The most beautiful landscapes in Hérault
1- Larzac and Navacelles: the immensity of natural landscapes
Larzac, the emblematic land of southern France, is brimming with historical, cultural and natural treasures. In the heart of the region, the sites of the Hospitaller Templars bear witness to the rich past that has marked this territory. The villages of Larzac, steeped in history and charm, are jewels to be discovered. Couvertoirade, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, La Cavalerie and Sainte Eulalie de Cernon, bear witness to the legacy of the knights who watched over these lands.
Nestled in the heart of the Causses and Cévennes, a Unesco World Heritage site, Larzac's unique landscapes and wild flora and fauna bear witness to the region's unspoilt natural beauty.
But when it comes to nature, the Cirque de Navacelles is a jewel, a destination of choice for all those who dream of a simple escape.
Giving the incredible feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, the site of Navacelles which is only one hour from Montpellier, turns out to be a true sanctuary of human and biological history. Between green vegetation and its picturesque hamlet, there is an Olympian calm.
Its choice panorama is a godsend for the eyes, all the more so as the landscapes change according to the seasons!
The site is also sublimated by the river Vis, which has created the circus of Navacelles and is an excellent guide to hiking where the paths along it are clear and marked.
The opportunity to bring back your most adventurous friends for a unique walk or even to initiate your family in complete tranquility.
Otherwise you can always take advantage of the clear water of the Vis to refresh yourself in the summer ! !
2- The circus at the end of the world, close to Saint Guilhem le Desert and the Devil's Bridge
On the southern edge of the Causse du Larzac lies the Cirque du Bout du Monde. Carved out of the foothills, it forms a veritable natural geographic frontier. Less well known than the Navacelles cirque, it is nonetheless a superb natural site to discover when visiting the region. Several hikes are possible to reach the hermitage on one side or the max nègre on the other. Enjoy a unique moment and a magnificent view over the Gellone valley.
Beyond these incredible landscapes and protected nature, the area is a must-see destination in the Montpellier hinterland. Indeed, Saint Guilhem Le Desert is a small village of 260 inhabitants, visited every year by some 700,000 people from all over the world.
Not far from the Pont du Diable and the Hérault Gorges, Saint Guilhem Le Desert has kept an atypical charm, forged by history and its inhabitants. Founded by the famous Guillaume d'Orange, a stroll in these streets gives a feeling of freedom and gentleness.
We let ourselves be carried away by the archaic appearance of the buildings and the narrowness of its streets, making your walk an intimate and personal discovery.
Not to be missed in addition to the craft shops, each with their own speciality, the sublime Abbey of Gellone.
Founded in 804, it will delight lovers of history and architecture thanks to its museum and the Romanesque details of its inner courtyard.
Much more than a small village, St-Guilhem-le-Désert is a mine of grandiose treasures, whether human or natural, that one can only be proud to have discovered.
Little advice: don't stop at the end of the village and extend your discovery to the infernet circuit and if you still have legs, the heights of Saint Guilhem offer beautiful hikes and panoramas.
For thrill seekers the canyon du Verdu offers an incredible playground! Feast your eyes!
3- Salagou lake and cirque of Moureze
Between red earths and archaic sculptures, this duo proves once again the dazzling diversity of the Hérault lands.
Although the lake and the circus are close, their history does not have the same founders. While one is a human innovation aimed at ensuring the irrigation of the fields, the other is a work of Nature forged by more than 160 million years of erosion. We'll let you guess which one is which...
Even if everything seems to oppose them, the union of the Salagou lake and the cirque of Moureze knows how to charm us by the colourful intensity it gives off.
On one side a bumpy land of an intense red contrasted by a blue water, on the other side the green and wild Mediterranean landscape underlined by a bright sun.
Moreover, if the overcrowded sites are not your forte (as many people are!) this destination will suit you perfectly.
Indeed, whatever the period, it is highly likely that you will be face to face with the pinnacles, otherwise an intimate corner by the water will always be waiting for you.
The site is classified as a Grand site de France, and because of its originality it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes in Herault and even in France.
4- The Pic Saint Loup summit
Without a doubt the most famous summit Herault region. Yes, but why? Its landscapes of scrubland and its wines of character? No doubt, but the peak is a whole set of culture, terroir and nature.
It's also a particular form which, in front of the Hortus, commands respect. The people of Montpellier love it and consider it as their sacred peak.
Let you count the legends of the Pic Saint Loup
5- Incredible and wild landscapes with the Caroux and Heric gorges
May be the least known destination of the selection but the corner is really worth the detour.
In addition to the charming villages and the beautiful rivers of the valley, there are sumptuous gorges such as those of Héric or La Colombière.
Hiking, swimming or adventure sports the choice is not lacking, it even seems that the early risers can observe beautiful sheep on the plateau of this beautiful region.
To conclude our article on the most beautiful landscapes in the Herault, as you've no doubt gathered by now, we're very attached to our region, but we also know that there are other beautiful regions in France and all over the world.
However, the variety of natural sites and the proximity of the sites make the Herault one of the most beautiful places in France.
