Top of unusual activities in Montpellier

Have you ever thought of the Hérault as a holiday destination? While we often hear about its famous neighbor, Provence, the beautiful Hérault region too often remains in the shadows.

Yet, this little corner of France is full of a multitude of magnificent and unexpected places.

Many of you probably think that the Hérault is only synonymous with the seaside, but let me prove you wrong with this top list of unusual activities in Montpellier.

1. Adrenaline in Pic Saint Loup: an unusual activity to do with friends

If you are a bit sporty, or at least in good physical shape, and you have a taste for adventure, then this escape is made for you! Pic Saint Loup is an emblematic peak of the Hérault just a few miles from Montpellier.

Every year, thousands of visitors come to climb this summit to take in the view once at the top! The path most used by hikers is on the south face of the Pic, 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 make the climb via the north face.

However, be careful, the route is similar to climbing at certain times because you sometimes have to use your hands and there is a narrow passage to cross. After this beautiful hike of about 1h30, you will be rewarded by the magnificent landscape and the surrounding garrigue that this emblematic summit overlooks. It is one of the best viewpoints in the region which will offer you a panorama of the Hortus cliff, Mount Saint Baudille, the feudal castle of Vivioures or the Cévennes Park.

For the return, I advise you to abseil down Pic Saint Loup, it's really a unique experience that you will keep many good memories of! So that you can enjoy this adventure in complete safety, you will be accompanied by a professional climber throughout the excursion; they will guide you so that you can be as close to nature as possible in complete serenity. If you are looking for breathtaking landscapes, unique memories and a dose of adrenaline, then this original experience is for you!

However, if you are claustrophobic I strongly recommend you to abstain! An activity to do with friends and accessible from 15 years old.

On the other hand, if you prefer to explore Pic Saint Loup without thrills, I recommend the classic hike using the south face path.

2. Best unusual activity in Montpellier for couples: sleep on a cliff!

After tree houses or nights in a bubble, did you think you had tried all the unusual nights? That's without counting on Wisud which offers you to sleep suspended from a cliff! So, will you dare to try the experience? For this original experience in Montpellier, you must not be afraid of heights, but if you take the plunge, the magnificent landscapes that will be offered to you will not disappoint you!

To do this, meet from 4pm near the ridges of the Hortus where you can sleep on a cliff suspended in a hammock. In order to reach your unusual accommodation, first enjoy a walk of about 1h15 and a short abseil accompanied by a professional.

By reaching the summit of the Hortus, you will witness a breathtaking panorama, revealing lush vineyards, wild garrigue, the imposing mountains of Pic Saint Loup, the wonderful Cévennes and the sparkling sea in the background.

Once you arrive you won't be bored, on the evening program: 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 experiences of your life.

This experience is accessible from 16 years old in the presence of a responsible adult.

3. Fly over the Herault in a glider, a brand new adventure

The Hérault is a truly incredible region, with varying landscapes, offering panoramic views of high plateaus, white sand beaches, exceptional sites and much more. If you are looking for an original idea, then we strongly recommend that you try a glider flight, which will allow you to discover the wonders of the region from a new angle. It is an unforgettable experience that you certainly will not regret!

If you are interested in this kind of adventure, we recommend that you go to the main practice sites located on the Séranne mountain, about 25 km from Montpellier, or at the Pic de Vissou. Don't 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 do not know the many advantages that this sport can offer. Here are a few reasons why it can be interesting to go gliding.

First of all, you should know that gliding is a very calm and peaceful activity. Unlike other aerial sports, pilots are not exposed to high noise levels, which makes the experience very pleasant. In addition, the silence that reigns in the cockpit allows pilots to focus on the beauty of the landscapes they discover.

Secondly, gliding is ecological. Indeed, unlike other means of transport, gliders do not produce noise or pollution, which makes them very respectful of the environment. In addition, they are very fuel-efficient, which makes them an interesting option for those who wish to take some time to admire the scenery without impacting the environment.

4. Experience the electric longboard: an activity to discover in 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 easily maneuverable and will allow you to experience new sensations during a moment of pure pleasure.

Electric longboarding is also an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an alternative and fun mode of transport. It offers a feeling of freedom and speed, without having to pedal.

In addition, electric longboarding is often practiced in urban environments but with Wisud you can try the all-terrain longboard experience in the heart of nature. For this outing, several options are available to you with longer or shorter routes and formulas adapted to your wishes. But have no fear, 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 handling session of the longboard at the beginning 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. Canyon of the ruffes, a secret and unique hike

If you are looking for unusual activities in Montpellier and you like to be disoriented, then our hike to the canyon of the ruffes is made for you. Discover unique landscapes reminiscent of Colorado 30 minutes from Montpellier. This magical place appears totally unexpectedly in the middle of the Hérault valley.

The Canyon of the 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 vines and the red of the ruffes. These are red lands that 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 transforming into a real canyon. Then, in the winter season, as you continue your exploration, you will find yourself facing a superb 30m high waterfall.

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 culture and history of the region. Made of stone walls without mortar and covered with thatched roofs, the capitelles are a testimony to the popular architecture of the region.

This excursion will take you about half a day but I assure you it is really worth the detour. In addition, it is accessible from 6 years old, which will allow you to enjoy this beautiful outing with friends, as a couple but also as a 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 unprecedented experience is timeless because you will have the privilege of visiting the sublime Clamouse cave outside of the usual opening hours, which will allow you to discover the cave privately! This fascinating cave is also one of the rare examples of a calcified cave in Europe and offers a unique and spectacular show.

Visitors will be amazed by the dazzling limestone formations and the amazing colors, which vary from immaculate white to crystal blue to golden yellow. The cave is also known for its stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over millennia thanks to the constant drip 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 intended for all audiences because even the most seasoned in yoga appreciate this session due to its unique setting, which makes it an original outing.

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 carry out this activity in summer as in 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 go visit the old village of Saint Guilhem le Désert, which is a village full of charm!

7. Go scuba diving 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 go scuba diving from many places in Hérault. Come and discover the faults of the volcanic tables sheltering an abundant fauna from Agde, explore the Thau lagoon with its essential seahorses or experience a magical moment by going to discover the wrecks of the region.

Indeed, wreck diving in the Hérault offers divers a unique and fascinating experience. This region of France has several ship and submarine wrecks, 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 up close, such as superstructures and machinery.

Here are some of the most famous wrecks in the region: near Sète you will find the Planier which is a magnificent wreck intended for level 1 divers. 10 km from Sète and Cap d’Agde lies the wreck of the Obéron at 12 meters deep; the latter is full of incredible biodiversity. You can also head towards Pointe de l’Espiguette to go admire the Derna. It is an Italian cargo ship torpedoed by a submarine during the Second World War lying at 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. Don't forget to respect 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 nature, history and culture of the region by exploring its tourist routes, visiting its picturesque villages and tasting its local cuisine.
So why not plan your next getaway to the Hérault and discover everything this region has to offer?

Gaëlle VAN HUMBEECK