Best unusual activities in Montpellier
Have you ever thought of the Herault as a holiday destination? While we often hear about its famous neighbour, Provence, the beautiful Hérault region remains too regularly in the shadows.
However, this little piece of France is full of a multitude of magnificent and unsuspected places.
Many of you will surely think that the Hérault is only synonymous with the seaside, but let me tell you prove the contrary with this top of the best unusual activities in Montpellier.
1. Abseil the Pic Saint Loup for a dose of adrenaline
If you are a bit sporty, or at least in good physical shape, and you have a taste for adventure, then this getaway is for you! The Pic Saint Loup is an emblematic summit of the Hérault just a few kilometers from Montpellier.
Every year, thousands of visitors come to climb this peak to enjoy the view once at the top! The path most used by hikers is on the south face of Pic Saint Loup, but in this article, I offer you a much less touristy alternative that will allow you to reconnect with nature. Indeed, it is possible to climb the north face of Pic.
Nevertheless, be careful, the course is similar to climbing at times because you sometimes have to put your hands on it and there is a narrowness to cross. After this beautiful hike of about 1h30, you will be rewarded by the magnificent landscape and thesurrounding scrubland overlooked by this peak. This is one of the best viewpoints in the region which will offer you a panorama of the Hortus cliff, Mont Saint Baudille, the feudal castle of Vivioures or the Parc des Cevennes.
For the return, I advise you to rappel down the Pic Saint Loup, it really is a unprecedented experience of which you will keep lots of good memories! In order for you to enjoy this adventure in complete safety, you will be accompanied by a professional climber throughout the excursion; he will be able to guide you so that you can be closer to nature with complete peace of mind. If you are looking for breathtaking landscapes, unique memories and a dose of adrenaline, then this experience is for you!
However, if you are claustrophobic I strongly recommend that you abstain! This activity can be done from the age of 15.
On the other hand, if you prefer to explore it without strong feeling, I recommend the classic hike by taking the path of the south face.
2. Sleep suspended on a cliff, an unusual night in Herault
After the treehouses or the nights in a bubble, you thought you had tested all the unusual nights? This is without counting on Wisud which offers you to sleep hanging from a cliff! So, do you dare to try the experiment? For this unique night, you should not be dizzy, but if you take the plunge, the magnificent landscapes that will be offered to you will not disappoint you!
To do this, meet at 4 p.m. near the Hortus ridges where you can sleep on the cliff hanging from a hammock. In order to reach your unusual accommodation, first enjoy a walk of around 1h15 and a short abseiling descent accompanied by a professional. As you reach the top of Hortus, you will witness a breathtaking panorama, revealing lush vineyards, wild scrubland, the towering mountains of Pic Saint Loup, the marvelous Cévennes and the sparkling sea in the background.
Once you arrive, you won't have anything to get bored, on the program for the evening: sunset, tasting your meal and unique moments of sharing and conviviality. Then you can go to sleep under the stars enjoying the night, which will certainly be one of the most original adventure of your life.
This experience is accessible from the age of 16 in the presence of a responsible adult.
3. Fly over the Herault in a glider, a unique adventure
The Herault is a truly incredible region, with various landscapes, offering panoramic views of high plateaus, white sand beaches, sites of exception and much more. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, then we highly recommend trying a glider flight, which will allow you to discover the wonders of the region from a new perspective. It is an unforgettable experience that you will certainly not regret!
If you are interested in this kind of adventure, we recommend that you visit the main practice sites located on the Séranne mountain, about 25 km from Montpellier, or at the Pic de Vissou. Do not hesitate any longer and treat yourself to this unforgettable memory!
Glider flight is an activity that attracts more and more people looking for a unique experience and thrills. However, many people are unaware of the many benefits that this sport can provide. Here are some reasons why it can be interesting to glide.
First of all, you should know that gliding is a very calm and peaceful activity. Unlike other air sports, pilots are not exposed to high noise levels, which makes for a very enjoyable experience. In addition, the silence that reigns in the cockpit allows the pilots to concentrate on the beauty of the landscapes they discover.
Second, gliding is ecological. Indeed, unlike other means of transport, gliders do not produce noise or pollution, which makes them very environmentally friendly. Plus, they're very fuel-efficient, making them a great option for those who want to take some time out to admire the scenery without impacting the environment. Finally, glider flight can be very formative.
4. Test the electric longboard experience at Pic Saint Loup
If you want to discover a new aspect of the Hérault, nothing better than an original ride on an electric longboard. The longboard is easy to handle and will allow you to experience new sensations during a moment of pure pleasure.
The electric longboard is also an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an alternative and fun mode of transportation. It offers a feeling of freedom and speed, without having to pedal.
