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.

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.

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 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.)

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.

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.

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.

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 very pleasant hike starting from Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, which will take you along the picturesque Lac de Cécélés while offering magnificent panoramic views of the two local giants, Pic Saint-Loup and Hortus.The hike is very accessible but there are a few steep sections.

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.

A pleasant loop with no real difficulties, starting from Cazevieille and west of Pic Saint Loup. Most of the route is in the woods, making it pleasant even in summer. Take into account the possible paths between (1) and (2) as well as the note at (6).

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.

This very pleasant and easy hike offers a journey back in time to the heart of the Moure massif. Allowing you to discover the exceptional heritage hidden in the Hérault heath, this circuit of just over 5 km offers a high concentration of perfectly restored traditional buildings. A dozen drystone shelters and other buildings can be seen along the route.

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

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 route through the heathland and along the Étang de Thau offers two different landscapes. Along the lake, you can stop for refreshments at a café or taste oysters at one of the many oyster farms, which serve orders at any time of day.

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.

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!!).

Seven good reasons to discover Sète:It is the home of the tièle (a type of octopus pie that is emblematic of Sète).It is a city of culture (many museums, street art, theatres, etc.).It is the city of Georges Brassens and Paul Valéry.It's where you'll find the best oysters in the Étang de Thau in the world.Its seaside and Étang de Thau side, its beaches.Its canals give it a little Venetian feel, and its old port.The Muscat wines of Frontignan and Mireval.