Pignan walks

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.

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.

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

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

The route consists of two circular paths of roughly the same distance. You can start on the east or west side, as you can leave your picnic in the cars if you do one circular path before midday.

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

Le Mas Dieu, situated in the centre of this small heath, was a stop on the Way of St James but also on the salt-traders’ route, who transported salt from Frontignan or Villeneuve-lès-Maguelonne towards Auvergne. With the decline of these two activities, by the end of the 19th century it was nothing more than a sheepfold, although the Montpellier–Lodève railway line ran through it. Having become a hunting lodge for local hunters in the 20th century, it nearly disappeared in 1991 when Montpellier considered converting it into a final waste disposal site. After numerous projects to save it, a complex of buildings fitted with rooftop solar panels was constructed there. Unfortunately, there is no road infrastructure connecting it to the motorway or the railway; only the ballast remains. It is also possible to start from the car park of the former Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle wine cooperative, following the old railway line to crossing point number 3.

It is interesting to delve into the past and discover little-known places that give us a glimpse into the history of our roots. For me, this is evident when visiting the Oppidum de la Roque site. It seemed appropriate to include a site that is also indirectly but historically related to a connection between ancient and contemporary history. This is La Chapelle Saint-Bauzille (Saint-Baudile).

A picturesque route full of discoveries. Cross the heath and the summit of La Madeleine with its Saint-Bauzille Chapel (views over the Montpellier plain: the city, surrounding villages, and ponds). In Gardiole, follow the Way of the Cross, cross the Canabière Valley and the summit areas of: La Réserve, Roque Rousse, Pioch Champ, Table Mise and Truc des Cades. View of the motor route. Vineyards in the distance. This natural environment, 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.

The Gardiole mountains: Pioch Noir (216 m), Pioch de Camille (224 m), Roc d'Anduze (234 m), Peyre Plantade (160 m), Rulet et Cabanes (140 m), Pioch Redonel (129 m) and other mountain passes offer a fairly comprehensive view of the four cardinal points. They offer a sublime panorama of the mountains and valleys across the entire perimeter. The views are remarkable. It is impossible to leave without taking with you what nature has to offer. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This hike allows you to discover the six painted cisterns of La Gardiole and enjoy the many views from the massif. Views of the Cévennes massif in the first part, then of the sea in the second part. At Le Pioch Noir, if the weather is favourable, you can see both Canigou to the west and Mont Ventoux to the east.

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.

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.)

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.

From Champ de la Croix, at the start of the DFCI track, explore the foothills of Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle. An inspiring and surprising outing thanks to the places you’ll visit. Cross the Bois de Mascla and the Boscas ridges. Head to the Croix de la Gardie. Discover the ruins of the Tour d’Arthus. Wade across the Ruisseau du Coulazou. Walk along the old railway line. This leaves a lasting impression and immerses us in memories of times gone by.

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.

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.

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 circular route in the heart of the Gardiole Mountains, offering views of the surrounding area and allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful heath. Naturally, in this very dry massif, the route follows many DFCI tracks, but also some lovely, wilder paths.

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.

C’est au printemps que vous apprécierez le mieux cette randonnée. Circuit en forme de 8, une petite boucle et une grande boucle qui se croisent au départ et à l'arrivée. Au pied de chaque arbre se trouve un panneau explicatif accompagné d'un poème écrit par un auteur.

A getaway to discover unusual places, notably the Rocher de Pampelune and its oppidum, as well as the Dolmen A at Mas Reynard. These iconic sites transport us to a distant past, allowing us to discover them. Some effort will be required to reach them, involving crossing paths, trails, streams, passages through undergrowth and coppice, and a few technical sections suitable for all. There are plenty of surprises in store for those who take the time to explore.

Vailhauquès, surrounded by its ruins, is an iconic place where the village, marked by its past and looking towards its future, proudly embraces its history. Discover unusual and surprising places, notably its dolmens on a north-west dial, which will spark the curiosity of history buffs.

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.