Visiting the Hérault hinterland: what are the best things to do and see in this beautiful part of south-east France?
When we think of south-eastern France and the Hérault department, we often think first of its magnificent coastline. But the Hérault hinterland is a veritable natural nugget, a must-see. Its mild, pleasant year-round climate means it can be visited in any season. This magnificent region is brimming with treasures that are a must-see, especially if you love nature, hiking or trail-riding. Take the time to get away from it all, get off the beaten track and take a break from the crowds in the heart of this sunny and captivating region. Here’s a guide to visiting the Hérault hinterland without missing a beat.
1. Pic Saint-Loup
Photo credit: Shutterstock – sigurcamp
This 658-meter spine-shaped mountain is one of the symbols of the Hérault hinterland. You can reach its summit via a signposted GR60 trail, starting from Cazevieille or Saint Mathieu de Tréviers. Once up there, you’ll discover the little Saint-Joseph chapel, and above all a breathtaking panorama of the entire region!
The wines of the wine-growing plain it overlooks bear its name, and are among the most renowned in Languedoc-Roussillon: the wines of Pic Saint-Loup.
2. Pézenas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Bruno Bleu
Pézenas is a small town full of character that’s a must-see if you’re visiting the Hérault hinterland. This former royal town boasts a highly preserved architectural heritage, and has been part of the Villes et Pays d’art et d’histoire network since 2002.
Stroll through the cobbled streets, lined with private mansions and charming arts and crafts stores. Known as « Molière’s town », this is where the career of Molière and his « Illustrious Theatre » troupe really began.
3. Lac du Salagou
Photo credit: Shutterstock – HUANG Zheng
This artificial lake offers your eyes a veritable palette of autumn colors. The red earth that surrounds it, known as the « ruffe« , gives this unique place its distinctive beauty. Canoeing or paddling on the lake, hiking or mountain biking around it, or simply lounging by the lake… It’s up to you to make your choice and discover this magnificent place, not to be missed if you’re visiting the Hérault hinterland.
Tip: for the best view of the Lac du Salagou, head for Mont Liausson to the north or the Cirque de Mourèze to the south.
4. Le ravin des Arcs
Photo credit: Wikipedia – JYB Devot
Not far from Saint-Martin-de-Londres, the ravin des Arc is in fact a short, accessible 6km hike in the Lamalou gorges. Well-known in the area, it’s also one of the most beautiful hikes in the Hérault hinterland, culminating in a natural stone arch over the river.
As the river dries up in summer, we recommend you visit between April and June.
5. Olargues
Photo credit: Shutterstock – FredP
Discover this charming medieval village, one of the most beautiful in France. It’s located in the Haut Languedoc regional nature park, about 1h30 from Montpellier by car. What makes it special? It clings to a rocky outcrop, almost encircled by the waters of the Jaur river.
You’re sure to fall under the spell of its Romanesque marble bridge, cobbled streets and 12th-century medieval castle.
6. Cirque de Mourèze
Photo credit: Shutterstock – HUANG Zheng
Wondering what to do in the Hérault hinterland? Just a stone’s throw from Lac du Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze is a fabulous and impressive site of strangely shaped dolomitic rock.
This is a very pleasant place to discover on a hike. At its foot, the pretty medieval village of Mourèze is well worth a visit.
7. Parc départemental de Bessilles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Claudio Giovanni Colombo
Visiting the Hérault hinterland? Parc de Bessilles is a departmental leisure park offering a wide range of sporting activities. Located in Montagnac, it’s the ideal place to spend a fun-filled family day in the fresh air.
On the program: accrobranche, tennis, paintball, mini-golf, mountain biking and swimming. All in the heart of a sublime 35-hectare forest park, with an ecological management plan to ensure the sustainability of the natural environment and promote biodiversity.
8. Cirque de Navacelles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nadege Weller
A must-do in the Hérault hinterland: a hike in the cirque de Navacelles. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cirque de Navacelles is one of the most important natural sites in Occitanie, and offers an incredible panorama of the region.
Located at the foot of the Larzac and Cévennes mountains, and nestling in the heart of the Vis gorges, this immense canyon, carved out by the river, offers a breathtaking spectacle.
