Saint-Martial (Gard) walks

The route follows part of the drovers' road from Colognac to Mont Aigoual.

Starting from Puech Sigal, a beautiful circular walk through the remote villages of the Cévennes in the Gard region, to the Col de l’Asclier and its sheep bridge. By adding an hour and a half to the walking time, the start (and finish) can be at Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière.

Starting from Peyregrosse, a round trip along the Hérault river followed by a circular route passing through the hamlet of Villaret and the Jardin des Sambucs, a remarkable garden (see opening times).

Starting from Peyregrosse, on the banks of the Hérault, the hike takes a beautiful path, once used by young villagers to go swimming in the river, up to the village of Saint-André-de-Majencoules. It continues with a circular route that allows you to visit the village and its surroundings.

Circular route on the northern slope of the Hérault valley allowing you to climb to the crest of the Aigoual massif, which offers superb views of the Cévennes.

A 360° panorama of the Cévennes valleys and Mont Aigoual. Information panels are provided along the route.

Panoramic hike, Fageas – Rocher de l'Aigle – Serre de Borgne, from the Col de l'Asclier.

A short hike to discover two typical hamlets, consisting almost exclusively of old houses, on the southern slope of the Aigoual.

These paths lead to terraces that were once cultivated and offer views of the surrounding hamlets. Most of this hike is in the shade of holm oaks and chestnut trees. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time in these typical Cévennes landscapes.

This circular hike takes you through the Combe Chaude Nature Reserve, a nesting area for birds of prey and bats in the numerous caves. This limestone barrier overlooks the Rieutord valley and offers a beautiful view of much of the Cévennes in the Gard department. Don't miss the unusual crossing of the Baume Clauside, the climb up the Ranc de Banes offering a 360° panorama from Pic Saint-Loup to Mont Aigoual, and a short tour to discover the village at the end of the circuit.

Tour of the Rieutord valley via the ridges between Sumène and Ganges, with the unique feature of crossing the Baume Clauside cave. You will enjoy the typical panoramic views of the southern Cévennes.

Situated at an altitude of 600 m, on the foothills of the Cévennes, Colognac is a village with typical Cévennes character. The lush vegetation of the meadows, chestnut trees and oaks contrasts sharply with the arid heath. We are in the mountains. From the Col des Fosses (900 m), the views stretch northwards over the Borgne valley as far as the Barre des Cévennes, and south-westwards over the Viganais and beyond. At the start, the Mouleyrette mill is a little gem.

The hamlet of Cézas, in the commune of Sumène, clings to an altitude of 650 m between the Cagnasses and Fage mountains, in the heart of a national forest. This short mid-mountain route alternates between numerous shaded passages and views of the Cévennes and beyond. On the way, a visit to the 12th-century Priory of Saint-Martin is a must, offering a peaceful spot for a picnic.

This moderately difficult hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Saint-Roman de Codières from the ridge of the Montagne de la Fage.

Set amid pastures and wooded hills covered with chestnut trees, this Cévennes getaway offers splendid views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

For experienced hikers, here is a 40 km loop starting from Valleraugue and reaching Aigoual via the famous 4,000 steps. It descends to Lac du Bonheur near Camprieu, then climbs back up to Espérou and ends along the ridges facing Mont Aigoual, which you will have discovered a few hours earlier. This hike is not technically difficult but is very long with some steep sections and requires good stamina.

A circular route starting from the car park at the spinning mill in Lasalle, heading towards Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle and its magnificent chapel via the Col de l’Oursine. Return via Calviac and Saint-Bonnet-de-Salendrinque. Mainly through woodland, you’ll still enjoy plenty of magnificent views. Places to see: Le Sollier and Le Castellas castles, the chapel of Sainte-Croix-de-Cadelre, the Menhir at a drystone shelter, the Salendrinque river and the spinning mills of Lasalle.

A lovely hike from Les Plantiers to the Saint-Marcel church in Fontfouillouse, passing through the hamlet of Monteils, the Col de l'Espinas and Faveyrolle.

A short hike to discover the village of Valleraugue, the legendary starting point of the 4000 Marches, and its terraces overlooking the Hérault.

From Valleraugue, take the famous 4000-step trail that climbs up to the Mont-Aigoual observatory. To complete the loop, follow theGR®6for a long descent through the forest towards Aire de Côte, before finishing with a crossing of the chestnut grove above the hamlet of Berthezène.

A circular loop following only GR® trails. We start on the GR®63 to reach Colognac. Then we take the GR®6 and 67 to the Col de l’Asclier, with superb views all along this gradual climb, before taking the GR®61 and then the GR®63 again to Lasalle. Camp Barrat (13) is a perfect spot for a picnic; situated at an altitude of 920 m, it offers views stretching from the sea to the Monts de Lozère. The 270° view from the summit of the Col du Fageas is superb too. However, it is a demanding route, with a significant elevation gain, even if it is gradual and without any particular difficulty. The steep descents are even more challenging, with numerous stones requiring constant attention, particularly after the Col du Fageas on the way to the Col de l’Asclier, though this section can be avoided. Another demanding descent follows the Col de la Mortière.