Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez walks

Climb up to the Hermitage of Saint-Étienne, built in the 8th century by the Visigoths, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Orb valley and, on a clear day, the sea. The descent is a gentle walk through heath and pine trees.

This loop trail starts in Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez and climbs up to Puech de la Knoll (407 m), passing a Roman wall along the way. The trail follows an ancient path from Béziers. This trail, which follows in the footsteps of the Visigoths, offers several interesting ruins and panoramic views.

A butterfly-shaped hike around Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, climbing up to the Saint-Étienne Hermitage, with magnificent views of the sea and the Pyrenees, then along the Crouzet Stream.

A walk in the heart of nature starting from Roquebrun, with beautiful views of the mountains and the Caroux through the vineyards. The route is easy to follow and clearly marked in blue (several routes are possible from the starting point (2)).

Hike through holm oaks and heath at the edge of the hinterland. It allows you to climb a certain height with ease (gentle slope) before descending "abruptly" via the Chemin de la Bouissonade (an old Roman road) lined with stone walls.

The Cabrerolles Heritage Preservation Association has cleared forgotten paths to create this hike, which allows you to discover sites that are emblematic of the history of this area: the Chapel of La Liquière, the Lenthéric Mills and a memorial to an Aéropostale aviator. You will also walk among the vines of the famous Faugères vineyard. The route does not pass by Cabrerolles Castle, but we highly recommend extending your hike with a return trip to this magnificent monument.Please note: this hike is not recommended in hot weather as there is not much shade.

Discover two interesting mills, restored by the community of communes and the Cabrerolles town hall, which bear witness to a past activity entirely different from that practised today in a predominantly wine-growing environment.

A walk amongst the vines that produce the fine wine of Faugères.

A magnificent hike starting from Cabrerolles, a beautiful little village with its 10th-century fortified castle. Inside the castle, you will see the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Roque Chapel.At the start of the route, you will find a botanical trail featuring different plant species and other plants, which is great fun for children. Finally, at the top of Pic de la Coquillade, you will have a splendid 360° view of Caroux, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees.

After seeing the "Statue of Liberty", set off to discover a dolmen and a thousand-year-old olive tree.

Starting from Lugné, a hamlet in the commune of Cessenon-sur-Orb, this hike will immerse you in the Mediterranean heath and the Côteaux de Cessenon. Some unusual encounters during this hike: Statue of Liberty, Eucalyptus...

A pleasant hike through the schistous terroirs of the Faugères wine region, with vines at all altitudes right down to the bottom of the "Meteor" crater.

This hike offers beautiful views of the foothills of the Massif Central and the plain to the south, with the Orb valley winding at the foot of the slope, and to the north, facing the Carroux massif and the Gorges d'Héric.

This hike uses part of each Visorando route entitled "La Tour du Pin - Vieussan" and "circular at Le Pin". They are done in reverse, allowing you to do most of the trail at the beginning. Large sections of the route offer interesting views.

This beautiful route climbs up the fabulous Orb Gorges to the village of Vieussan and then heads back into the thick scrubland that covers the western slope of the Ayrolle summit. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Sometimes calm, sometimes tumultuous, discover the Orb on this walk. Many international canoe/kayak competitions take place in the Réals basin. A basin with a reputation for being highly technical.

A circular route that takes you to Pierrerue through the vineyards. The return to Cessenon follows part of the old railway line.

From Poujol-sur-Orb to the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants, with ascents via the Croix des Baussels, Combes and theGR®7, and a descent through the village of Le Vernet and then La Borie Basse.

A lovely walk through vineyards, heath and pine forests, with no difficulty other than the length. Beautiful views of the Caroux Massif, known as the reclining woman, Espinouse, Canigou and the sea on a clear day.

Bird's eye view of the Réals base and crossing the canyons. Moderator's warning on 01/03/2021: Caution! GPS is useful for this hike. See reviews

A summit between the high cantons of Hérault and the wine-growing plain.

This challenging hike will take you along steep paths to the ruins of Mourcairol Castle and Saint-Michel Chapel, then on to the magnificent ruins of Cabrerolles Castle.

Magnificent views that must be earned.Route through the Saint-Michel National Forest: forest of oak and mixed species, along small paths that are quite steep in places.

This route combines historical discoveries with breathtaking views, allowing you to see the destination of the hike before you.

