From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, hikers and mountain bikers have exceptional routes on their doorstep: the circuit of Lake Salagou (27 km), the climb up Mont Liausson (535 m, 360° panorama), the trails of the Cirque de Mourèze and countless walks across the red ruffe rock of Hérault.
Lake Salagou and its surroundings are among the finest hiking and mountain-biking country in the south of France. The site's unusual geology — the iron-oxide-rich red rock known as ruffe, the hills, the Mediterranean garrigue, the vines and the blue water of the lake — creates landscapes you simply won't find anywhere else.
The area is a designated Natura 2000 site, home to exceptional biodiversity. Out on the trails, it's not unusual to spot rare raptors such as Bonelli's eagle, the little bustard, the European roller or the Eurasian eagle-owl. Keeping to the waymarked paths is essential to protect this natural heritage.
From easy family strolls to challenging hikes, the Salagou has routes for every level.
The iconic big loop: about 27 km, a full day's walk (~9 hours). Recommended starting point: the water-sports centre at Les Vailhés. Varied terrain, stretches over ruffe rock and constant views of the lake. Best kept for experienced walkers, or split over 2 days.
The best viewpoint over the Salagou. From Liausson, about 8 km with 464 m of elevation gain. At the summit (535 m): a 360° panorama over the lake, the Cirque de Mourèze, the vineyards and, on a clear day, the Pyrenees and Mont Ventoux. Demanding but unforgettable.
The village of Celles, on the lake shore, is the starting point for some lovely walks. You'll discover the remains of the village partly submerged when the lake was created, the red ruffe rock and sweeping views over the Salagou.
17 km from the gîtes, the Cirque de Mourèze offers trails winding through dolomitic rock formations. A completely different landscape from the lake, with mineral shapes sculpted by erosion.
For families with children, the stretches of shoreline around the beaches at Les Vailhés and Clermont-l'Hérault make for easy walks with views over the water. A few kilometres is all it takes to soak up the scenery.
From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, paths cross the garrigue, wild olive trees and the open landscapes of the Hérault hinterland. Ideal for an early-morning outing before heading down to the lake.
Lake Salagou has three official routes — Mont Liausson, the Cayroux and Les Vailhès — plus plenty of variants. Enough to head out every day for a week without ever walking the same path twice.
From Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a 3-hour route sets off along the rue du Bout du Monde and climbs to the Notre-Dame de Belle Grâce hermitage. A beautiful hike to combine with a visit to the village and a swim in the Hérault river on the way back.
Riding the circuit of Lake Salagou is considered one of the finest mountain-bike routes in Languedoc. The ruffe terrain, the climbs and the ever-present views over the water make for a truly unique ride. The route is manageable at an intermediate level.
For e-bike fans, the massif has plenty of options: less technical trails well suited to electric mountain bikes, and the range to cover more ground and reach Mont Liausson, the area around Mourèze or the Octon plain.
The Salagou – Mourèze area is a designated Natura 2000 site. Out on the trails, you'll be crossing one of the richest Mediterranean ecosystems in France.
One of the rarest raptors in France lives in the area. Discreet and majestic, it nests in the surrounding cliffs. Scan the high rocky ground at dawn or towards the end of the day.
An emblem of the Mediterranean plains, the little bustard lives in the garrigue and extensively farmed land around the lake. Its springtime courtship display is a rare sight.
The European roller, with its turquoise-blue plumage, nests in the area in summer. The Eurasian eagle-owl haunts the cliffs and rocky ground. All the more reason to hike at dawn or dusk.
Keep to the waymarked trails. The Grand Site Salagou - Cirque de Mourèze is a fragile natural area: don't pick plants, don't disturb the wildlife, and take your litter home with you.
Everything you need to know before setting off on foot or by bike around Lake Salagou.
Yes, the full circuit is about 27 km, roughly 9 hours of walking. It suits experienced walkers. It can be run as a trail in a single day, or spread over 2 days for a more leisurely hike with an overnight stop.
The full circuit (27 km) is not suitable for children. For a family outing, choose a short walk around one of the beaches or the village of Celles, matching the length to the age of the group.
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal: mild temperatures and few people around. In summer, set off early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the heat.
Mont Liausson rises to 535 metres and offers an exceptional 360° panorama: Lake Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze, the vineyards and, on a clear day, the Pyrenees and Mont Ventoux. From Liausson, it's about 8 km with 464 m of elevation gain (3 to 4 hours there and back).
Yes, it's a legendary route. The ruffe terrain and the hills make for a great ride, manageable at an intermediate level. Mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes are available to hire around the lake.
From the gîtes, 4 km from the lake, accessible routes include the lake circuit (27 km), the climb up Mont Liausson (535 m), the Mourèze trails (17 km from the gîtes) and garrigue paths straight from the estate.
11 gîtes 4 km from the lake, a heated pool to recover after the effort, wide open spaces, air conditioning and fully equipped kitchens. Open all year round.
