Saint-Guiraud walks

This hike will take you to viewpoints overlooking the Lergue and Hérault valleys, passing through the rapids of the Lagarel stream and past the site of an old lime kiln. Bring a torch for the tunnel and a map as the route is not signposted. The GPX track will also be very useful.

The route is remarkable for its great diversity of sites and landscapes. Passage through the mountain via the Saint-Guiraud Tunnel. Ascent of the Lagarel Stream and the Devil’s Canyon.Ascent of the Deux Vierges.Panoramic views and return via the Yeuses track.Several challenges characterise the route:- lack of signposting along the vast majority of the route, but very well-defined, obvious and often bordered paths. -steep gradients concentrated between La Cascade du Diable and La Roque Courbe- slippery steep sections on the descent from the lime kiln slag heap and in the Ruffes corridor (more difficult on the descent; the circular loop should be completed in the suggested order).

Overlooking the village of Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian, the Rocher des Vierges, the highest point of the massif, offers breathtaking views. This interpretive route, perfect for exploring with family or friends, allows you to appreciate this unique site from a geological, historical and cultural perspective.

During the walk entitled ‘The Devil’s Canyon and Gibret’s Cross’, we discovered the extraordinary part of the canyon. The walk described today, which offers a striking contrast in scenery, covers only the canyon section. It is an exceptional geological site that we wanted to show our friends without having to repeat the long hike we’d done previously. It lies within a very distinctive geological formation known as ‘ruffe’ (a term used in the Hérault to describe the red soils formed from pelites). The hike is a round trip and presents no particular difficulties.

This hike from Arboras will take you through wild countryside with beautiful views of Mont Saint-Baudille. Much of the route is shaded, either in the undergrowth or in the beautiful Parlatges forest, making it possible to enjoy this hike in the sunshine. The trails are easy (gentle slopes and very few stones), but the lack of markings on the ground means you need to be able to find your way around.

The artificial lake of Lac de Salagou has created an attraction that goes far beyond water sports and bathing. Geology, pastoralism, old villages, drystone shelters and vineyards complete the appeal of this region, which returns to peace and quiet at the end of summer.

Discover Lake Salagou from the plateau and its drystone shelters scattered among the vineyards. Herds of animals guarded by Patou dogs, between 2 and 5 in number. Avoid hiking with your dog! See practical information.

Randonnée sans difficulté, sur de larges pistes, avec quelques beaux points de vue. Entre (D/A) et (5) autre option de départ par le GR®.

Whether you’re a contemplative soul, a sports enthusiast, a nature lover or a history buff, here is a route along the southernmost foothills of the Causse du Larzac: an easy one-way walk offering sweeping views of the Languedoc’s main peaks, with the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees as a backdrop. The route culminates in a gentle and refreshing finish in one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert, in the heart of the Gorges de l’Hérault, an area designated a ‘Grand Site de France’. Following a fire on 5 April 2023 on the hills above Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, the route remains passable but the PR® des Fenestrettes is affected, as is the Arles trail (GR®653). Please check with the Saint-Guilhem – Vallée de l’Hérault Tourist Office to find out whether the route is open.

A circular route starting from the archaeological stele on the D122 (Route des Lavagnes). Passing through Castelas de Montpeyroux and Arboras. Following thePR® Montpeyroux-Arboras and theGR®653(the Arles Way pilgrimage route). Two short circular loops around Arboras can be avoided, thereby shortening the circular loop by approximately 3 km.

Le Barry, a small village at the foot of the vineyards and the ruined Château de Castellas, near the village of Montpeyroux, provides access to the trails and a route through ancestral lands, vineyards and the La Font du Griffe sheepfold to join theGR® 74 towards the legendary Mont Saint-Baudille. From this spot, the view stretches across all the surrounding mountains and plains. Descent via Le Pioch Farrio, Le Joncas and La Croix de Fer.

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.

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.

Country walk to the Priory of Saint-Michel de Grandmont, which is well worth a visit for both its buildings and its grounds.

A beautiful route forming a circular loop, combiningPR® with part ofthe GR® 653, Chemin-de-Compostelle, the Prieuré Saint-Michel de Grandmont, the balconies of Soumont (and their bouldering spot), and the beautiful villages of Soumont and Usclas-du-Bosc.