Mérifons walks

This easy walk takes you to the Chapel of Saint-Fulcran, where tradition holds that Saint-Fulcran – Bishop of Lodève from 949 to 1006 – was born in the vicinity. You then climb along an old path to Mas de Pradels. The return journey takes you to the Montagne de la Boutine, from where you descend via a winding track.

Having found traces of this local road No. 13 on the 1827 land registry, I went in search of it. It starts at La Lieude and climbs up through the Las Moles valley. This hike is reserved for experienced hikers who are familiar with the terrain and enjoy getting off the beaten track. The path is not always easy to follow in the ruffes (red earth). Return via Mas Bousquet and Mas Valos le Vieux and Valos le Bas. No markings - GPS very useful.

Set off to explore the village of Salasc, for a refreshing break, and its partly shaded hills, which offer views of the surrounding area and the Salagou valley. The Béals are irrigation channels that have long watered the gardens and are still used today in Salasc. This hike may be closed 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.

Starting from Octon, this beautiful walk takes you to the ruins of Château de Lauzières and the 12th-century Romanesque chapel of Roubignac.

This hike takes you from Brenas to the Saint-Amans Chapel via a fairly easy and varied route.

Discover the dolomitic cirque of Mourèze, shaped by erosion, with exceptional views of the Lac du Salagou and the Mediterranean coast. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

An extreme challenge: this route takes you from the Cirque de Mourèze to the shores of Lake Salagou, followed by a climb up some of the most beautiful peaks and past several landmarks along the way. As many kilometres as there are places to visit! Prehistoric site and UNESCO Global Geopark, Natura 2000

For walkers who like to venture a little off the beaten track and who have a good sense of direction. A lovely walk through the maquis, the tops of the old bauxite quarries and the Bois de Levers, mostly in the shade apart from a few sections of quiet road.

This hike will offer you a panoramic view of Lac du Salagou and take you into the heart of the Cirque de Mourèze This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This is a pleasant hike that takes you through the Cirque de Mourèze and offers superb views of Lake Salagou. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Be sure to check the map.

This walk takes you around the northern part of Lake Salagou, passing through the village of Le Puech. It takes you across the Cayroux plateau and to the village of Celles.

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.

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.

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.

A pleasant hike with remarkable views and beautiful 360° panoramas of Mont Saint-Clair and the Mediterranean, Caroux, Pic de Vissous and Mont Baudille Séranne. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Canigou massif.

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.

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.

During this hike in the heart of a listed site, rich in natural, geological and scenic discoveries, you can explore the ruins of the old village of Cabrières at the foot of the castle, then climb the ridges of Vissou before ascending the peak to discover a breathtaking viewpoint.This hike follows twoPR®® trails, the “Drovers' Roads of Crozes” and then the “Pic de Vissou”. Not difficult, but still a bit of a workout.

Hike with varied terrain and a beautiful view of the Pic de Vissou. The ruins of the Church of Saint-Gély d'Arques are a lovely spot for a picnic.Some sections are not marked and require the use of a GPS.

A pleasant walk, starting with unobstructed views of the highest peaks, then shaded after Lavalette. A short stretch of tarmac at the start and halfway along the route.

A beautiful hike with 360° views on very good paths. The ridge section is exposed to the wind.

This trail winds through the heart of a listed site, rich in natural, geological and scenic discoveries. Leaving the village, the trail winds through the vineyards, climbs through the fragrant heath and reaches the impressive cliffs of the Pic de Vissou. This pleasant route offers many geological curiosities and, in particular, an amazing view of the Estabel terrace. In the background, the silhouette of Vissou serves as a landmark during this walk full of surprises. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Be sure to check the map.

During this hike, you can discover the remains of the old village of Cabrières at the foot of the castle, the hamlet of Les Crozes, the Tiberet mills and the old paths, known as "drovers' roads" in Occitan.

A short but interesting walk to Cabrières Castle (3rd to 1st century BC), with fine views of the Pic de Vissou, the village, Mount Tibéret and the Pitrous valley. The route passes through the beautiful and renowned vineyards of the Cabrières Estabel AOC.

The path to the top of La Soureille d'Izarne is quite steep, but the effort is rewarded with a superb view of the Pyrenees on a clear day. Walking along the ridges requires a little care, but there are no vertiginous passages. The rest of the route is easy.

A circular loop on the left bank of the Peyne climbs along the dam's reservoir opposite Vailhan to follow the local hiking trail, which is dotted with picnic tables and offers beautiful views.

Walk around Villeneuvette and its hydraulic remains, which were used to supply the now disused royal factory.

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.

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.

A lovely walk through the upper cantons: along the Ruisseau de Nize, then up through the boxwood trees towards the hamlet of Briandes and back via the postman’s path.

Hike in the hills between Neffies, Vailhan and Les Crozes (hamlet of Cabrières). Beautiful views at the start and end of the route over the plains of Languedoc Roussillon. We were lucky that day to have a wonderful view of the Mediterranean, Canigou and the Pyrenees.

This varied route mainly follows small roads with little traffic.

From Col de la Baraque to Chapelle de Saint-Amans via the ridges, then to Chapelle de Notre-Dame-de-Nize via a chestnut grove.

Set in the heart of the Hérault heath, this route offers an immersion in a landscape typical of the southern Mediterranean, blending unspoilt nature with rural heritage. The walk begins at the Grotte de Soumartre, a natural formation comprising three distinct chambers, where you can admire beautiful limestone formations and spectacular stalactites, evidence of thousands of years of slow erosion. The route continues towards the Moulins de Faugères, former windmills historically used for grinding grain, the earliest traces of which date back to medieval times. Finally, the trail passes through a remarkable heritage of dry-stone construction, featuring agricultural terrace walls that once shaped the terraced fields, as well as ‘carabelles’ – small stone structures used as shelters or for agricultural tools – a legacy of traditional farming practices and the organisation of the region’s ancient gardens and crops.

A discovery walk organised by the Association des Pierres Sèches en Faugérois.A short walk accessible to all, following forgotten paths rediscovered by the Association Pierres Sèches en Faugérois. It offers the chance to discover 15 carabelles – the local name for drystone shelters – among the many found in the Faugères area. The route is fully signposted in blue.

Leaving Faugères, climb up to the mill and cross the heath dotted with drystone shelters...

An easy hike combining open areas with views of the Pyrenees and wooded areas. Along the route, you will see a coal mine shaft and the ruins of Tibéret, behind which is a multi-level mill powered by gravity from a water basin (now abandoned).

A modified version of aPR® of the same name with an easier start for parking and a crossing of the River Boyne via the bridge on the D174. ThePR® ford before Ceressou is very often impassable. Otherwise, the rest of the route is identical. Le Plan du Ceressou is an ancient volcano. Curiously, its name has changed in recent years from Ceressou to Celessou on IGN maps.

Part of the route takes you through vineyards and over the Céressou and Baumes volcanoes surrounding Fontès, offering views of the sea.

Features of the route: heath, holm oak forests. Discover the heritage of dry stone buildings, testimony to the work of man. The art of dry stone has been listed as UNESCO cultural heritage since 2018. At the end of the route, visit the interpretive trail.

Country walk to the Priory of Saint-Michel de Grandmont, which is well worth a visit for both its buildings and its grounds.

A beautiful route forming a circular loop, combiningPR® with part ofthe GR® 653, Chemin-de-Compostelle, the Prieuré Saint-Michel de Grandmont, the balconies of Soumont (and their bouldering spot), and the beautiful villages of Soumont and Usclas-du-Bosc.