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Mars (Gard) walks
Tour of the hamlets of Aumessas
Visorando Member
6.86 mi
+2,064 ft
-2,064 ft
4h 55
Average
Departure from Aumessas (Gard)
A stroll through this beautiful Cévennes village, taking in some of its most picturesque hamlets.
This walk includes sections along unmarked paths through the woodland. You’ll need a very good sense of direction, but the route is well worth the effort. You’ll pass through chestnut groves above Caladon.
Discovering Aulas
2.55 mi
+577 ft
-597 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Aulas (Gard)
This short walk allows you to explore the town of Aulas through its narrow streets, offering magnificent views over the Coudoulous and Arre valleys, and of the Pic d’Anjeau as soon as you rise above the village. You then head back down into the valley to stroll through the historic centre of Aulas.
The Esparon loop
Association / Club / Walk leader
8.86 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,732 ft
5h 35
Average
Departure from Molières-Cavaillac (Gard)
From Molières-Calaillac (greenway car park), climb towards Esparon, then descend towards Bez, then Lasfons and along the greenway.
Pic de Saint-Guiral and Lac des Pises
17.94 mi
+3,425 ft
-3,442 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Arrigas (Gard)
A magnificent circular route in the southern Cévennes for experienced hikers, offering a wide variety of biotopes and panoramic views.
Gorse, beech forests, pine forests and grassy plains await you, dotted with streams and lakes.
Discover Pic Saint-Guiral, a pyramid-shaped rock on the grass, as well as Lac des Pises and its astronomical observatory.
There are no particular difficulties on this route apart from its length.
The Pic de Saint-Guiral and Lac des Pises, viewed from the Trois Ponts
19.96 mi
+4,249 ft
-4,222 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Arrigas (Gard)
An alternative route for this circular route offers lovely panoramic views as you walk along an open ridge to reach Pic Saint-Guiral before cooling off at the shores of Lac des Pises.
This circular route starts at Les Trois Ponts, on the edge of the D999.
Please note: this walk is very long with a significant elevation gain; it is only suitable for very experienced walkers. It is therefore classified as very difficult.
A walk around Le Vigan
1.78 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Le Vigan (Gard)
Le Vigan is not a particularly pretty or touristy town. However, if you stop off there, here's a walk to discover a few aspects of the historic centre and the banks of the river Arre.
The Airettes and Villaret passes, starting from the Aérium de Peyraube
3.54 mi
+955 ft
-951 ft
2h 30
Average
Departure from Arrigas (Gard)
A superb hike starting from the Aérium de Peyraube. The view over the Arre valley is well worth the climb.
Please read the section on practical information regarding herds and Patou dogs carefully.
Saint-Guiral from the Col de l'Homme Mort
6.54 mi
+863 ft
-860 ft
3h 45
Average
Departure from Aumessas (Gard)
Saint-Guiral, the legendary rock of the Aigoual massif, can be reached from the Col de l'Homme Mort. The first part overlooks the upper Vis valley. The view stretches from Pic d'Anjau to the whole of Séranne. From the summit of Saint-Guiral, you can enjoy a 360° view. But you'll need to climb with your hands!
In the second part, the trail is off the beaten track and runs alongside the charming Crouzoulous stream. It will take you to the beautiful abandoned farm of Grandesc Haute, lost in the forest.
Tour of the Lac des Pises
9.28 mi
+732 ft
-745 ft
5 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Bréau-et-Salagosse (Gard)
A circuit on the southern slopes of the Aigoual massif around the Lac des Pises, which can be done in winter on snowshoes (average altitude 1250 m) or on foot.
The Lingas Valley
4.14 mi
+285 ft
-289 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Dourbies (Gard)
In the heart of the Cévennes and its Regional Nature Park, (re)discover Lac des Pises and its river through forest and wetlands. A family walk, alternating between wide paths and narrow trails.
Please note: temporary closure due to construction work. Problem with construction/safety at the dam; see comments at the bottom of this page.
The Orgon Waterfalls and the André Chamson Monument
6.18 mi
+1,316 ft
-1,309 ft
4h 00
Average
Departure from Arphy (Gard)
This magnificent hike is featured on the beautiful Massif de l'Aigoual map published by the Mont Aigoual Causses Tourist Office. Enjoy the diversity of the forests you will pass through, where you will constantly switch between beech, oak, fir and spruce trees. The panoramic views at (3) and at the André Chamson Monument are sublime.
The Pic de Barette
1.28 mi
+138 ft
-161 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Valleraugue (Gard)
A short hike passing by Pic de Barette, which offers a beautiful view of Aigoual and the Hérault valley. The route also passes by the tomb of André Chamson, resistance fighter, writer and member of the Académie Française.
