Walks and trails
mountain biking in Hérault
Hikes for all levels
Saint-Chinian is renowned for its art of living, its wines and its estates. Lovers of local produce and fine wines, come and discover our rich heritage and strong winegrowing culture.
On foot or by bike, the landscapes of the Languedoc are generous. There are plenty of circuits to choose from, from the red rocks of Salagou to the Canal du Midi… There’s something for everyone.
Nature lovers, adrenaline seekers, thrill-seekers, those who want to push themselves to the limit… There are 23 circuits and 425 km of trails (from the FFC mountain bike website) in the region, between garrigue and vineyards, to be explored in sport or discovery mode!
For short or long strides, discover our 18 hiking trails and 177 km of signposted footpaths through unspoilt countryside.
The GR de Pays loop
Near Les Terrasses campsite, departing from Saint-Chinian….
The GR de Pays “Tour en Saint-Chinian” loop passes through eight villages and offers incredible views. You’ll cover no less than 48 km in the vineyards (moderate difficulty, altitude difference -45 m and +293 m). Pure pleasure!
The terrain, the trails, the climbs, the descents, the magnificent landscapes – here’s a small glimpse of the mountain bike outings that await you.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sportsman, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the breathtaking scenery and breathe in nature’s pure air… But you’ll have to pedal to enjoy it!
The Oeno Rando itinerary
TheOeno Rando itinerary (approved by the federation): Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth. This peaceful 9 km hike (approx. 3 hrs walk, easy to medium difficulty) through the Saint-Chinian vineyards aims for the Notre-Dame rock. In the background, the line of the Avants-Monts and the silhouette of the Caroux massif.
During this hike, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the AOC Saint-Chinian vineyards and the local heritage: Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth chapel, the village of Les Capitelles, Saint-Chinian town center…
The “Les Clapas” trail
But there’s also the “Les Clapas” trail, which combines landscapes and terroirs. In the heart of the Saint Chinian vineyards, take this lovely ten-kilometer hike (difficulty level: easy), where every nook and cranny is intimate and the landscape mineral.
Along the way, you’ll come across the clapàs, astonishing piles of stones. Capitelles are small dry-stone huts built by shepherds and winegrowers as temporary shelters. Clapàs and capitelles bear witness to our ancestors’ tenacity in cultivating this land.
The Sorteilho trail
Le sentier des Sorteilho : this relaxing 10 km walk (difficulty level: medium) takes you to the heart of the Saint-Chinian countryside. Make your way through scrub and scree to reach the breathtaking viewpoint over the valley and rocky bars.
Scents of the garrigue” tour
Parfums de garrigue” trail: a simple, signposted path. You’ll reach a magnificent landscape along the limestone cliffs, overlooking the peaks of the Haut Cantons de l’Hérault, La Grage and Le Caroux. You’ll discover a wealth of flora and share in the richness of our terroirs.
As you stroll along this path amidst restored capitelles, your senses will be awakened, as you linger over the many plant species of this limestone garrigue (holm oak, olive trees, pine, lavender, wild asparagus, juniper).
And to spice up your outings, consider geocaching, with several itineraries available near the villages.
Cycle paths near the campsite
Your campsite has been awarded the “accueil vélo” label, a national label guaranteeing a high-quality welcome and services for cyclists!
At your own pace, by bike or on foot, and why not on horseback, explore the Canal du Midi greenway as far as Saint-Chinian, and enjoy the fresh air that surrounds it. In the heart of theHérault region, admire the magnificent landscapes crossed by this feat of engineering. Between vineyards, garrigues and olive groves, all your senses will be stimulated.
The greenway has 33 km of trails, from Saint-Chinian to the Canal du Midi. You’ll pass through Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Maureilhan and Colombiers. Between Saint-Chinian and Maureilhan, the greenway follows the old railway line, then between Maureilhan and the Canal du Midi, it follows low-traffic local roads.
Departure from Saint-Chinian, rue de l’Ancienne Voie Ferrée. Easy access directly from the campsite via the path leading straight to the village.
Cycling and hiking enthusiasts will be delighted with the many links to the FFC mountain bike circuits of the Terroir Saint-Chinianais.
Le Vélo Rail
Velorail: Ideal for an outdoor family activity. Pedal through nature on a shady, bucolic course.
The route is not at all difficult, even for inexperienced athletes. As this is a nature activity, you’ll take time to listen, admire and discover the surrounding heritage.
Located between land and sea, the Canal du Midi Velorail is 10 minutes from Béziers, 20 minutes from the beaches and 20 minutes from Narbonne. The start is between Montady and Capestang.
Better than a bicycle, more than a tandem, the Vélo Rail promises an unusual and eco-responsible ride in a preserved environment steeped in history!
You’ll be able to enjoy the surrounding countryside in complete tranquillity. As you progress, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the melodious songs of birds and cicadas as the seasons change, along a bucolic trail.
- A velorail is a bicycle that runs on the rails of old railroad lines.
- Our velorails are equipped with 2 pedal places with braking system at the front, and 3 seats at the rear.
- A minimum of one adult is needed to power the Vélo Rail, which can accommodate a total of 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.
You’ll follow a century-old railroad line to the foot of the Ensérune oppidum and the Montady pond for a 7 km round trip.
Canoeing
When nature rhymes with adventure, garrigues and forests, rivers and valleys, streams and vineyards, mountains and cliffs… these wide-open spaces are just waiting for you!
And why not take a canoe trip, alone or in pairs, and enjoy the feeling of freedom! The Orb, sometimes calm, sometimes tumultuous, has made its bed. Let yourself be carried away! Or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Canal du Midi.
Depending on your tastes, let yourself be enchanted by these enchanting landscapes.
Climbing
Sport, nature and pure adrenaline, come and try your hand at climbing!
In Saint-Chinian, at the foot of the Notre Dame de Nazareth chapel, the imposing cliff faces challenge you.
A vast array of small walls that will fascinate climbing enthusiasts.
At the top, admire the magnificent panorama – the ultimate reward for having done it! (15 routes from 5c to 7a+ are open).
