The 12 most beautiful hikes to do around Montpellier

You want to discover the department in a simple way? Here are the best hikes around Montpellier.

Montpellier is a young and dynamic city located a few steps from the Mediterranean Sea. Today we offer you to pass the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and the district of Antigone, avoid the pretty royal square of Peyrou or forget the festivals organized all year round...

Indeed, go on a hike in the hurried hinterland! Wanderlix offers you its top of the best hikes to do around Montpellier to stretch your legs. Wild Garrigue, lush coastline and radiant sun await you. We're already there!

1. The Circus of the Infernet

This hike around Montpellier is rather sport sports sport . It starts in the village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. You will start by going along the Verdus Creek on a path marked with yellow . It is the historic route that allows you to reach the Larzac plateau: it is used by pilgrims who go to the Santiago de Compostela .

You will not go so far but your journey will offer you a spectacular view of Cirque de l’Infernet, an impressive cliff. The viewpoint of the Max Nègre and the Fenestrelles, a medieval work, are other points of interest in the journey.

In clear weather, the Mediterranean and the Hérault Valley are on the horizon... Sublime!

2. Cirque de Mourèze

This route aims to lead you to the dolomitic circus of Mourèze, all shaped by erosion. This hike around Montpellier starts at the car park of the tourist info point of Mourèze (paying : 3 €).

Follow the yellow marking : this path will climb strong in the undergrowth ( good recommended shoes ) to a ridge line. It is the highlight of the walk in the heart of the dolomitic limestones.

Indeed, Lake Salagou is on your right and the Mediterranean Sea, on your left. The summit of Mont Liausson is nearby. In clear weather, you can see the Pyrenees channel rise to the sky! Prefer the sun to the rain for this exceptional journey.

3. The Hermitage of Notre-Dame De Belle Grace

This hike around Montpellier starts from Saint-Guihem. It is perfectly marked and accessible to all families with children are welcome here.

After having torched on the crest of the Château du Géant, you will reach the town's forest. The hermitage of Notre-Dame de Belle Grace is not farther. A source of mineral water is right behind the hermitage: fill your gourdes, it brings happiness!

You will reach the Cape of Ginestet and enjoy a splendid view of the valley. The return will then be done quietly by the forest.

4. The circus of Navacelles

The circus of Navacelles is a classified site with impressive gorges and a unique fauna and flora. This incredible hike around Montpellier will make you discover the Vis (local watercourse) and will allow you to swim there.

Once parked in the parking lot on the D130, a little before the window, go to it. A panoramic view of the site is offered: what a show!

Then go up the Vis by following the red and yellow marking : some areas are suitable for swimming. Then continue to the ruins of the mills of the Foux, organ point of your journey. Careful, sun cream required In summer...

5. Saint-Félix Abbey of Monceau

Near Gigean, this route will allow you to observe the vegetation of the Gardiole massif, see Mont Saint-Clair and the ponds around the corner. One can distinguish that of Thau, a high place of French ostreiculture!

Everything starts at the parking lot of the Abbey Saint-Félix de Monceau in Gigean. You can visit it for an all-invigorating and cultural outing. Your loop will make you explore forest paths in the middle of a lush nature, especially in the spring. It will even be possible to find wild asparagus...

6. The wood of the Aresquiers

It is in Vic-la-Gardiole that the course of the Aresquiers wood begins. In the spring, the flowers make this itinerary the most enjoyable, with a nice view.

Rather rocky, the trail allows to see pink swans and flamingos floating on the ponds. Bridges are built above the marshes.

The trail continues along the lake and long canal tower, salins and pine forest. The children will enjoy the Indiana Jones style of this beautiful hike around Montpellier which poses no difficulty.

7. The Salagou Lake Tower

Welcome to Clermont-l’Hérault: your starting point is at the leisure base of Lake Salagou. Take the hiking trail to the yellow marking . You can admire the mountains that overlook the lake like Mount Mars, the Great Mountain and the mountain of Liausson.

Further the ruisselle water in Lake Salagou: it is normal, and in winter it is sometimes impossible to access the paths as the flow is important. You will reach the abandoned hamlet of Celles then contemplate the impressive dam of the Salagou from the top of a viewpoint.

Note that the shaded corners are rare and that it is appropriate to win helmet and good water reserves In summer!

8. The castle of Vivioures and the cave of the Hortus

Near Valflaunès, this hike around Montpellier offers a panoramic view of the Cevennes at the sea. Parking your vehicle near the cross between D122 and D17E6.

A rocky trail will lead you to an impressive cliff that you will need to go along to the cave and the top of the mountain of the Hortus. It is 512 metres in front of the Pic Saint-Loup.

The Séranne, the Aigoual and Mont Lozère break the horizon in clear time. A rocky descent (and sometimes dizzy: be careful if you fear the void) will lead you to the ruins of the Château de Viviourès. Little precision concerning the cave of the Hortus: it is condemned in order to protect the bats that have been chosen there.

9. The buckle of the Max Nègre window

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a medieval village ranked among the most beautiful in France. The Max Nègre is a summit overlooking the town and relatively easy access.

This hike around Montpellier will allow you to admire the Mont Saint-Baudille, the Piémont Cévenol and the Herault plain. The return route includes a passage through the Devil Bridge and the magnificent gorges of the Hérault.

Bathing possible and highly recommended in summer season. Flip!

10. The Pic Saint-Loup

From your starting point in Cazevieille, follow the marked path red and white . It climbs through the shrubs typical of the dense heraultian garrigue to a chapel.

The ridge line to the top presents a splendid but vertiginous view on the mountain of the Hortus. Raptors fly past hikers throughout the course.

In clear weather, the Gulf of Lion and even Mont Ventoux can be admired. Plan good shoes up for the rocks and don't look down!

11. The Castle of Aumelas

This hike around Montpellier takes you to Aumelas. Its castle is a feudal fortress built between the 11th and 14th. Its ruins are classified as historical monuments.

To reach them you will have to follow an old botanical path. A sumptuous panorama gradually opens onto the valley: superb in spring, meirific in autumn.

The Cevennes complement this typical Mediterranean landscape. The ruins can be visited and contain enriching indications that will make you know all about the history of the place. To be a family!

12. The ravine of the Arcs

Saint-Martin-de-Londres is not in the UK but close to Lamalou Gorges. This hike around Montpellier begins at the parking lot of the D986 road which serves the commune.

You will follow the GR60 to a straight descent in the ravine to the Arc. A canyon mineral decor is promised to hikers who will enjoy beautiful views of the Pic Saint-Loup. Splen-dide!