Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone walks

After the magical shores of the Arnel and Vic ponds, explore the old salt marshes belonging to the Conservatoire du Littoral and discover an environment of great ecological richness. Don't miss the nature reserve with its flamingos and the wine estate.

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.)

An urban hike that mainly follows pedestrian routes and allows you to discover the many facets of Montpellier. From the historic Écusson district, where you can wander through narrow streets, to the recently developed Antigone district with its ambitious architecture, you will encounter a rich and contrasting heritage.

Family walk between the pond, salt marshes and the Bois des Aresquiers. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk level. 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.

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

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.

Two peaks in the Gardiole range offering views of the Gulf of Lyon. From the summit of Pioch Madame, you can see La Grande Motte and the summit of Pioch Michel, with unobstructed 360° views. To the north-east, you can see Villeneuve-les-Maguelonnes and La Grande-Motte; to the east, you can see the Espiguette lighthouse; to the south-west, the Sète mountain and the Étang de Thau; and to the north, La Gardiole. If the sky is clear, you can even see the Pyrenees. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

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

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

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.

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.

This route offers views over Frontignan on the sea side, as well as Sète and the Bassin de Thau with its oyster beds. The trail is well marked (yellow rectangle). It is not the most beautiful route in the Gardiole mountains due to the presence of high-voltage power lines and the Frontignan oil depot, but it allows you to cross from the sea side to the lake side in a short distance and enjoy a unique view of the Frontignan Muscat vineyards as you walk through the heath.

This hike takes you on a grand tour of the Bannières plain. The old Pont des Tourilles bridge, the Source du Boulidou spring, the ruins of the Templar farm and, above all, varied forests and flora will be along the way. This route deliberately takes small, unmarked and little-used paths. Therefore, although the description may be sufficient, it is advisable to use the GPS function of the Visorando app to monitor your progress during the hike.

Seven good reasons to discover Sète:It is the home of the tièle (a type of octopus pie that is emblematic of Sète).It is a city of culture (many museums, street art, theatres, etc.).It is the city of Georges Brassens and Paul Valéry.It's where you'll find the best oysters in the Étang de Thau in the world.Its seaside and Étang de Thau side, its beaches.Its canals give it a little Venetian feel, and its old port.The Muscat wines of Frontignan and Mireval.

The first third of the hike will take you to the castle, its large park and a small part of the old village. The rest of the hike will take you through various forests, a mixture of heath, pine forests, olive groves, etc. Along the way, you will cross the famous aqueduct several times, as well as some lesser-known places such as La Capelette and the old quarries.

A beautiful walk to Mont Saint-Clair, which offers a panoramic view of Sète. The route is quite varied, with narrow streets, forest trails and coastal paths. It offers different views of the town of Sète, the Étang de Thau, the salt marshes separating the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea and the port. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.

Beautiful views along the entire route, a few steep slopes, and especially the stairs taken earlier to reach the huts. The originality of this hike lies in the fact that it takes you across Mont Saint-Clair, the Pierres Blanches National Forest and the seaside. Best done outside of summer as most of the route is exposed. This hike may be prohibited depending on the fire risk level. Remember to check the map.