Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert walks

This short hike will give you a change of scenery in record time. Keep your eyes and ears open, but wear good shoes. On the plateau, you might even be able to see the sea. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the PR® des Fenestrettes has been affected, as has the voie d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

A short walk to do when visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to get a bird's eye view and discover the medieval village in its entirety.

Let's start with a nice climb up to the ridge of the Château du Géant (unfortunately, it is not open to visitors as it is private property). The trail enters the Saint-Guilhem national forest, once developed by monks, and leads to a chapel nestled in the shade. The trail then passes through Cap de Ginestet and Cap de Pousterle before returning to the magnificent village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

The Cirque de l'Infernet is a gigantic natural wall. Its impressive cliffs enclose the upper part of the Val de Gellone. Between these walls and the Verdus, scree from another time forms impressive slopes. To get to the 'Max Nègre' viewpoint, you'll have to follow a route used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through a splendid structure called "Les Fenestrelles". Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route is still passable, but the Fenestrettes PR® has been affected, as has the Route d'Arles (GR®653). Please contact the Saint-Guilhem - Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the practicability of the route. This walk may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult

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.

Mythical rocks, shaped by nature over centuries. Today, with a little effort, we can see these places steeped in history. The inhabitants are no longer there, but we can keep a personal memory as we cross the hamlet of Estagnol and Mas d'Agre, immersing ourselves in the life of yesteryear. cross the Estagnol de Lacan plain and the Pont d'Agre bridge, go around the Roc de la Jarre and the Mas de l'Arbousier, then descend via Combe de Légeaux and part of Combe Malafosse.

The Infernet cirque in all its splendour, with many viewpoints and many climbs too. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the Fenestrettes PR® is affected, as is the Arles route (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the passability of the route.

This hike is a great way to discover Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in a different way, arriving via the Cirque de l'Infernet, without long lines of cars or queues at the car park. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the heights of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the PR® des Fenestrettes is affected, as is the Arles road (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l'Hérault Tourist Office for information on the passability of the route.

(Warning) Part of the route is closed by municipal order. See comments posted on 15 February and 12 May 2025. From the Montcalmès plateau, near Puéchabon, you can see the exit of the Hérault gorges with a breathtaking view of the legendary village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. This small plateau, once grazed by sheep, is home to some beautiful sheepfolds, some of which have been abandoned. Below, the Saint-Sylvestre-des Brousses chapel is worth a visit, as is the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge).

A beautiful hike with unobstructed views along the entire route. The hike is long but does not present any particular difficulties. The climb to Mont Saint-Baudille is very gradual and the view is well worth the effort.

On this hike, we will be able to access the orientation table at Mont Saint-Baudille, the highest point in southern Larzac (848 m), and enjoy a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mediterranean Languedoc.

A beautiful walk in the hills above Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, starting from the Lacan plain and its menhir, which leads us to a sublime viewpoint above the Hérault gorges. From here, there is a 360° view of the Mediterranean, Pic Saint-Loup, Ventoux in the distance and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Mont Aigoual, Le Vissou, Canigou and the Pyrenees. Magnificent!

Arboras, a village located in the foothills of the Larzac. This route takes you through the Grotte aux Fées (a magnificent little cave) and up to the heights just below Mont Saint-Baudille.

This hike follows small paths and forest tracks to reach Max Nègre, a remarkable geological site. The return route passes through the wild Joncas valley, where the Grotte des Fées cave opens up: a good torch allows you to visit the entrance for about thirty metres (stalactites and draperies).This route should be avoided in hot weather.

Part of the hike is unmarked, following an old railway line and then tracks or paths. The return journey takes you through beautiful wild valleys, along a dry stream. Technically, the hike is not difficult. However, given the multitude of crossroads, a GPS is essential. Not recommended for novice hikers.