Riols walks

This circuit overlooks the Jaur valley and offers breathtaking views of the Somail massif and the Saut de Vezoles, before revealing the fabulous Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Trédos.

This trail is a marvel exploring the Saut de Vezoles and its lake with spectacular amenities.

Above Riols, this trail takes you by the hand through the Somail mountains, explaining, marker after marker, schist and gneiss, menhirs and dolmens, and of course the legend of the Saut de Vézoles. A tough climb but well worth it. A magnificent hike.

In a forest setting, peat bogs with remarkable wildlife punctuate this walk around Lake Vezoles.

The highlights of this hike are a visit to the Notre-Dame-de-Trédos chapel, the stone bridges at St-Étienne d'Albagnan and Prémian, and a few kilometres along the Passa Païs greenway between Bédarieux and Mazamet.This is the first Visorando hike linking Saint-Étienne d'Albagnan or Prémian to Notre-Dame-de-Trédos. This hike can be started from either Prémian or St-Étienne d'Albagnan.There is also a well-known and slightly more difficult loop starting from Riols towards Notre-Dame-de-Trédos.

PLEASE NOTE (Information dated 13 February 2026): for your safety, following recent bad weather, the routes are closed until further notice. The trail will take you to the heights of St-Étienne. It offers beautiful views of Le Somail, L'Espinouse, Les Avant-monts and the Jaur valley. A few passages through the undergrowth allow you to cool off in hot weather.After heavy rain, the trail is not recommended (stream crossing).

Hike on the ridges of Pardailhan at an altitude of around 800m. Loop through pine and chestnut forests with superb views on clear stretches. There are several places on the way where you can stop for a picnic.

A superb, shaded hike in the Monts du Somail, which is very pleasant in summer to enjoy the coolness of this beautiful forest. It does not present any particular difficulties. The trail is dotted with a few items of cultural heritage. The Moulin de Mathas, now in ruins, where you can still admire a superb water reservoir, made of stone, which was used to supply the mill. Further on, the Pont Gaulois (Gallic Bridge) next to a pretty waterfall.

PLEASE NOTE (Information dated 13 February 2026): for your safety, following recent bad weather, the route is closed until further notice. Starting from the Passa Païs greenway in Gaillergues, the route follows tracks and paths climbing gently to the Church of the Commandery of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. It offers ever-changing views of the Jaur valley and the peaks: Caroux-Espinouse, Col de Fontfroide, Somail, Avant-monts.

This shaded route in the Monts du Somail National Forest ranges in altitude from 895 m to 1050 m and is ideal for summer cycling. It should be done clockwise to avoid the sunniest areas in the morning and enjoy the cool shade of the forest in the afternoon.

The planques are ancient footbridges built with huge stone slabs connected by metal staples and supported by dry stone walls and one or two large blocks serving as pillars. This superb circuit takes you through the Haut Languedoc Natural Park, across fields in the middle of the Somail National Forest, to discover these famous planques spanning the Arn stream and the Chemin des Menhirs. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

A gentle stroll in the shade of two national forests. From Le Soulié, at an altitude of 900 m in the Somail National Forest in the Hérault, you descend gently to Labastide-Rouairoux through the Haut-Agout National Forest in the Tarn. Here, the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park hides a mystery: what might Le Somail have looked like when the dolmens and menhirs that line this route were erected? This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

WARNING (Update 13 February 2026): for your safety, following recent bad weather (Storm Nils), the route is closed until further notice. This family-friendly hike offers a forest atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll come across drystone shelters and dry stone walls supporting terraces that were once cultivated. There’s a lovely view of the Col d’Usclats and the Somail mountains. Halfway along, you can take a break by the River Thoré.

A circular route through pine and deciduous forests. Passing in front of the Château de Grandsagne and the huge peatland of the same name. Very little elevation gain. Altitude between 850 and 950 m.17/10/2023: Route modified due to problems crossing private property. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

This hike, which is quite long but not difficult, allows you to discover varied landscapes. It follows part of the GRP® des Monts du Haut-Languedoc and the GR®653, which is one of the variants of the Chemins de Compostelle. It runs along the southern edge of Lake Laouzas and part of the upper valley of the River Agoût

One-day, fully signposted circular walk around Olargues.

A superb, varied hike through forest, heather fields and rocky summits to enjoy the exceptional views offered by Montahut. Please note, however, thatthe Griffoulas ridge is technically challenging to traverse as you will often need to use your hands to cross the rocky outcrops: no equipment is required, however. This hike is therefore aimed at experienced hikers who know how to navigate using cairns or read a GPS track to follow a path that is sometimes barely visible. Visorando app recommended

This beautiful hike starts from the hamlet of Auziale and offers stunning 360° views (from Roc de l'Ourliades) and passes through a magnificent forest, sheltered from the wind all year round. The return journey is downhill, via a track and small paths marked in yellow to the right of it.

Hike dominated by Le Caroux. Walk through vineyards and around mountains amid holm oaks and chestnut trees.