In addition, the electric longboard is often practiced in urban areas, but with Wisud you can try the experience of all-terrain longboard in the heart of nature. For this outing, several options are available to you with more or less long routes and packages adapted to your wishes. But don't worry, whatever your choice, beautiful landscapes and unique sensations will be there. In addition, this activity is done in complete safety; you will be accompanied by an experienced instructor throughout the ride and you will benefit from a 20-minute longboard experience at the start of the session. This activity lasts half a day and is accessible from 12 years old. It will therefore delight your outings with friends but also with family.
5. Ruffe Canyon, a secret and unique hike
If you are looking for an unusual activity in Montpellier and would like a change of scenery, then our hike in the ruffe canyon is for you. Discover new landscapes reminiscent of Colorado 30 minutes from Montpellier. This magical place appears completely unexpectedly in the middle of the Hérault valley.
The Canyon des ruffes is a breathtaking natural site located in Occitanie, France. Foreign tourists will be fascinated by the wild and untouched beauty of this canyon, which offers a breathtaking view marked by the contrast of the green of the olive trees and the vines and the red from the ruffles. The latter are red soils which make this canyon a real supernatural spectacle. It is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Between dunes and large expanses of red earth, you will find a small stream sometimes turning into a real canyon. Then, in the winter season, as you continue your exploration, you will come across a superb waterfall 30 m high.
On your way, you will also find capitelles, these are small dry stone constructions, often used as shelters for shepherds and their flocks. This unique rural heritage is today considered a symbol of the region's culture and history. Consisting of stone walls without mortar and covered with thatched roofs, the capitelles bear witness to the popular architecture of the region.
This excursion will take you about half a day but I assure you that it is definitely worth the detour. In addition, it is accessible from 6 years old, which will allow you to enjoy this great outing with friends, as a couple but also with family.
6. Yoga at the Clamouse cave, a unique and unusual activity
Are you hesitating between discovering a natural site and a moment of relaxation? Well do both! This unique experience and out of time because you will have the privilege of visiting the sublime cave of Clamouse outside the usual opening hours, which will allow you to discover the cave in a private way! This fascinating cave is also one of the rare examples of a calcified cave in Europe and offers a unique and spectacular spectacle.
Visitors will be amazed by the dazzling limestone formations and stunning colors, which vary from pristine white to crystal blue to golden yellow. The cave is also known for its stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed over millennia by the constant dripping of water.
You will then continue your visit with a yoga session. Let yourself be guided through the treasures of the cave then take the opportunity to let go with a beginner level yoga session. This experience is therefore aimed at all audiences because even the most experienced in yoga appreciate this session because of its unique setting.
Then, to enhance your experience and complete the benefits of yoga, a small tea with a view of the Hérault gorges will be offered to you. In addition, you can do this activity in summer and winter because the Clamouse cave is at a temperate temperature.
This activity is accessible from 18 years old.
Also take advantage of being in the area to visit the old village Saint Guilhem le désert, which is a village full of charm!
7. Scuba dive for colorful memories
The region is home to a rich and varied marine fauna, including historic shipwrecks and underwater caves. Divers can explore these underwater wonders and discover the secrets of the region's marine life. You can make scuba diving from many places in Hérault. Come and discover the faults of the volcanic tables sheltering an abundant fauna from Agde, explore the Etang de Thau with its unmissable seahorses or live a magical moment by going to the discovery of wrecks in the region.
Indeed, wreck diving in the Hérault offers divers a unique and fascinating experience. This region of France has several wrecks of ships and submarines, which attract many divers from all over the world. The wrecks are often well preserved and full of history and mystery, adding an extra dimension to the diving experience. Wreck dives allow divers to discover interesting artifacts and see underwater structures, such as superstructures and machinery, up close.
Here are some of the most famous wrecks in the region: near Sète you will find Le Planier which is a magnificent wreck intended for level 1 divers. 10 km from Sète and Cap d'Agde the wreck of the Obéron rests at a depth of 12 meters; the latter is full of incredible biodiversity. You can also head towards the Pointe de l'Espiguette to admire the Derna. It is an Italian freighter torpedoed by a submarine during the Second World War laid 34 meters deep.
Wreck diving in the Hérault is a memorable experience for divers of all levels. The wrecks are full of history and mystery, providing a unique opportunity to discover interesting artifacts and see underwater structures up close. Remember to respect the depth and safety limits to enjoy the experience safely.
On the way to new adventures...
There are many other unusual activities in Montpellier to discover. Visitors can enjoy the region's nature, history and culture by exploring its tourist routes, visiting its picturesque villages and tasting its local cuisine. So why not plan your next trip to Hérault and discover all that this region has to offer?
Gaelle VAN HUMBEECK
