Vailhauquès walks

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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).

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).

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.