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.
Calculated time: 2h25[?] 
Distance : 7.1km
Vertical gain : 142m
Vertical drop : 142m
Highest point : 221m
Lowest point : 122m 
Difficulty : Easy
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : Gigean
(34770)
Starting point : N 43.487572° / E 3.727392° The hike starts at the Abbey car park.
(D/A) After visiting the abbey and having enjoyed the views out over the lakes, follow the DFCI trail which starts on the left, sloping gently before slowly climbing upwards.
(1) At the fork, follow the path on the right and stay on it until you reach a pass (cistern).
(2) Take the path on the left and follow it up to the next crossroads, ignoring the other paths.
(3) Turn right and continue on the DFCI, ignoring the other paths which branch off here and there, up to the next pass.
(4) At the cistern, don't continue on the DFCI, but instead branch off immediately to the right onto a sloping path, which isn't very visible from the main path. Take the opportunity to have a look at the cave, to the right of the tank (20m of narrow galleries).
Go downhill until you reach a dry stream, then climb back up on the steep path opposite. Continue onwards, ignoring the different paths branching off on the left, until you re-join the path you started on, after the first pass. Head to the left and re-join the pass and the cistern.
(2) Continue on the path opposite which you took on the outward leg. Ignore the path on the right, 100m after the pass, and continue on until you see a second path branching off on the left. Turn left, passing in front of one of the dry stone huts which you find in this area (5) and return to the Abbey car park (D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 153m
1 : km 0.79 - alt. 199m - Fork, continue to the right.
2 : km 1.39 - alt. 220m - Crossroads, cistern, continue to the left.
3 : km 2.13 - alt. 218m - Crossroads, follow the DFCI to the right.
4 : km 4.44 - alt. 143m - Pass, cistern, take barely visible path on right.
5 : km 6.99 - alt. 158m - Dry stone hut.
D/A : km 7.1 - alt. 154m
Not many shady places on this walk - avoid in hot weather.
(2) If you'd prefer to leave the DFCI track for a bit, you can cut some sections out by taking the path on the right 100m after the pass. Go past point (1) again and return to the departure point.
We advise taking IGN maps with you on this walk. Click here to buy : 2743ET.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Abbey, caves, panoramic views over the lakes, Sète and Mont Saint-Clair.
Global average : 4.57/5
Number of opinions : 52
Description quality : 4.54/5
Routemap quality : 4.58/5
Walk interest : 4.6/5
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 21/05/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Description for finding the road to the monastery was not very good. Had to ask in the town.
Monastery and grounds very interesting.
Walk in the garrigue typical but go a bit lost on the way back to the car park.
Definitely recommend this walk and nice to find some hills to walk in so close to Montpellier.
12.71km
+656m
-649m
5h30
Difficult
Starting point in Puéchabon - 34 - Hérault This trek works its way up from the Hérault valley to Roc de la Vigne. Leaving the village, off the beaten tracks, you'll explore Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert on cobblestone roads. Along the way, the remains of old farms, caves, a semi-troglodyte retreat and a breath-taking view from the top of Roc de la Vigne.
27.02km
+327m
-322m
8h40
Difficult
Starting point in Clermont-l'Hérault - 34 - Hérault At the heart of the Languedocian hinterland, Lake Salagou is a perfect place for a hike and all sorts of sports activities in the fresh air.
10.14km
+72m
-71m
3h05
Easy
Starting point in Saussines - 34 - Hérault 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.
13.18km
+53m
-53m
3h55
Average
Starting point in Saussines - 34 - Hérault 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
13.05km
+848m
-845m
6h10
Average
Starting point in Saint-Étienne-de-Gourgas - 34 - Hérault A hike in the foothills of the Larzac plateau overlooking Cirque du Bout du Monde and the village of Gourgas with a return journey via a beautiful forest path.
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