This route starts from a restored dovecote on the road from Murviel-les-Béziers towards Cessenon-sur-Orb. Set off through the vineyards towards the former priory of Veyran, before returning to the banks of the Orb as it roars through the Gourniès gorges.

This hike takes you to the top of the Tour du Pin from Vieussan, a picturesque village with many stone buildings, built in the meanders of the Orb. Discover this commune, which offers interesting historical remains and a walk that changes slopes regularly, allowing you to enjoy splendid views, including a 360° panoramic view from the summit of the Tour du Pin at 666 metres.

The route is dotted with several dovecote towers, one of the distinctive features of the commune of Murviel-lès-Béziers.

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 challenging hike crossing the massif at mid-height. Magnificent views over a succession of valleys and combs connecting the Colombières Gorges to the Héric Gorges. Alternating ascents, descents and flat sections in wooded environments followed by very rocky sections. Two passages equipped with ladders and a few slightly exposed passages, but no particular difficulty. Recommended on days with strong north-westerly winds as the route is well sheltered.

This is a demanding hike with a long, very steep section covering a significant elevation gain from Esquino d'Aze to Tour Verte, but that's par for the course when climbing the south face of Caroux! Beautiful views of this remarkable rocky landscape forming a vertical barrier between the hills of Saint-Chinianais and the Caroux plateau. However, you need to be experienced in walking on rough, unmarked trails.

Located in the Haut Languedoc Natural Park, the two massifs of Caroux and Espinouse offer a multitude of hikes. I suggest a two-day circuit that allows you to explore a variety of landscapes and admire the abundant wildlife (including mouflons). The hike starts from the car park below the church in Colombières sur Orb. The bivouac area is located around the summit of Espinouse. The second day is spent returning via the Heric Gorges, with the option of a final detour to the old chestnut groves on the mountainside.

Day one: Climb up the Colombières Gorges towards the Caroux massif. Cross the Caroux massif towards Douch, then follow the Vialais stream before climbing back up to the Espinouse massif and settling down for the night.

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.

An exceptional circular walk above the torrent of Arles where you can discover a cave dwelling and a superb Cervennes collection in the hamlet of Fage.

A different kind of hike in the Gorges de Colombières. The ascent along the left bank of the Ruisseau d’Arles offers a more challenging hike than the PR® route, which lies further to the east and leads to the same spot. Almost uninterrupted views of the gorge throughout the climb allow you to see the western slope of the Gorges. Another way to explore them. 

This route runs entirely through the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. It passes through two typical villages and offers numerous panoramic views of the Orb Valley, the Monts d’Orb, the Montagne de l’Espinouse and the Caroux Plateau. Charles Péguy, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Paul Nizan (Les chiens de garde), Robert Desnos and hundreds of others await us in the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants.

Discover a landscape of heath, vineyards and limestone cliffs, as well as a remarkable architectural heritage. The village of Cazedarnes has two points of interest. The main one for hikers is the magnificent view from the top of the cliffs over the village below and the Foncaude plateau. But there is also a church entirely decorated with frescoes. This is the work of Nicolaî Greschny,who used Byzantine techniques consisting of applying natural ochre pigments to the still-fresh plaster. In 2012, the entire parish church, including its wall decorations, was listed as a Historic Monument. To climb the cliffs, follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela andtake the GR®787, known as the Bretelle de Foncaude, for most of the route.GPS or Visorando app useful

This is the second route in a series of six balcony trails on the slopes and cliffs of Caroux, offering superb panoramic views and cliffs in a very rocky landscape of ledges and ridges. The route is high up, challenging and technical, but not difficult or dangerous. Avoid in wet weather as the ground can be slippery in places, particularly on the large slabs of schist. This route starts from the hamlet of La Pomarède, climbs the ridge of the same name to the Portail des Cades, before descending via the Biterrois and Garel paths to the sublime Albine waterfall (30 m high) and back to the car in the valley.

Starting from Prades-sur-Vernazobre, this loop passes through the Col du Lac, approaching Berlou and Col de la Maurerie. This is an easy hike with no particular difficulties. There is some shade, but most of the route is on unshaded forest tracks. You will walk through vineyards offering beautiful views, particularly of the Caroux.

