Fancy some beautiful walks and rich, varied landscapes? How about a hike in the Hérault? Follow the guide!
From the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc to the Pic Saint-Loup, not forgetting the Lac de Salagou, medieval villages and surrounding gorges, hiking in the Hérault promises some great walks in the heart of nature.
Just as beautiful in summer as in winter, the landscapes of the Hérault region will captivate you whatever the season! So why not strap on your crampons and discover the magnificent garrigue of the Occitan region?
1. Cirque de Navacelles and Moulins de la Foux
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 10 km
Difference in altitude: 286 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Located between the Causses de Blandas and the Causses du Larzac, the 300-meter-deep Cirque de Navacelles is one of Europe’s largest canyons. The Cirque de Navacelles promises a complete change of scenery on this hike in the Hérault, between green plateaus, desert expanses and caussenard steppes.
As you hike, discover the region’s must-see sites, such as the Moulins de la Foux and the Gorges de la Vis, which promise to keep you cool. With its wild flora and fauna, this listed and protected site offers an impressive combination of physical exertion and natural riches.
2. Pic Saint Loup
Duration: 2h30
Distance: 5.8 km
Difference in altitude: 338 metres
Difficulty: Easy
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Situated between the Cévennes and Montpellier, Pic Saint Loup is a must-see in the Occitan region. Rising to over 650 metres, it dominates the garrigue and vineyards of the Languedoc region. Enjoying an exceptional position, the panorama over the Cévennes, the Luberon and the Petite Camargue offers splendid views.
An unspoilt natural territory, the Pic Saint-Loup is the most emblematic hike near Montpellier. Whether you’re looking to take in the scenery, admire the local flora and fauna, or get some exercise, the Pic Saint-Loup is an impressive place. Why not take a picnic break at the summit near the chapel and metal cross?
3. Infernet loop at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Duration: 4h35
Distance: 9.2 km
Difference in altitude: 572 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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This 10 km hike promises a complete change of scenery! You’ll be captivated by the scenery, which includes an exceptional little village, vineyards and olive groves, virgin forest, majestic cirque and breathtaking viewpoints. As you climb, the effort becomes more intense, but the final reward is simply breathtaking!
Once you’ve arrived in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, we recommend a visit. Start with the Gellone Abbey and Maison de Lorimy, continue with the village church and finish with the Argileum Museum.
4. Bardou and Héric circuit
Duration: 4h50
Distance: 10.9 km
Difference in altitude: 578 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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In an enchanting setting, this hike in the Hérault is a real pleasure to do. Combining signposted trails with routes through picturesque villages, this hike offers walkers a wide variety of paths and crossings. So what are you waiting for? Put on your best sneakers and set off on an adventure!
5. On the trail of the Romans
Duration: 3h05
Distance: 8.4 km
Difference in altitude: 143 metres
Difficulty: Easy
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This hike, which starts in Saussines, 30 km from Montpellier, will delight walkers and history buffs alike. It’s all about discovering Roman remains and medieval villages.
As you stride through the garrigue, you’ll discover landscapes that combine nature and traces of the past. The landscapes of the Hérault region combine with Roman ruins to create enchanting settings that will leave you breathless. We also recommend taking a break at Château du Pie Bouquet and Mas de Boulle.
6. Ravin des Arcs
Duration: 1h30
Distance: 3.9 km
Difference in altitude: 195 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Would you like to go hiking in the Hérault, but don’t know which one to choose? The Ravin des Arcs is the ideal option, as the level is not too high, so you can go at your own pace and enjoy the exceptional setting.
Hiking is the best way to discover a region, because as you go, you’ll see a variety of landscapes, impressive gorges (Gorges de Lamalou) and little streams here and there.
Don’t forget: sun cream is a must for this route!
7. Chemin des Légendes and its thousand steps
Duration: 4h55
Distance: 11.6 km
Difference in altitude: 637 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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This hike in the Hérault is above Riols and at the foot of the Monts du Somail. In this almost magical setting, you’ll discover stones galore! Schist, gneiss, menhirs and dolmens line your route, leading you to the famous Saut de Vézoles.
Near the Lac de Vésoles dam, the Ruisseau du Bureau plunges into the void at the Saut de Vézoles, offering a magnificent panorama of the Orb valley! In this enchanting setting, you’ll almost forget you’re exerting yourself, won’t you?
8. The Salagou capitelles
Duration: 4h10
Distance: 12.2 km
Difference in altitude: 255 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Close to Montpellier, the 750-hectare Lac du Salagou is a delight to explore on foot. Bordered by ochre earth, the Lac du Salagou is a spectacular and unique sight!
Undoubtedly the most beautiful hike in the Hérault, « les capitelles du Salagou » takes you through an exceptional setting, with a diverse and well-preserved flora and fauna.
And after your hike, why not take a dip in the lake to cool off?
9. Cirque de Mourèze, Montagne de Liausson
Duration: 3h15
Distance: 7.7 km
Difference in altitude: 435 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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Are you looking for a dream destination that will take your breath away? This hike in the Hérault offers magnificent panoramic views of the Lac du Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze and the Montagne de Liausson!
Starting out from Liausson, you then take a series of steep, narrow paths that gradually lead you to your final destination. After circling Mourèze, a pretty little medieval village, and the Saint-André cross, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding area, and in particular the magnificent Lac du Salagou!
What you need: good shoes, as the route is very stony.
10. Banks of the Hérault and Moulin de Clauzel
Duration: 4h50
Distance: 14.2 km
Difference in altitude: 350 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Accessible to all, this hike in the Hérault region is great fun on a sunny day. All the beauty of the Hérault landscape is revealed before your very eyes.
In the distance, you can admire the Cévennes, Mont Aigoual and the Thaurac plateau with its magnificent Grotte des Demoiselles. As you continue your hike, the shady and charming banks of the Hérault River come into view. Ideal for a short break, they are a veritable haven of peace. Finally, end your hike at the picturesque Moulin de Clauzel.
Bonus: in summer, swimming is possible at the Moulin de la Meuse de Clauzel.
11. Notre-Dame de Roubignac chapel by the dolmens in Octon
Duration: 3h45
Distance: 10.3 km
Difference in altitude: 348 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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This 10 km trail is one of the most popular in the Hérault region. On this escapade, you’ll discover the full extent of the Salagou region’s landscapes. Indeed, along the way, you’ll juggle magnificent panoramas from the heights of Octon and equally splendid views over the Lac du Salagou.
12. Col de l’Ourtigas
Duration: 4h10
Distance: 10.1 km
Difference in altitude: 479 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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The last Hérault hike in our ranking, but not the least! This 10 km circuit allows you to observe nature in all its splendour! The Col de l’Ourtigas will leave you speechless, no doubt overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape.
Indeed, all around you lies a steep, rocky landscape that contrasts with the small Vialais stream. So what are you waiting for? Put on your hiking boots!
Which of these trails is your favorite in the Hérault? Do you have any other suggestions?