Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle walks

From Champ de la Croix, at the start of the DFCI track, explore the foothills of Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle. An inspiring and surprising outing thanks to the places you’ll visit. Cross the Bois de Mascla and the Boscas ridges. Head to the Croix de la Gardie. Discover the ruins of the Tour d’Arthus. Wade across the Ruisseau du Coulazou. Walk along the old railway line. This leaves a lasting impression and immerses us in memories of times gone by.

Le Mas Dieu, situé au centre de cette petite garrigue, était une étape sur le chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle mais aussi sur le chemin des saliniers qui montaient le sel de Frontignan ou Villeneuve-lès-Maguelonne vers l'Auvergne. Avec le ralentissement de ces deux activités, ce n'était plus qu'une bergerie à la fin du XIXe siècle bien que la ligne de chemin de fer Montpellier-Lodève le traversa. Devenu relais des chasseurs des environs au XXe, il faillit disparaître en 1991 quand Montpellier envisagea de le transformer en dépôt d'ordures ultimes. Après moult projets pour le sauver, un ensemble de bâtiments dotés de capteurs photovoltaïques sur le toits y furent construits. Malheureusement les infrastructures routières sont inexistantes pour rejoindre l'autoroute et du train, il ne reste que le ballast.

Hiking on tracks and trails. This outing, sometimes in the undergrowth, sometimes under the pines, does not present any particular difficulty for occasional hikers. In good weather, there are beautiful views from Puech Bartelié or over the Séranne.

A pleasant route on trails that are rarely used in winter: a blue lake at the bottom of an old red bauxite quarry, a hermitage lost in the heart of the forest and a panoramic view from the top of the Puech Bartelié antenna.

This leisurely stroll offers superb views of the village and the Montpellier area, the sea, the city and the hinterland (Pic Saint-Loup).

The route consists of two circular paths of roughly the same distance. You can start on the east or west side, as you can leave your picnic in the cars if you do one circular path before midday.

A hike north of Montpellier through vineyards and fig trees, enhanced by a visit to Vignogoul Abbey.

Vailhauquès, surrounded by its ruins, is an iconic place where the village, marked by its past and looking towards its future, proudly embraces its history. Discover unusual and surprising places, notably its dolmens on a north-west dial, which will spark the curiosity of history buffs.

Starting from the beautiful medieval village of Cournonterral, this loop trail runs through heathland and plunges into the small gorges of Coulazou.

Murviel-Lès-Montpellier, a small village nestled in the heart of the vine-covered hillsides, steeped in memories and history. For hikers and visitors in search of the past, nature lovers and adventure seekers, this is a place to discover in order to better face the future.

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.

Starting from this beautiful route, you will discover the surprising Source de l'Avy along the banks of the Mosson. You will then reach the panoramic viewpoint of the Croix de Guillery. After crossing the old agricultural and wine-growing plain, the circuit will take you along the path once used by salt caravans to the top of the partially wooded rocky plateaus, where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup and the surrounding mountains.

To explore the area around Lavérune, take the small tarmac or stone paths, as well as the trails that cross the Truc Pela woods. The hike is easy overall, but requires a little attention in the woods, or even a GPS.

This hike requires attention and monitoring of the GPX track, especially between points (11) and (12).Alternating between beautiful open views and wild valleys, often away from marked trails. It follows forest tracks and unmarked paths.

Reach the banks of the Hérault from Puéchabon. There are various routes, but not from this village with its hidden mysteries. The area you will be crossing will surprise the novice. Discover the flora and fauna, which has many surprises in store. Swimming is possible on the Hérault river. Everyone will be enlightened in their own way and will take away memories that may reinforce their choices and visions. Nature offers many surprises for those who are willing to linger.

(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).

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.

From the Roussières departmental estate to the prehistoric village of Cambous, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through Neolithic sites (tombs, dolmens, village) and the Termenou fountain, following ancient drovers' roads (paths used by sheep during transhumance). Crossing varied landscapes, ridges, undergrowth and meadows where asphodels abound in April, this hike also offers magnificent panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup, the Hortus and the Cévennes. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This is a pleasant hike in the Gardiole area, starting from Gigean. You will discover various remarkable viewpoints and beautiful panoramas. To the west, you can see the wind turbines of Villeveyrac and to the east, at Pioch Noir, there is a breathtaking view of the ponds and the sea in the distance. This hike takes place on beautiful tracks often lined with pine and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

The Gardiole mountains: Pioch Noir (216 m), Pioch de Camille (224 m), Roc d'Anduze (234 m), Peyre Plantade (160 m), Rulet et Cabanes (140 m), Pioch Redonel (129 m) and other mountain passes offer a fairly comprehensive view of the four cardinal points. They offer a sublime panorama of the mountains and valleys across the entire perimeter. The views are remarkable. It is impossible to leave without taking with you what nature has to offer. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Remember to check the map.

This hike allows you to discover the six painted cisterns of La Gardiole and enjoy the many views from the massif. Views of the Cévennes massif in the first part, then of the sea in the second part. At Le Pioch Noir, if the weather is favourable, you can see both Canigou to the west and Mont Ventoux to the east.

It is interesting to delve into the past and discover little-known places that give us a glimpse into the history of our roots. For me, this is evident when visiting the Oppidum de la Roque site. It seemed appropriate to include a site that is also indirectly but historically related to a connection between ancient and contemporary history. This is La Chapelle Saint-Bauzille (Saint-Baudile).

