Want to breathe deeply in the heart of the countryside? Between garrigue, vineyard, lagoon and sea, when you hike in the Agde area you even get to choose your setting for that welcome breath of fresh air. Whether you explore along the coastal paths or head inland, the region’s most beautiful scenery awaits you! From nature to culture, here’s our selection of 4 hikes that really give you a breath of fresh air.
1 – Treat yourself to some invigorating sea air
A change of scene guaranteed on the basalt coastline of Cap d’Agde.
Discover the black-sand beach of Grande Conque and the volcanic cliffs exalted against the blue backdrop of the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea.
Ready for a photo? From the stunning 360° view of the coastline, you’ll see just how rich these shores are in the Natura 2000 protected marine area. The sight will take your breath away!
You’ll photograph the Mediterranean Sea, Sète, the Brescou Fort, the port of Cap d’Agde, the Pyrenees and, inland, the Espinouse mountains. You’re going to love this hike!
Ready to grab your trainers?
- Itinerary type: hiking
- Itinerary duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Level: Easy
- Starting point: the Palais de Congrès esplanade, outside the Cap d’Agde Méditerranée Tourist Office.
2 – Raise a glass
Between adventure and viticulture, is your heart torn? In Montagnac, in the middle of the Languedoc vineyards, go from green to glass. Departing from the “Les vignerons Montagnac Domitienne” cellar, follow the Oenorando® “The art and nature trail”. Starting from the cellar, discover on this route of low altitude, of significant length and duration the sun-drenched lands between scrubland and sea. Follow the wine paths which overlook the Etang de Thau and the Hérault valley, to meet 14 monumental statues inspired by wine, vines and the work of winegrowers.
Possibility of accompanied walks by prior reservation with the cooperative cellar “Les Vignerons Montagnac Domitienne” in Montagnac.
Ready to grab your trainers?
- Itinerary type: hiking
- Itinerary duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 16 km
- Level: Easy
- Starting point : Cave Coopérative « Les Vignerons Montagnac Domitienne » 4 avenue André Bringuier, 34530 Montagnac
3 – Step into the past
Before they were trodden by hikers and holidaymakers, the paths of Languedoc were used by merchants and Roman legionnaires. Far from the tarmac roads and waymarked footpaths, these major imperial routes paved their way across the garrigue. Follow the old Via Domitia route into this glorious past.
You won’t need a toga, sandals or shield, just a good pair of hiking shoes. Take this ancient road from the village of Pinet. The remains of the Roman road will emerge as you alternate between vineyards and pine forests. Close your eyes for a moment and picture this road packed with travellers from the four corners of the Roman Empire. All along the itinerary, information panels give details of its history. A beautiful mix of nature and culture to enjoy on a family walk!
Ready to grab your trainers ?
- Itinerary type: hiking
- Itinerary duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Level: Easy
Starting point: From the Ormarine wine cooperative in Pinet, follow the “Via Domitia” signs for 2.5 km until you reach the car park, where this hiking itinerary starts.
4 – Venture into the garrigue
Fancy adding a little fragrance to exalt your breath of fresh air? In that case, head for Castelnau-de-Guers. Among the thyme, rosemary, rock roses, olive trees, vines, pine trees and heather blooming in every colour, this walk in the hills gives you a vital sense of wellbeing! The limestone trail up to the hermitage and the chapel takes over where the garrigue stops.
The hermitage is built on a mound overlooking the Hérault alluvial plain. You’ll cross a landscape that tells of geological activity going back a long way, through a succession of volcanic eruptions, erosion and flooding. The red-coloured soils strike a contrast with the blue sky and the vegetation. You’ll be tempted to pack your Instagram wall with these intensely colourful landscapes. The highlight is the “fairies’ drying room”, an expanse of mounds and multicoloured rocks in light and dark shades ranging from white to red and orange… The terrain has been eroded into pools that fill up with water when it rains. Legend has it that fairies come here to do their washing and spread their clothes on the rocks to dry. Supernatural or not, there’s no doubt that, after a storm, at dusk this site seems to sparkle with diamonds. A beautiful sight that definitely has a supernatural quality to it!
Ready to grab your trainers?
- Itinerary type: hiking
- Itinerary duration: 3 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Level: Easy
- Starting point:park at the Castelnau-de-Guers cemetery and head for the church to follow the signage.
If you’re looking for more, it’s this way
Image credits: Adobe Stock – Office de Tourisme
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