Discover nature in its purest form
The main mission of the Hérault department is to protect the environment. This is why it has managed to preserve its wild nature with many protected natural areas. So, if you are passing through the surroundings of Montpellier and you have a sudden desire for nature, we invite you to discover the Hérault in a different way by sharing 4 favorites from different travelers. Here are their stories and feedback.
The panorama is magnificent. However, it is by hiking that we really have the time to soak up this UNESCO World Heritage Site and labeled Grand Site de France.
For those who are not afraid of heights, you can walk down the side of the cliff. There, no doubt, you will be delighted by the tranquility of the place (few candidates for this trail considered difficult) and by the sheer drop which gives you plenty of time to observe the circus.
For a family discovery (or for those who have vertigo like me?), possibility to borrow shuttles that take you to the hamlet of Navacelles in summer. De there, a hiking trail leads you to the Moulins de la Foux, place of resurgence of the Vis which has just traveled a few kilometers underground. Freshness coming from the bowels of the Earth more than saving! But beware ! the water temperature never exceeds 14 ° C.
Visit the Moulins de la Foux, located in the Occitanie region
A beautiful walk to discover the depths of the Gorges de la Vis before climbing back up to the Causses and enjoy the panorama of the Cirque de Navacelles one last time at sunset.
What to do in the Hérault? Discover the Thau pond
The Thau lagoon is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The national nature reserve of Bagnas, classified Natura 2000, is a privileged site for hundreds of species of nesting and migratory birds. A guided tour allows you to surely observe teals, coots, harriers, black swans and other more exotic species, or to learn to identify edible plants such as sow thistle, silenus, obione, wild leek ... (reservation with ADENA, site manager).
For athletes, it is possible to practice all kinds of water activities on the pond (windsurf, optimist, catamaran, canoe ...), then relax at the O'balia wellness center in Balaruc-les-Bains, France's leading spa resort.
Some small beaches also border the pond but for sandcastles and swimming, I recommend taking the greenway connecting Sète to Marseillan in order to enjoy the bike ride and the Mediterranean coast.
Visit the Thau lagoon, near Sète
Highly recommended stopover in Sète (without a car, it's better because the parking is nightmarish) to contemplate some emblematic sites of the city: downtown, canals, port, lighthouse and pier Saint-Louis, Espace Georges Brassens, Mont Saint-Clair ...
The Hérault department, and more
You now have what you need to discover the nature of the Hérault department at your leisure: by bike, hiking, strolling ... Once your desire for flora and fauna is satisfied, continue exploring the department at through a visit to the essentials of Montpellier (Hérault prefecture), or set off to conquer the wonders of the Occitanie region !