This varied route takes you first to the pretty hamlet of Torteillan, a true haven of peace, then, after a short climb under oak and chestnut trees, to the village of Combes. The route then follows a path leading to the Col des Princes, which rises to 588 m and is well known to cyclists. Via tracks, paths and trails, it leads to the (ruined) Chapel of Saint-Vital and the Roc de Bessède, where you can enjoy a magnificent view, at an altitude of 573 m, of the surrounding mountains and the villages of L'Horte and Taussac below.

A pleasant walk that climbs slightly at the start of this circuit through oak trees, leading to the small Notre-Dame de Capimont Sanctuary, a true haven of peace and coolness. Overlooking the Orb and Bitoulet valleys, you will be in the shade during hot weather and a panoramic view awaits you there.

A stunning hike that takes you past the Albine Waterfall, the Caroux Plateau, Douch, Héric, the hamlet of Bardou and the Saint-Martin-du-Froid Chapel.

This is the third route in a series of five balcony trails 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 on the large schist slabs. This circuit starts from the village of Saint-Martin-de-L'Arçon, climbs straight up the Saint-Martin ridge towards the summit of Caroux, to the orientation table, before descending, just as dry, via the Sentier des Gardes and the Sentier de Saint-Martin.

The Caroux Massif offers a remarkable view of the Hérault plain, the nearby Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees in the distance. The orientation table located on a belvedere is the ideal spot to enjoy this panorama.

E12th-century Romanesque chapel with a17th-century hermitage attached, it bears witness to the religious past of the neighbouring villages. Behind the building, a steep path leads to a small chapel at the top of a monumental staircase: this is the Chapel of Sainte-Anne, mother of Our Lady. From the esplanade in front of the church, there is a superb panoramic view stretching from Carlencas to Caroux and from Pic de la Coquillade to Orb. An orientation table helps you to locate this environment.

Features of the route: heath, holm oak forests. Discover the heritage of dry stone buildings, testimony to the work of man. The art of dry stone has been listed as UNESCO cultural heritage since 2018. At the end of the route, visit the interpretive trail.

A hike in the Caroux massif that partly follows the GRP® du Haut Languedoc et des Vignobles trail, which crosses the southern face from west to east, winding its way through a rugged granite landscape. There are some beautiful views along the way, looking south towards the sea. This is a somewhat challenging hike given the fairly steep slopes to reach the plateau.

Climb up a little-used path to reach the Caroux plateau. Challenging due to its configuration, the ascent in this part of the massif is wilder than the usual access routes. This hike is for experienced walkers, as the route is not always easy to find and some passages are a little difficult or exposed, but not dangerous.

Discover a magnificent and peaceful place in the heart of the heath. For more information, visit http//www.abbaye-defontcaude

Fourth route of six balcony trails 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. Good physical condition is necessary, as this route offers no respite from sustained effort! Several sections involve semi-climbing, so you must not be prone to vertigo or afraid to put your hands on the rock. Not to be attempted in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery in places, especially around the boulders that need to be crossed. This route starts from the hamlet of La Coste, climbs straight up the ridge of the same name towards Roc de Bartouyre, before continuing horizontally towards Col de l'Ours and Saut de l'Âne, then descends via a stony path towards Saint-Martin de l'Arçon, finally returning to the starting point in the neighbouring hamlet.

Leaving Faugères, climb up to the mill and cross the heath dotted with drystone shelters...

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 discovery walk organised by the Association des Pierres Sèches en Faugérois.A short walk accessible to all, following forgotten paths rediscovered by the Association Pierres Sèches en Faugérois. It offers the chance to discover 15 carabelles – the local name for drystone shelters – among the many found in the Faugères area. The route is fully signposted in blue.

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 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.

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.

This trail in the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants allows you to discover megalithic tombs.

Set in the heart of the Hérault heath, this route offers an immersion in a landscape typical of the southern Mediterranean, blending unspoilt nature with rural heritage. The walk begins at the Grotte de Soumartre, a natural formation comprising three distinct chambers, where you can admire beautiful limestone formations and spectacular stalactites, evidence of thousands of years of slow erosion. The route continues towards the Moulins de Faugères, former windmills historically used for grinding grain, the earliest traces of which date back to medieval times. Finally, the trail passes through a remarkable heritage of dry-stone construction, featuring agricultural terrace walls that once shaped the terraced fields, as well as ‘carabelles’ – small stone structures used as shelters or for agricultural tools – a legacy of traditional farming practices and the organisation of the region’s ancient gardens and crops.

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.

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.

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.

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.