A bucolic route full of discoveries. Cross the heath and the summit of La Madeleine with its Saint-Bauzille Chapel (view of the Montpellier plain: urban area, surrounding villages, ponds). In Gardiole, follow the Chemin de Croix, cross the Canabière Valley, the summit areas of: La Réserve, Roque Rousse, Pioch Champ, Table Mise, Truc des Cades. View of the motor racing route. In the distance, vineyards. This nature, so rich in biodiversity, commands respect.

Walk to a summit offering a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings of Montpellier, the heath, the ponds and the sea.

This very pleasant and easy hike offers a journey back in time to the heart of the Moure massif. Allowing you to discover the exceptional heritage hidden in the Hérault heath, this circuit of just over 5 km offers a high concentration of perfectly restored traditional buildings. A dozen drystone shelters and other buildings can be seen along the route.

This is an easy hike that allows you to discover an old railway line and its tunnel, as well as a geological curiosity, while enjoying the natural heritage of the Hérault hinterland. Moderator's warning: Please note that reviews of this hike indicate that a GPS or the Visorando app is useful

This route follows the Dolmen and Fossé des Yeux hike, but starts from Tressan. It is slightly shorter and parking is easier.

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.

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.

This hike, which mainly follows shaded paths through the Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert National Forest, will allow you to discover magnificent landscapes over the Hérault Valley on the way there and beautiful panoramas of the Séranne Massif on the way back.

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.

This walk takes you through the pretty village of Les Matelles and past two Romanesque bridges. It winds its way through vineyards and pine forests. Best avoided in summer.

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.

Randonnée au tracé très complexe nécessitant l'utilisation d'un GPS. La carte IGN au 1/25000 n'est pas suffisante. En contrepartie, vous découvrirez de nombreux petits sentiers non balisés et peu fréquentés, à l'écart des pistes et en sous-bois. Vous atteindrez la source du Lez, secteur bien aménagé pouvant faire l'objet d'une pause et reviendrez vers le parking, toujours par des chemins isolés.

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

A circular two-day tour starting from Saint Guilhem le Désert. Start at the Verdus Gorges and the Cirque de l'Infernet and climb Mont Ste Baudille. Stop at Les Besses before heading back towards Le Coulet via theGR®74and returning to St Guilhem.

First part of a two-day circular route from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to the southern Larzac. Ascent via the Cirque de l'Infernet to reach Mont Saint-Baudille and arrive on the plateau. 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.

From Les Matelles, a pretty medieval village, this circuit provides access to the path on the crest of a ridge. The Tour de Vias (watchtower) was once built on this promontory. It offers beautiful views of Pic Saint-Loup, the village and the former convent of Notre-Dame-des-Champs before descending towards the Romanesque bridge of Deux Serres, which crosses the Lirou. Afterwards, the trail faces Notre-Dame-des-Champs and returns to the village, winding through a forest of pine, juniper and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

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.

This hike will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Gardiole massif. Starting from the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau, you will enjoy a superb view of the Mediterranean, from La Grande Motte in the north to Sète in the south. You will pass by the Pioch Noir and the Roc d'Anduze, two unmissable viewpoints of the Gardiole massif. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

As you climb up to Roc d'Anduze, this hike offers wide panoramic views to the north-west over the Étang de Thau, all the villages in the valley and beautiful views of the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Monceau. At the highest point of the Gardiole massif, there is a magnificent 360° view. The circuit then heads towards the summit of the Devèse along ridge trails, offering multiple panoramic views of the sea, Frontignan, Sète, Balaruc, the Étang de Thau and... the Canigou. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Walk suggested by La Gazette de Montpellier no. 1716, 6 to 12 May 2021. At the edge of the ponds, visit the old salt marshes. Opportunity to observe many birds (flamingos, herons, cranes, seagulls, etc.) in their natural habitat.

This is an easy walk through the Mireval salt marshes, where you can discover all kinds of animal species, including the region's famous pink flamingos. (Please note that the section between (2) and (3) is closed between 1 April and 15 August each year to allow birds to nest. During this period, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the site.)

This hike is best done on a sunny afternoon, so that you can contemplate the view from the summit, which can be truly breathtaking if the air is dry. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

There are several very interesting walks in the Pic Saint-Loup area near Montpellier, with distant views of the Cévennes to the north and the sea to the south.

A pleasant loop with no real difficulties, starting from Cazevieille and west of Pic Saint Loup. Most of the route is in the woods, making it pleasant even in summer. Take into account the possible paths between (1) and (2) as well as the note at (6).

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.

A short hike, with a little difficulty on a very stony path going up and down between points (3) and (5). The rest of the route is very pleasant, ending with a visit to the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles.

This hike takes you across the Seranne massif from north-west to south-east, offering a panoramic view of Saint-Guilhem dominated by its castle. You can visit the village and the abbey before climbing high up the path of an ancestral procession.

Pic-Saint-Loup, the legendary peak in the Montpellier hinterland. Here, I suggest approaching it from the east via Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers. This shaded, less frequented route through the woods takes you past the ruined castle of Montferrand. At the summit, you can enjoy views of the Alps, the Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, the Cévennes and the Mediterranean.

Pic Saint-Loup is a classic spot with a superb panorama: on one side, the view stretches as far as Mont Aigoual, which rises above the Cévennes, and on the other, the plain stretches to the blue Mediterranean. Starting from Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, this route begins in the opposite direction, allowing you to enjoy more peace and quiet and follow the sun's path. Some sections are vertiginous, see reviews