Hiking Hérault

Open up to outdoor sports! With Sports Nature 34, you will have the possibility to go hiking, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, to explore the landscapes of Béziers. If you have never done it before, you can also try Nordic walking: several routes exist to discover the most beautiful panoramas of the region, off the beaten track. Finally, an introduction to orienteering coupled with map reading will be offered by Luc, your qualified trainer.

With its fascinating landscapes in every season, welcome to the Orpellières nature reserve. This loop takes you through unspoilt countryside, rich in biodiversity. The trail guides you through a variety of natural environments: the banks of the Orb, salt meadows, sansouïres, dunes and lagoons. Signs inform you about the natural heritage of this protected area. Don't miss the Tellines lookout for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.

Here's a great way to discover the many facets of the Haut Languedoc Regional Park. Mountain biking can be done alone or accompanied by a qualified cyclist. Several tours are available, depending on level and duration. Routes range from a stroll around Rosis to a 20 km circuit in the valley. Orienteering outings are organized for groups, and are both fun and instructive! For the more athletic cycling enthusiasts, we offer mountain bike weekends with overnight accommodation in a gîte, meals and a fireside evening.

The Mont Marcou path leads to the discovery of curious dry-stone constructions known as "carabelles". Specific to the region, they punctuate the Faugérois landscape. Built without cement or binders of any kind, their origins remain a mystery to this day. We do know, however, that most of them date from the ^18th and ^19th centuries. They come in all shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is the key to their equilibrium: the load-bearing vault known as the corbel. Take a look at eight of these cabins, and enjoy a sublime panorama.

In the mountains of the Haut-Languedoc, at an altitude of 800 m, the donkeys of the Signoles farm look forward to accompanying you into the heart of the mountains they know so well. We offer a range of packages, from 2 to 14 days, allowing you to wander freely or follow a pre-established itinerary. The camp offers two types of unusual accommodation: a prospector's tent and a spherical tent. Very original!

Starting from the quai de la Vène, the short hike - indicated by yellow markers - takes you around the Garrigue Plane, above the Agas sheepfold and in a 360° panorama on the windmills. The itinerary goes through the kermes oaks, which cover the foothills of the Aumelas plateau, and leads to a point of view on the blue waters of the Thau pond. The level of difficulty is average, it takes 4 hours of walking for 12 km and 160 m of ascent.

Set off on a relatively easy 6.1 km hike. The route follows the ridge between the Hérault and Rieutord valleys. Start at Sumène in the Gard department. From Avenue de la Gare, head for Cap de Coste via Pont-Grand. Le Serre will soon be signposted, so keep following the signs. You'll eventually reach your starting point via Rue du Coin, then cross Pont-Grand again.

At the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park lies the Gorges d'Héric, an exceptional site that has been listed since 1993. Thanks to a trail, you can discover the richness of the flora and fauna, stroll along the water and discover the waterfalls and chasms. Signs ask questions. Answers can be found in the "Gorges d'Héric booklet", on sale at the Tourist Office. The walk is on foot, and takes 5 km and 315 m of ascent. It takes about 1h30 with normal walking, 2h with breaks. The return journey takes the same route, i.e. 10 km round trip. Ideal for families, with stroller access. The Gorges d'Héric is also a place where you can cool off in the natural pools. Héric is a charming, picturesque hamlet with small stone houses, slate roofs and chestnut frames, narrow streets and terraced fields.

Practical info : From Mons-la-Trivalle, head for the Gorges d'Héric parking lot. Paid parking on Easter weekends and from April 15 to September 15. The Snack Loulette welcomes you. Picnic tables, toilets, water points, sandwiches and drinks are also available in Héric.

Did you know? Numerous hikes are possible from this site, including the Sentier des Gardes, accessible from the Soupirs footbridge (on the right at the start of the gorges), which takes 2h30 to reach the Caroux orientation table (Caution: significant difference in altitude: 800 m D+).

Distance : 12,5 km

Duration : 3h30

Difficulty : Medium

This path invites you to a quiet interlude along the Hérault River, the Mediterranean Sea and the Canal du Midi. The protected area of Les Verdisses, a real green lung, covers 600 hectares. With a bit of luck, you will be able to see a European cistude, a small freshwater turtle, or the European bee-eater, a bird with remarkable colors.

Note: access to marker n°6 of the trail is possible if the Belle Isle park is open, otherwise you have to come back to the starting point after having reached marker n°5.

Distance : 8 ,5 km

Duration : The hike lasts2h45

Difficulty : Easy

Walk in the heart of the Verdisses area, a green setting towards the beaches and Adge.

This path starts near the campsite La Tama, the water tower and the bunkers which constituted the "Wall of the Mediterranean". It starts in the pine forest, continues to the pond, continues along the Canal du Midi, then through the vineyards, and reveals a ranch. Do not miss the visit of the bunker 638. It is a collection of images, scents and colors for everyone to enjoy.