The 12 essential things to do in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park

Would you like to visit the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park? Discover the 12 essential things to do in this exceptional regional park!

Established in 1973, the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park is one of the 53 regional natural parks in France. Visiting the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park is a must. It is recognized at the national level for its exceptional heritage and landscape value. This inhabited rural territory is on horseback in the departments of Tarn and Hérault, in the region of Occitania .

Nature and sustainable tourism destination, this exceptional park offers many activities to its visitors. Between the mountains of Lacaune, the Orb valley, the Black Mountain or the villages of Saint-Chinian or Bédarieux, you can discover magnificent cultural sites or practice several outdoor activities! So what to do in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park? Here is the answer with our 12 essentials.

1. The Gorges d’Héric

Located near Mons-La-Trivalle in the Hérault, these spectacular gorges were dug by the Héric in the massif of Caroux-Espinouse. Whether you are hikers, climbers or simply in love with beautiful landscapes, you have to come and discover this place.

You can walk, climb a few rocks or swim in the beautiful season. Careful, swimming is not monitored! Also take a tour of the charming hamlet of Héric, with its small stone houses with roofs covered with lauze, typical of the region. These gorges are one of the most remarkable places to do in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park.

2. The village of Olargues

If you come to visit the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, this village, one the most beautiful in the country , must be included on your itinerary. Pittoresque, Olargues is a village perched formerly fortified with the massif of the Caroux in backdrop.

Located on a rocky hill, you can visit at its top an old medieval castle transformed into a cloak tower. From there you will enjoy a panoramic view of the region!

3. The Basin of Saint-Ferréol

Located in the Black Mountain, this dam lake is partly located on the commune of Saint-Ferréol. It is the main water supply tank of the Canal du Midi . This large basin is an ideal place in summer for swimming or nautical activities, such as windsurfing or paddle.

You can also discover a museum, built near the dam, and which allows you to learn more about the history of the construction of the Canal du Midi.

4. Roquebrun

Roquebrun is another must-see village in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. Its exceptional microclimate allows the development of beautiful Mediterranean gardens. They include orange trees, lemon trees, and other citrus trees full of beautiful fruits, even in the middle of winter!

Charming and picturesque, the village is also known for its historical and architectural heritage. Among other things, you can admire its authentic houses, as well as the Orb and the bridge that has entangled it since 1870. Roquebrun is also the ideal starting point to discover the Park or to practice live water activities, such as the canoë-kayak .

5. The Gorges de Colombières

The Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, with its many rivers and torrents, obviously does not lack spectacular gorges! The Gorges de Colombières are among the most beautiful and unmissable.

Located in the north-west of the Hérault, they have varied and wilder landscapes than in the Gorges d’Héric. Beautiful hikes await you here. Along the water, you will admire beautiful waterfalls. If you are visiting the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, don’t miss exploring this natural gem of the region!

6. Lake Vesoles

Located northwest of the Hérault, this lake is also one of the must-sees in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. It is renowned for its wild beauty and incredible panoramas. The forest, heather and surrounding mooring are reflected in the deep blue waters of the lake.

This peaceful and harmonious landscape is already worth a visit! But further, from the dam, a path through the rocks will lead you to the Saut of Vesoles. In this place, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Jaur valley! The stream that flows into the void, the surrounding lush mountains, indeed have a breathtaking scenery.

7. The Gorges de La Cesse

In the Causses you can discover one of the must-see places to visit in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. Fascinated by the waters, the limestone plateau and the gorges present here incredible and typical karst scenery and reliefs of the region.

The water infiltrates and circulates under the ground, before climbing through caves, flaws and streams. This area also houses the impressive Natural Bridges of Minerve, iconic monuments of the Natural Park. These wonders are obviously to be discovered through charming sports hikes!

8. The Cathar City of Minerve

Voisine des Gorges de La Cesse, Minerve is a sublime village. The historic capital of the Minervois, the city rises on a rocky spur overlooking the Gorges de la Cesse and Brian. Preserved, picturesque and charming, Minerve keeps in its walls and alleys the memory of the Cathar era.

Here you can visit its ramparts, its barbacane, its medieval church and its bridge-viaduc. This Cathar city is obviously one of the ideal starting points to explore the Gorges de La Cesse. Don't miss discovering it if you come to visit the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park!

9. La Table d’Orientation du Caroux

Mount Caroux is known for its spectacular views. Constituted with a top plateau at 1,091 m above sea level, it is limited to the west by the gorges of Héric, to the east by the gorges of Colombières and to the south by the valley of the Orb.

Nestled in the centre of the Park, the mountain houses a must-see view: the Caroux Orientation Table. Here you will enjoy an exceptional view of the Hérault plain, but also on the Mediterranean and Pyrenees !

10. The Cascades of Mauroul

For a peaceful family trip, take a tour of the Mauroul waterfalls, another must-see in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. This friendly route starts in the hamlet of the same name. You will discover four beautiful cascades along the way, as well as a ferruginating source.

This refreshing hike will also allow you to admire the beautiful « Marmite du Sanglier ». High of a dozen meters high, its wet walls covered with lush vegetation present a magical setting!

11. La Grotte de La Fileuseuse de Verre

The Devèze Cave, nicknamed the Palais de la Fileuse de verre, is located in Courniou in the Hérault. If you are visiting the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, you should not miss this unique place.

The water has carved in this cave beautiful stalactites, stalagmites or aragonite flowers. Its nickname comes from the beauty, finesse and variety of forms it houses. This site also hosts the first museum of speleology, another place to visit absolutely.

12. The vineyards of the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park

Located in the heart of Occitania, the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park obviously houses many vineyards . Enjoy your visit to discover local wines! Whether you love red, white or rosé wines, you will necessarily find your happiness on the way.

For powerful reds, typical of the Languedoc, you can for example test the AOP appellations of Minervois or Saint-Chinian. For white wines, turn towards the high valley of the Orb, between Prémian and Colombières. With the tastings, you will discover exceptional terroirs, passionate producers, all in a mountainous and wild setting.

How to go to the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park?

The Haut-Languedoc Natural Park is accessible by car, bus, train or air. You will thus have no trouble getting there.

• By plane, you can land at theMontpellier Airport or at the Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport. To help you find the best flight, you can help you with Compare flights.
• Take the bus to reach Beziers since Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille or Montpellier. Once on site, you can use the Hérault Transport bus network to reach and visit the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park.
• By car, you can follow the N126 towards Castres, Mazamet, Saint-Pons-de-Thomières from Toulouse. From Montpellier, follow the A9 motorway towards Barcelona, then take Exit 36 to reach Castres-Mazamet. From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A75 direction Montpellier-Béziers and then go to Castres-Mazamet.
• You can also choose the train to reach the Castres station from Toulouse or that of Béziers from all over France.

Where to stay in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park?

If you plan to visit the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, you will necessarily ask in which city to stay. Fortunately, you will not miss options. You can opt for the beautiful medieval village d’Olargues, the city of Castres nearby or any other village in the park.

For accommodation, you can choose a hotel room or a lodging. For this, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best. For more atypical or personal accommodation, you can also opt for an apartment Airbnb .