Hike in the Haut Languedoc Regional Park in the middle of the Berlou vineyards, which allows you to discover, from the Calisso mountain, the villages of Escagnes, Mézeilles, Le Pin, Roquebrun and Cessenon with the Caroux mountain in the background. Moderator's note: mixed reviews on this hike; see comments at the bottom of this page.

Half-day hike starting from the hamlet of Mézeilles (commune of Vieussan) to reach the Pic de Naudech (753m) and enjoy several viewpoints.

Hike in the Haut Languedoc Regional Park through the Berlou vineyards with the Caroux Massif as a backdrop, allowing you to discover the waterfall on the Rieu Berlou, the orientation table and its botanical trail, and the remarkable viewpoint of the Roc de la Viste overlooking the village of Berlou. This hike around Berlou allows you to return directly to the village at several points.

A loop starting from Saint-Jean-de-Minervois will take you across several streams and to the Church of Saint-Jean de Dieuvaille or the Church of the Trou. Along the way, you will alternate between old paths through the woods and Muscat vineyards. The route is dotted with beautiful views of the Barroubio cliffs. Depending on the season, you may see wild irises, broom, gorse, thyme and holm oaks.

A walk through the Avants-Monts region towards the small village of Rieussec, along the road linking Narbonne to Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, making use of a section ofthe GR® 77 starting from Vélieux and a stretch of the Grande Traversée de l’Hérault to return to this village in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park

A walk that leads to the ruins of the Saint-Peyre Chapel and then to a curious stone with a hole in it hidden in the heath. (Moderator's note) Please note that there are reported difficulties at the end of the route. See the three comments left since February 2022.

A short walk along the shores of Lake Laouzas in the Haut-Languedoc park.

This is the first day of the Haut Languedoc trip. It will take at least 5 hours to reach Douch. The climb to the Col de la Maure is unmarked but follows a well-marked, safe path. See § Practical information (¹).The access to the Col du Bardou is beautiful. The descent to the Ruisseau d'Héric and the climb back up to Douch via the hamlet of Héric are very varied.

This is a lovely route that criss-crosses the Gorges d'Héric at all altitudes. You will enjoy superb panoramic views and mineral walls, while immersing yourself in the aquatic world of the torrent. The route is challenging and technical, without being difficult or dangerous.

Fifth of six balcony routes on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very mineral environment consisting of ledges and ridges. Aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts at the church in Mons, on a balcony in the Gorges d'Héric, facing west towards Bardou via the Piste supérieure du Cabalet, before descending via the Piste de la Réserve and crossing the river. It climbs back up opposite in the Cirque de Farrières via the Piste des Hirondelles, before continuing horizontally along the Piste des Aiguilles, Piste des Garroffes and Piste des Triangles, descending via the Sentier des Gardes to the river, and finally returning to Mons via the chestnut grove.

View and passage through two villages isolated from the main roads, featuring beautiful stone houses. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Ascent of Espinouse starting from the car park before the hamlet of Bardou to Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal via the GR®7 and GRP® Tours des Monts et Lacs en Haut Languedoc. This hike is the first part of a two-day circular, completed by the ascent of Caroux, from Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal to the car park before the hamlet of Bardou.

This hike starts in Mons-la-Trivalle, a town known for its Gorges d'Héric, and explores the hamlets located on the southern slopes of the mountains. There are beautiful panoramic views of the Caroux massif, as well as hamlets nestled in the forest and carefully restored. The hike consists of a trip to the hamlet of Ornac on the other side of the Jaur, followed by a circular route through the various smaller hamlets: Courbou, Toulé and Fenouillède. The return trip is via Ornac.

From the Moulin de Saint-Chinian to Fonjun.

Starting from Bardou (a small but charming private hamlet), the route joins the Tour du Montahut, where the view is simply magnificent! It then passes by the little Chapelle Saint-Martin-du-Froid, which offers a sumptuous view, and ends with a descent with a view of the splendid Caroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.

This peaceful walk through the vineyards of Saint-Chinian offers magnificent views of the village and the Grage beyond. Drystone shelters with evocative names, educational panels, Notre-Dame de Nazareth and, in the background, the Avants-Monts ridge and the silhouette of the Caroux massif: it's all here.

Between Saint-Chinian and Assignan, this route follows a GR® de Pays trail to explore woods and vineyards. On the way back, the Combelongue valley offers the chance to discover a "village" of drystone shelters and a plaster mill, now used for grain, which dates from 1854 and was originally used to grind gypsum.

This route offers beautiful views and allows you to discover the Sentier des Capitelles before reaching the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Nazareth via a Way of the Cross. The return journey follows the GRP®, then unmarked paths in places and a short stretch of road before turning off via the Guitardes plateau, following the Combelongue stream.We recommend using the Visorando app or a hiking GPS.Avoid hiking on hunting days or after heavy rain.

This 14 km loop takes you past the main points of interest in the area: the Gorges d'Héric, the Refuge de Font Salesse, the Caroux plateau and its orientation table, and the very charming village of Héric.

