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.

To explore the area around Lavérune, take the small tarmac or stone paths, as well as the trails that cross the Truc Pela woods. The hike is easy overall, but requires a little attention in the woods, or even a GPS.

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.

A bucolic route full of discoveries. Cross the heath and the summit of La Madeleine with its Saint-Bauzille Chapel (view of the Montpellier plain: urban area, surrounding villages, ponds). In Gardiole, follow the Chemin de Croix, cross the Canabière Valley, the summit areas of: La Réserve, Roque Rousse, Pioch Champ, Table Mise, Truc des Cades. View of the motor racing route. In the distance, vineyards. This nature, so rich in biodiversity, commands respect.

Walk to a summit offering a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings of Montpellier, the heath, the ponds and the sea.

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.

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 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.

This walk will allow you to discover the Castries aqueduct in the section where its arches are highest, but also its path along the bottom of the hill at the end of the route before returning to the large arches of the aqueduct bridge. You can also observe the diversity of the heath in Castries via wide paths and a few more discreet trails. The vegetation is a beautiful mix of heath and pine forest.

A walk through the Castries scrubland, where you can admire the aqueduct, the Château de Castries and its distinctive water tower, visible for miles around, as well as the historic centre of this pretty village in the Hérault.