Montpellier walks

An urban hike that mainly follows pedestrian routes and allows you to discover the many facets of Montpellier. From the historic Écusson district, where you can wander through narrow streets, to the recently developed Antigone district with its ambitious architecture, you will encounter a rich and contrasting heritage.

Murviel-Lès-Montpellier, a small village nestled in the heart of the vine-covered hillsides, steeped in memories and history. For hikers and visitors in search of the past, nature lovers and adventure seekers, this is a place to discover in order to better face the future.

Starting from this beautiful route, you will discover the surprising Source de l'Avy along the banks of the Mosson. You will then reach the panoramic viewpoint of the Croix de Guillery. After crossing the old agricultural and wine-growing plain, the circuit will take you along the path once used by salt caravans to the top of the partially wooded rocky plateaus, where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup and the surrounding mountains.

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.

This short route of the commune of Teyran will take you to wine tasting cellars and show you around the old village.

Walk suggested by La Gazette de Montpellier no. 1716, 6 to 12 May 2021. At the edge of the ponds, visit the old salt marshes. Opportunity to observe many birds (flamingos, herons, cranes, seagulls, etc.) in their natural habitat.

A hike north of Montpellier through vineyards and fig trees, enhanced by a visit to Vignogoul Abbey.

This hike takes you on a grand tour of the Bannières plain. The old Pont des Tourilles bridge, the Source du Boulidou spring, the ruins of the Templar farm and, above all, varied forests and flora will be along the way. This route deliberately takes small, unmarked and little-used paths. Therefore, although the description may be sufficient, it is advisable to use the GPS function of the Visorando app to monitor your progress during the hike.

This leisurely stroll offers superb views of the village and the Montpellier area, the sea, the city and the hinterland (Pic Saint-Loup).

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.)

This peaceful walk partly follows the Castries Aqueduct, built by Paul Riquet (architect of the Canal du Midi) and completed in 1676. This structure supplied water to the Château de Castries via 7 km of tunnels, trenches and aqueducts. This hike also allows you to discover the ruins of the Pont des Tourilles bridge over the Cadoule, a remarkable little chapel, the Fondespierre departmental estate and a small drystone shelter nestled in a dry stone wall.

The first third of the hike will take you to the castle, its large park and a small part of the old village. The rest of the hike will take you through various forests, a mixture of heath, pine forests, olive groves, etc. Along the way, you will cross the famous aqueduct several times, as well as some lesser-known places such as La Capelette and the old quarries.

A visit to the Grand Devès site from Guzargues. This hike will take you around Serre Rond, a hill combining heath and history, which was home to a German observation post from 1942 to 1944, the remains of which can still be seen today. Along the way, you will find the grave of the tracking dog Youki. You will then continue on your way towards Montaud and the source of the Cadoule before returning to your starting point.

Starting from the beautiful medieval village of Cournonterral, this loop trail runs through heathland and plunges into the small gorges of Coulazou.

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.

A walk through the wild countryside around Castries, not far from Montpellier. You will discover quarries and some particularly interesting sculptures. You will walk through the undergrowth. An amazing route with many surprises in store.

Family walk between the pond, salt marshes and the Bois des Aresquiers. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This is a pleasant hike in the Gardiole area, starting from Gigean. You will discover various remarkable viewpoints and beautiful panoramas. To the west, you can see the wind turbines of Villeveyrac and to the east, at Pioch Noir, there is a breathtaking view of the ponds and the sea in the distance. This hike takes place on beautiful tracks often lined with pine and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

A hike along varied paths (heathland, undergrowth) starting from Montaud (Hérault) and passing along the edge of Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel. It offers views of the ruins of Montlaur Castle nearby.

Du charmant petit hameau de Montlaur, on chemine parmi le vignoble et les oliveraies entrecoupés de bosquets. Depuis la crête de Coste Bertine, la vue s'étend au Sud vers le littoral et jusqu'au Ventoux à l'Est. On termine par la visite des ruines de ce fantastique château.

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.

This hike will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Gardiole massif. Starting from the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau, you will enjoy a superb view of the Mediterranean, from La Grande Motte in the north to Sète in the south. You will pass by the Pioch Noir and the Roc d'Anduze, two unmissable viewpoints of the Gardiole massif. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Two peaks in the Gardiole range offering views of the Gulf of Lyon. From the summit of Pioch Madame, you can see La Grande Motte and the summit of Pioch Michel, with unobstructed 360° views. To the north-east, you can see Villeneuve-les-Maguelonnes and La Grande-Motte; to the east, you can see the Espiguette lighthouse; to the south-west, the Sète mountain and the Étang de Thau; and to the north, La Gardiole. If the sky is clear, you can even see the Pyrenees. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

As you climb up to Roc d'Anduze, this hike offers wide panoramic views to the north-west over the Étang de Thau, all the villages in the valley and beautiful views of the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau. At the highest point of the Gardiole massif, there is a magnificent 360° view. The circuit then heads towards the summit of the Devèse along ridge trails, offering multiple panoramic views of the sea, Frontignan, Sète, Balaruc, the Étang de Thau and... the Canigou. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

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.