The Orgon Waterfalls
5.54 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,142 ft
3h 30
Average
Departure from Valleraugue (Gard)
A very wooded circular route, crossing numerous streams, but with some beautiful viewpoints. After a very steep climb, the route reaches the top of the waterfalls but does not offer a breathtaking view of them.
The Cirque de Navacelles from the Causse de Blandas
8.88 mi
+630 ft
-1,529 ft
4h 40
Average
Departure from Montdardier (Gard)
Between the Causse de Blandas and the Gorges de la Vis, the entire route lies within the “Causses and the Cévennes” site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the drovers' road linking Languedoc to Aubrac, used by sheep to reach the summer pastures of Aigoual, take the time to observe the unique world of the Causse. To round off the day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Gorges de la Vis offered by the descent of the Travers de Navacelles.
Circular walk around Pic Saint-Guiral and Lac des Pises, starting from Alzon
19.37 mi
+3,763 ft
-3,757 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Alzon (Gard)
A very long, variedcircular route through pine and beech woods, offering shade and water, perfect for exploring the Cévennes. An original route starting from the Oratory of Saint-Guiralhet, featuring lovely panoramic views, which then leads to Pic Saint-Guiral at Lac des Pises.
The Alzon tour via tunnels and viaducts
5.15 mi
+951 ft
-968 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Alzon (Gard)
This loop around the village of Alzon is ideal for families, allowing you to hike along an old railway line through tunnels and over viaducts. Bring a torch for certain sections.
Corniche de la Vis starting from Blandas
6.39 mi
+646 ft
-627 ft
3h 30
Average
Departure from Blandas (Gard)
From the cliff edge, there is an exceptional bird’s-eye view of the Navacelles cirque.The Blandas Causse lies at an average altitude of 700 metres, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding region. The vegetation here presents a striking contrast, with its black pines, cedars, boxwoods and meadows. This Causse also harbours numerous prehistoric remains.
Circular route starting from L'Esperou in the Aigoual Massif
12.40 mi
+1,119 ft
-1,096 ft
6h 40
Average
Departure from Dourbies (Gard)
A hike in the heart of the Cévennes in the Mont Aigoual massif, where a variety of landscapes awaits you, depending on the slope—whether facing the Atlantic or the Mediterranean. You will pass through deciduous and coniferous forests and peat bogs, with the highlight, in fine weather, being a view stretching all the way to the sea as you cross the bridge over the Cascades d’Orgon.
The hike follows sections of thePR® trail marked in yellow andthe GR® trail in red and white. You will also be well guided by the signposts marking this circular route.
In the Aigoual National Forest, starting from L'Espérou
6.78 mi
+633 ft
-1,352 ft
3h 40
Average
Departure from Dourbies (Gard)
The hike begins in the Cévennes National Park. This first stage takes place in the Aigoual State Forest, which forms part of the “Les Causses et les Cévennes” site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We follow the drovers' road linking Languedoc to Aubrac, still used today by sheep to reach the summer pastures of the Aigoual.
Cirque de Navacelles
9.92 mi
+1,302 ft
-1,398 ft
5h 40
Average
Departure from Blandas (Gard)
A spectacular cirque with breathtaking views.
Anjeau Cave from Saint-Laurent-le-Minier
5.04 mi
+1,706 ft
-1,709 ft
3h 50
Average
Departure from Saint-Laurent-le-Minier (Gard)
A beautiful autumn walk.
Moderator's addition: For a slightly tricky section on the descent, it is advisable to do this hike in the opposite direction to the description
The 4,000 steps and return via Aire de Côte
16.15 mi
+4,186 ft
-4,206 ft
11h 05
Difficult
Departure from Valleraugue (Gard)
From Valleraugue, take the famous 4000-step trail that climbs up to the Mont-Aigoual observatory.
To complete the loop, follow theGR®6for a long descent through the forest towards Aire de Côte, before finishing with a crossing of the chestnut grove above the hamlet of Berthezène.
Village and terraces of Valleraugue
2.07 mi
+154 ft
-154 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Valleraugue (Gard)
A short hike to discover the village of Valleraugue, the legendary starting point of the 4000 Marches, and its terraces overlooking the Hérault.
Sporty loop around the Aigoual
25.10 mi
+5,679 ft
-5,659 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valleraugue (Gard)
For experienced hikers, here is a 40 km loop starting from Valleraugue and reaching Aigoual via the famous 4,000 steps. It descends to Lac du Bonheur near Camprieu, then climbs back up to Espérou and ends along the ridges facing Mont Aigoual, which you will have discovered a few hours earlier.
This hike is not technically difficult but is very long with some steep sections and requires good stamina.