9. Clamouse cave
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jef Wodniack
Located in Saint Jean de Fos, in the Hérault gorges, the Clamouse cave is a must-see if you’re visiting the Hérault hinterland.
Listed by the French Ministry of Ecology, this cave is quite exceptional, due to its wealth of rare calcite and aragonite concretions.
10. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LianeM
If there’s one village you can’t miss if you’re visiting the Hérault hinterland, it’s Saint Guilhem le Désert.
This small medieval village, tucked away in the Hérault gorges, is home to one of the department’s most beautiful abbeys: Gellone Abbey.
11. Les Gorges d’Héric
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pernilla Wahlstrom
Head for Mons-La-Trivalle, in the sublime Caroux massif, to discover this exceptional place.
A hike around this listed natural site, which could take you as far as the summit of Caroux, is a must. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools and waterfalls along the way. Here, hikers, climbers and other canyoning enthusiasts will be delighted.
12. The Buèges Valley
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PAUL ATKINSON
Isolated, hidden between the Séranne crests, the Vis gorges and the Hérault gorges, the Buèges Valley is a discreet nugget to be discovered if you’re visiting the Hérault hinterland.
The scenery is sublime, the hiking trails superb, and the villages, such as Saint-Jean de Buèges and Pégairolles de Buèges, charming and authentic. A real little paradise if you love peace and quiet, nature and hiking.
13. La grotte des Demoiselles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Charles Leonard
Near Ganges, at the foot of the Cévennes mountains, discover the Grotte des Demoiselles. This marvel is equipped with Europe’s first underground funicular railway. It’s easy to get to.
The stalagmites and stalactites are enhanced by a magnificent play of light and sound, while the extraordinary « Cathedral Room » is the highlight of the visit. A great family activity in the Hérault hinterland.
14. Ambrussum archaeological site
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TRAUCHESSEC Gilles
A must-see archaeological site in the Hérault region, just 30 minutes from Montpellier, Ambrussum is a magnificent vestige of the Roman era. It is the oldest Roman road in Gaul, once linking Rome to Cadiz. Today, it is accessible free of charge, and offers a 2.3km route along which you can admire the Via Domitia and its bus station, the Ambroix bridge and the Gallic oppidum.
A museum (for a fee) is also on site. It recounts the history of Ambrussum and exhibits some of the artefacts recovered during the archaeological digs.
15. The Hérault Gorges and the Devil’s Bridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Plamen Nikolov
The Gorges de l’Hérault, whose river flows straight down from the Cévennes, are classified as a Grand Site de France. Spectacular, they offer a wealth of activities in the Hérault hinterland, including canoeing, canyoning, hiking and climbing.
The gorge leads to the Pont du Diable, a magnificent vestige of medieval times, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, linking Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Aniane. A beach just below makes it an ideal spot for a family day out.
How do you get to the Hérault hinterland?
There are several ways to reach the Hérault hinterland:
- Train: stop at Montpellier TGV station
- Car: A75, exits 49 to 59 or A9, exits 33 and 34
- Plane: Getting to the Hérault hinterland is fairly straightforward, as Montpellier is a dynamic and attractive metropolis with excellent transport links. If you choose to reach the region by plane, use a flight comparator like Skyscanner to find the best deal. The platform will show you the best solution, according to your criteria. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, don’t hesitate to rent a car– it’s the ideal way to get around the region. Get behind the wheel of your rental car and let yourself be seduced by the landscapes of the Occitan region.
- Bus: use the Blablacar and Flixbus routes passing through Montpellier, then join the Hérault hinterland on the departmental liO buses.
Where to stay in the Hérault hinterland?
If you choose to visit the Hérault hinterland, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation options: hotel, campsite, vacation village, guest house, gîte insolite or even Airbnb. And to help you make your choice, don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator.
Staying in Montpellier is the easiest way to get around the Hérault hinterland. The city of Montpellier is located in the heart of the department and offers a wide range of accommodation.
If you’re looking for a more natural, rural setting, you can opt for the surrounding villages of Gignac, Pézénas, Aniane, Saint Martin de Londres, Saint Mathieu de Tréviers or Villeneuve les Maguelone, close to the sea.
Don’t wait any longer, visit the Hérault hinterland!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Occitanie