Sumène walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

From the village of Laroque, take a tour of the Thaurac plateau and its many karstic caves.

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.

A beautiful autumn walk. Moderator's addition: For a slightly tricky section on the descent, it is advisable to do this hike in the opposite direction to the description

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

A short family hike offering panoramic views of the village of Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois and the Gorges de l'Hérault.The climb is steep but short.

A short but fairly difficult hike offering exceptional views of the Gorges de l'Hérault. The climb is on a shady but stony path to reach the vertiginous edge of a cliff. The route is generally well marked except for one section. Moderator's warning on 02/04/2021: Caution! Some sections are overgrown with vegetation; see the reviews of this hike at the bottom of the page

Le Vigan is not a particularly pretty or touristy town. However, if you stop off there, here's a walk to discover a few aspects of the historic centre and the banks of the river Arre.

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

Located at an altitude of 600 m, in the foothills of the Cévennes, Colognac is a typical Cévennes village. The lush vegetation of the meadows, chestnut and oak trees contrasts with the arid heath. You are in the mountains. From the Col des Fosses (900 m), the views stretch north over the Borgne valley to the Barre des Cévennes, and south-west over the Viganais and beyond. At the start, the Mouleyrette mill is a little gem.

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

A short hike passing by Pic de Barette, which offers a beautiful view of Aigoual and the Hérault valley. The route also passes by the tomb of André Chamson, resistance fighter, writer and member of the Académie Française.

A very wooded circular route, crossing numerous streams, but with some beautiful viewpoints. After a very steep climb, the route reaches the top of the waterfalls but does not offer a breathtaking view of them.

A beautiful walk for the whole family that leads to a spring through the heath.

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