Lauret walks

Circuit on the eastern slopes of the Causse de l'Hortus visiting its sites of interest: Lafous mill, Embruscalles lake, Mas Neuf, the archaeological site of the Causse rock with a view of the entire Gard plains and the pre-Alps beyond, Mont Lozère, Aigoual and more...

Departure from Mas Baume, where the Asphodèles trail begins.

Pic-Saint-Loup, the legendary peak in the Montpellier hinterland. Here, I suggest approaching it from the east via Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers. This shaded, less frequented route through the woods takes you past the ruined castle of Montferrand. At the summit, you can enjoy views of the Alps, the Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, the Cévennes and the Mediterranean.

A beautiful walk for the whole family that leads to a spring through the heath.

There are several very interesting walks in the Pic Saint-Loup area near Montpellier, with distant views of the Cévennes to the north and the sea to the south.

This hike is best done on a sunny afternoon, so that you can contemplate the view from the summit, which can be truly breathtaking if the air is dry. This hike may be prohibited depending on the level of fire risk. Please consult the map.

In the Cardonille massif, south of Ganges, this lovely hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Cévennes, Mont Aigoual and the Thaurac plateau with its Grotte des Demoiselles. It then approaches the banks of the Hérault via shaded paths and trails, offering a real haven of coolness in the summer. The circuit, which sometimes runs along a balcony, offers beautiful views of the river and its meanders before reaching the picturesque Moulin de Clauzel.

A journey through both geological time and history, exploring the medieval village of Sauve and the chaos of the Mer des Rochers.

In the heathland hinterland between Sommières and Quissac, this wild, wooded hill dominates the Vidourle valley and offers a beautiful view to the south, all the way to the sea.

From Les Matelles, a pretty medieval village, this circuit provides access to the path on the crest of a ridge. The Tour de Vias (watchtower) was once built on this promontory. It offers beautiful views of Pic Saint-Loup, the village and the former convent of Notre-Dame-des-Champs before descending towards the Romanesque bridge of Deux Serres, which crosses the Lirou. Afterwards, the trail faces Notre-Dame-des-Champs and returns to the village, winding through a forest of pine, juniper and holm oak trees. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

Located between Nimes and Montpellier, the village of Saussines has a quite exceptional heritage: a listed 12th century church, a castle, beautiful mansions, old washhouses. The gorse scrubland is close by with six capitelles (1), a nature trail, a picnic area with tables and is close to a spring at the high point of the circuit, plus there is a beautiful view of the Pic Saint Loup and the Cevennes. Important note: Ignore the numbers marked on the ground and stick to the VisoRando instructions instead

This walk devoted to the discovery of Roman ruins will introduce you to two medieval Languedoc villages.The scrubland will bring you the fragrance of thyme and the landscapes will enchant photographers. Enjoy without moderation. Note: To help with orientation, "tricky" sections have been highlighted with blue dotted markers.

From the Roussières departmental estate to the prehistoric village of Cambous, this route takes you on a journey of discovery through Neolithic sites (tombs, dolmens, village) and the Termenou fountain, following ancient drovers' roads (paths used by sheep during transhumance). Crossing varied landscapes, ridges, undergrowth and meadows where asphodels abound in April, this hike also offers magnificent panoramic views of the Pic Saint-Loup, the Hortus and the Cévennes. This hike may be closed depending on the fire risk. Remember to check the map.

A pleasant, easy hike. Mostly on paths, sometimes on small roads. Landscapes of garrigue, vines and woods. Several mills line the route. You must make a short round trip to the Vidourle to admire them and enjoy the river's restful calm (on this day!!).

This moderately difficult hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Saint-Roman de Codières from the ridge of the Montagne de la Fage.

A hike mostly through forest, under the canopy of the Bois de Lens. Throughout the walk you'll experience stunning scenery. You'll also discover the Pielles Roman quarry, Macassargues caves (which were occupied by Neanderthal man), the pre-Roman sanctuary of Mabousquet (1st century BC), the Clunisian abbey of Jouffre (3rd century) and the Castellas de Montmirat (11th century).

Amid hills and valleys, a bull ranch (manade) under the pine trees, abandoned quarries, and quaint villages with narrow, shady lanes. A wonderful glimpse of the Gard.