Hiking around the Pic Saint-Loup: panoramic views and outstanding nature
Real symbol of the area, it has always attracted hikers and nature lovers. Some people even come to discover the vineyards in the area. Its breathtaking scenery and rich natural and cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for a nature break, just a few kilometres from the city.
Looking for the best hikes to do around Montpellier ? Here is our selection !
The Pic Saint-Loup, a must-do hike 🏞️
We can only begin this list with the Pic Saint-Loup itself, culminating at 658 meters high. The peak offers the most beautiful point of view of the region. Up there, you can admire the Cevennes in the north, the mediterranean sea in the south and the garrigue around. In clear weather, even the Pyrenees can be seen.
How do I get to the Pic Saint-Loup?
To get there, two possible routes:First one is more direct. From the parking of Cazevieille, follow the red and white markings. The itinerary is simple, to the top and back by the same path. The hike is mostly shady, surrounded by the garrigue.
The second one starts in the same parking lot. track the blue and yellow signmarks, keep an eye on junctions until you reach Pas de la Pousterle. You can then choose between go to the top by the ridges(difficult and dizzying) or by the GR®60(safer but the path is gravelly). Then head back down the GR®60 to return to the starting point.
But Pic Saint-Loup isn’t just about hiking: its folklore and natural treasures are well worth a visit.
The legend of Pic Saint-Loup
The pic is named after the Legend of the Three Hermits. According to the legend, There were three knight brothers: Loup, Guiral and Clair. All three were in love with the same woman whose heart was wavering between them. Unable to win her love, the brothers decided to let her choose who she wanted to marry.But, before she made a decision, she got seriously ill and died, leaving the brothers devastated.
Heartbroken, they decided to give up the mundane life and adopted the way of the Hermits. They retired on different peaks to live in seclusion. Loup settled in the peak near Montpellier, Guiral on a mountain in the Cevennes, and Clair moved to the mountain of Sète. The peaks were renamed in their honor.
The biodiversity of the area is rich, with endemic plant species such as Cevennes Saxifrage, orchid meadows, and raptors such as common kestrel or European bee-eater.
Nature walks around Pic Saint-Loup 🌿
The Source of Gornies, forest and freshness
If you want to explore more walks around Pic Saint-Loup, there are some hikes with various landscapes and total immersion in nature.
This one is a loop of 7.5 kilometers starting at the parking lot of Ferrières-les-Verreries. Family friendly, the trail crosses the garrigue and runs alongside the Gornies stream. The path leads to the source, in a small cave. It is a refreshing spot, especially in spring. When water is abundant, a few waterfalls may appear.
The Ravin des arcs, a geological jewel
The hike begins near the bridge of Masclac, on the D986, where you can find a parking lot. The start offers points of views on the garrigue. The route goes down on the riverbed of the Lamalou, revealing the natural arch that gives the ravine its name. This formation is the result of thousands of years of river erosion on limestone rock. Hikers cross a variety of landscapes, alternating between oak undergrowth and views of the Lamalou gorges. In wet weather, the descent can be very slippery, so be careful !
Heritage walks: between ancient ruins and exceptional landscapes
The Sentier des Drailles, on the trail of the past
Located near the Viols-le-Fort village, it’s a loop of 7.5 kilometers, which takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. A pretty easy tour which will take you through the garrigue, along ancient tracks lined with low dry stone walls. These ancestral paths, once used for transhumance, are a reminder of the region's pastoral past.
On the way, you will discover dolmens, adding a historical dimension to the hike.The trail also passes through oak undergrowth, providing welcome shade on sunny days. A stop at the Mas de Roussières, with its centuries-old oak trees, is a nice extra point of interest, ideal for a picnic break.
The Montferrand Castle
On a rocky outcrop facing the Pic Saint-Loup, the Montferrand Castle is an ancient medieval fortress overlooking the scrubland. The walk to get there is short but provides superb views along the way. Ascend the paths lined with evergreen oaks, and you'll discover the well-preserved remains of the 12th-century ramparts and towers. The summit offers a wide view of the Pic Saint-Loup, the Hortus and the surrounding plain and hills.
Bonus:La marche des Geants
Situated around 3 km north of Pic Saint-Loup, this 4.7 km loop is an experience in itself. Little-known, the trail begins near the Saint-Étienne de Gabriac chapel, a historic building worth discovering.
After crossing the bridge over the Lamalou, the path climbs steadily, revealing impressive geological formations: thick layers of white limestone forming an immense natural staircase, hence the name Giant's Steps. Typical garrigue vegetation, with boxwood, thyme and rosemary, accompanies hikers along the way. The trail also offers breathtaking views of the Pic Saint-Loup and the surrounding valley. The trail starts from a small parking lot on the D1 from Notre-Dame-de-Londres.
Romain
