village and the former convent of Notre-Dame-des-Champs before descending towards the Romanesque bridge of Deux Serres, which crosses the Lirou. Afterwards, the trail faces Notre-Dame-des-Champs and returns to the village, winding through a forest of pine, juniper and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This hike is best done on a sunny afternoon, so that you can contemplate the view from the summit, which can be truly breathtaking if the air is dry. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

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.

Pic-Saint-Loup, the legendary peak in the Montpellier hinterland. Here, I suggest approaching it from the east via Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers. This shaded, less frequented route through the woods takes you past the ruined castle of Montferrand. At the summit, you can enjoy views of the Alps, the Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, the Cévennes and the Mediterranean.

From the Roussières departmental estate to the prehistoric village of Cambous, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through Neolithic sites (tombs, dolmens, village) and the Termenou fountain, following ancient drovers' roads (paths used by sheep during transhumance). Crossing varied landscapes, ridges, undergrowth and meadows where asphodels abound in April, this hike also offers magnificent panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup, the Hortus and the Cévennes. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This short hike will take you to a remarkable site off the beaten track. From the charming Saint-Étienne de Gabriac chapel, the trail takes you to the banks of the Lamalou before reaching impressive strata of white limestone. These very thick strata have staggered ridges and form a huge staircase, hence the name of the site. This hike must be done in sunny weather to admire the dazzling whiteness of these rocks.

Circuit on the eastern slopes of the Causse de l'Hortus visiting its sites of interest: Lafous mill, Embruscalles lake, Mas Neuf, the archaeological site of the Causse rock with a view of the entire Gard plains and the pre-Alps beyond, Mont Lozère, Aigoual and more...

In the Cardonille massif, south of Ganges, this lovely hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Cévennes, Mont Aigoual and the Thaurac plateau with its Grotte des Demoiselles. It then approaches the banks of the Hérault via shaded paths and trails, offering a real haven of coolness in the summer. The circuit, which sometimes runs along a balcony, offers beautiful views of the river and its meanders before reaching the picturesque Moulin de Clauzel.

Departure from Mas Baume, where the Asphodèles trail begins.

A beautiful walk for the whole family that leads to a spring through the heath.

(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).

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.

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

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.

Located between Nimes and Montpellier, the village of Saussines has a quite exceptional heritage: a listed 12th century church, a castle, beautiful mansions, old washhouses. The gorse scrubland is close by with six capitelles (1), a nature trail, a picnic area with tables and is close to a spring at the high point of the circuit, plus there is a beautiful view of the Pic Saint Loup and the Cevennes. Important note: Ignore the numbers marked on the ground and stick to the VisoRando instructions instead

In the heathland hinterland between Sommières and Quissac, this wild, wooded hill dominates the Vidourle valley and offers a beautiful view to the south, all the way to the sea.

This walk devoted to the discovery of Roman ruins will introduce you to two medieval Languedoc villages.The scrubland will bring you the fragrance of thyme and the landscapes will enchant photographers. Enjoy without moderation. Note: To help with orientation, "tricky" sections have been highlighted with blue dotted markers.

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.

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.

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

After the magical shores of the Arnel and Vic ponds, explore the old salt marshes belonging to the Conservatoire du Littoral and discover an environment of great ecological richness. Don't miss the nature reserve with its flamingos and the wine estate.

A pleasant, easy hike. Mostly on paths, sometimes on small roads. Landscapes of garrigue, vines and woods. Several mills line the route. You must make a short round trip to the Vidourle to admire them and enjoy the river's restful calm (on this day!!).

This is an easy walk through the Mireval salt marshes, where you can discover all kinds of animal species, including the region's famous pink flamingos. (Please note that the section between (2) and (3) is closed between 1 April and 15 August each year to allow birds to nest. During this period, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the site.)

A journey through both geological time and history, exploring the medieval village of Sauve and the chaos of the Mer des Rochers.

Hike in the foothills of the Cévennes in a heath landscape with beautiful views of two characteristic hills: the Rouquette and Saint-Chamant peaks. The difficulty can be adjusted: each summit can be climbed on a short round trip. I recommend taking a break for a snack at the summit of Saint-Chamant.

This moderately difficult hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Saint-Roman de Codières from the ridge of the Montagne de la Fage.

A lovely walk without any specific difficulties, with views over the vegetation of the Gardiole massif, Mont Saint-Clair and the lakes. Due to the large number of DFCI trails and paths, you can adjust this hike as you wish.

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!

A hike mostly through forest, under the canopy of the Bois de Lens. Throughout the walk you'll experience stunning scenery. You'll also discover the Pielles Roman quarry, Macassargues caves (which were occupied by Neanderthal man), the pre-Roman sanctuary of Mabousquet (1st century BC), the Clunisian abbey of Jouffre (3rd century) and the Castellas de Montmirat (11th century).

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.