This short circular walk offers beautiful views uphill to the north over the Caroux massif and downhill to the south over the Orb valley. This walk is particularly pleasant in spring or autumn.

A very pleasant circular loop with no difficulty except for the slightly steep climb from the Sentier des Gardes to the Col de Bartouyre, but the trail is indeed splendid and consists, for the most part, of easy-to-walk flagstone steps. Hikers are treated to superb views at the Col de Bartouyre.

Between 55 and 45 million years ago, a warm, shallow sea flooded the older terrain forming the Montagne Noire, covering it with limestone rich in foraminifera (microscopic organisms encased in a calcareous shell). This limestone forms the Causses du Minervois. Rivers flowing down from the Montagne Noire cross these plateaus and carve out narrow valleys: the canyons. This network of canyons is home to numerous karstic caves and caves harbouring ancient traces of human presence and rare animal species. Bats, which inhabit the Grotte de l’Aldène in the Cesse Gorges, the peregrine falcon, the Montagu’s harrier and the red-backed shrike all contribute to the biodiversity of this site. This walk remains on the limestone plateau, amongst vineyards and valleys, and offers an exceptional view of the Brahunal Gorges, a stream that joins the Cessière. See warning in the practical information tab

Discover the famous Muscat vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. This circuit moves out of the hamlet of Paguignan leading onto the plateau of Saint John and then descends to the Cesse Valley to join Agel and its Castle, which is listed as a Historical Monument. The route then continues in the direction of Cassidy and then reaches the starting point.

A short hike around the town of Minerve along trails that are rarely used. They offer magnificent views, but be careful if you are afraid of heights on the edges of the Brian Canyon.

Walk along the trail and discover reconstructed stone markers: cairns, drystone shelters and more. You will have a magnificent view of the Monts de Lacaune. From May to September, you can linger at the Maison de Payrac, a 19th-century farmhouse that has been restored in keeping with the lifestyle and objects of yesteryear.

A short circuit starting from the hamlet of Paguignan will take you through vineyards and woods, passing successively through the hamlets of Cailhol and Vialanove. On the return circuit, there is a protected cave where bats nest. Please note! We recommend using the Visorando app for navigation, and above all, downloading the map before you leave home, as the area will remain a white zone until at least the end of 2022...

The last of six balcony routes, on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very rocky landscape of ledges and ridges. An aerial, athletic and technical route, without being challenging or dangerous. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts from the hamlet of Héric, climbs to Roc Caroux via the Ravin des Hêtres, before descending to the Piste des Aiguilles via the Ravin du Rieutord, crossing the Col du Curé and Col de la Narquoise, before beginning the descent to Héric via the Piste du Pouce.

This hike starts from Ferrals-les-Montagnes and follows twoPR® trails among those that criss-cross the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, where the south of France becomes mountainous and the rivers flow either towards the Mediterranean or the ocean, thus determining the "watershed line". The source of the Cesse, at the end of this circular route, is a testament to this unspoilt area.

PLEASE NOTE (Information dated 13 February 2026): for your safety, following recent bad weather, the routes are closed until further notice. Here, under the protection of deciduous and coniferous forests, you can take the time to enjoy the hike in the cool shade.Here you will find the Cesse, the Minervois' iconic river, which has its source here (to be discovered off the trail).

This hike in the Haut Languedoc Regional Nature Park allows you to discover small peaks and pastures around the village of Ferrals-les-Montagnes. After passing Mont Cayroux, which offers a magnificent 360° panorama despite its modest size (788 m), the route continues through woods, beautiful meadows and gentle hills offering new views. The Col de Serières memorial provides a historical complement, commemorating a tragic event that occurred in June 1944, while several decorated fire tanks along the way add an unusual artistic touch to the whole.

This route around Minerve has it all! The natural bridges over the Cesse, the heath, the footbridges over the Gorges du Brian and, of course, the cobbled streets of the town. ⚠️ After rainfall, we advise you to check the conditions for crossing the River Brian (7): the ford between the town and the catapult can sometimes be covered in water or become slippery (see practical information). This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Please check the map.

Walk among the clapas.

Walk in the hills above Cebazan.

This small river, which flows into the Aude after 50 km, is the focus of this circular route starting from Cantignergues, a hamlet in La Livinière, in the commune of Hérault, to its source near the village of Ferrals-les-Montagne, a village in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. A picnic area (with tables and barbecue) has been set up near the stone "gatehouse" where the waters of the Cesse emerge, disappearing during periods of drought at the foot of the Cathar citadel of Minerve.

On the second day, you can return to Colombières sur Orb from the summit of Espinouse via the Héric gorges.

A lovely circular route starting from the Col de l'Ourtigas, with the Plo des Brus viewpoint and belvedere, the descent from the Serre de Majous, the Portail de Roquandouire pass, the return via the Casseloubre valley, the abandoned village of Caïssenols and the climb back up to the Ourtigas via the stream of the same name in the forest.