The Montpellier region abounds in natural spots and rivers for picnics and relaxation. After a period of pandemics, when outdoor activities are favored, everyone is looking for a quiet spot to meet up, swim and enjoy.
That's why MontpelYeah has compiled a list of 20 nature and river spots that are quiet and soothing.
Inland
- Parc De Cazilhac: Shade and water
Located on the banks of the river Hérault, this park features a fitness trail, swimming and fishing (permit required) in the Hérault while admiring the medieval site of Laroque. Numerous picnic areas (tables, grass, rocks...) in the park, with plenty of shade. Canoeing is available from Laroque, or take a one-hour hike along the meuse circuit to learn how this complex of paddlewheels, which supply water to the gardens at Cazilhac, works.
Getting there :
Take the D 986 to Ganges. Continue towards Le Vigan and then the cirque de Navacelles. After the bridge over the Hérault, head for Cazilhac (D 4) and take the first turning on the left. Follow the "meuses" (paddlewheels) to the crossroads with the equestrian center, and continue straight ahead to park near the settling basin. On foot, follow the path opposite, and through an avenue of plane trees running alongside canals, reach the Hérault river, 300 m further on.
- Source de la Buèges: cool barbecue
The Buèges spring emerges from a deep hole, forming an emerald pool in an idyllic setting. Dominated by the old Pégairolles lookout post, the river flows calmly past the fortress of Saint-Jean, before carving its way down to the Hérault. A pleasantly cool and quiet spot, the site is ideal for picnics (tables and barbecues are available, but bring your own grill and charcoal). Swimming near Saint-Jean and recommended visits to the medieval villages of Saint-Jean, Saint-André and Pégairolles.
Getting there :
Join Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois on the D 986 (route de Ganges). Turn left towards Agonès, then follow the D 108 to Brissac. Continue left on the D1 through the Buèges valley to the Saint-Jean-de-Buèges exit, then on the D122 to the entrance to Pégairolles-de-Buèges. Turn right to park in the parking lot, 100 m from the Buèges spring, which you can reach on foot.
- Pont d'Issensac: on the banks of the river Hérault
This site and its 12th-century priory dominate a stone bridge spanning the Hérault at the entrance to its gorges. Located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela, this jewel of Languedoc Romanesque art, destroyed by Protestants and abandoned in the 18th century, features an exhibition by Anita Molinero on plastic archaeology. Beautiful picnic spots (no tables), near the church and by the water. Swimming and fishing (permit required) possible in the deep Hérault river. Beware, very busy in summer!
Picnic allowed but no dedicated equipment, Parking, Deep river water, Partly shaded
Getting there :
Take the route de Ganges (D 986) to Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois. Turn left towards Agonès and follow the D1 to the Issensac bridge. Cross the bridge (narrow) and turn right to park in the site parking lot.
- Lecques: the Plage du Rocher
Standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vidourle, Lecques boasts a submersible medieval mill accessible via a shady meadow, ideal for lounging, swimming, fishing and picnicking. The mill, which once operated like a noria, overlooks a sill. You can also picnic in the shade on its stone seat.
Picnic area, Free parking, Guinguette nearby, River water, shaded
Getting there :
Join Sommières on the D6110 (route de Castries) and continue towards Quissac (D35) as far as the crossroads signposted Lecques. Turn left and cross the Vidourle. At the entrance to Lecques, turn left at the first crossroads to park in the parking lot 50 m further on, near the river.
- Saint-Martin-de-Londres: with a view of Pic Saint-Loup
A small pond nestles at the foot of the imposing Pic Saint-Loup cliff. The site, with its undulating landscape, offers a shaded natural picnic area with pebbled soil (bring a beach mat) and fishing (permit required). A footpath takes an hour to complete. We recommend a visit to the Romanesque chapel of St-Gérald, built on the spur of the castrum de Londres above the village.
Getting there :
Go towards Ganges (D 986) as far as the St-Martin-de-Londres traffic circle. Turn right onto the D122 towards Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers as far as the Mas-de-Londres crossroads. Turn right as far as the town hall. At the crow's-foot in front of the town hall, turn left to the end of the tarmac. Park in the parking lot to the right of the road, walk through the barrier to the pond.
- Prades-le-Lez: at the source of the Lez River
The Lez springs from a vast underground network draining the hills of the Pic Saint-Loup, flows through Montpellier and empties into the sea at Palavas. This mint-covered natural gem is home to a remarkable array of aquatic flora, making it ideal for relaxing in the cool shade of the plane-tree-shaded picnic areas. On the other side of the Lez, a one-hour stroll takes you through the formal gardens of the Château de Restinclières. A refreshing dip in the Lez.
Getting there :
Join Prades-le-Lez on the D17 (route de Mende). Continue for 1 km on the D 17 to the Matelles crossroads. Turn left towards Les Matelles, then at the next right turn onto the D122 and follow the signs to the site parking lot.
- Villetelle: at the Moulin des Carrières
This beautiful fortified mill built in the 13th century on the banks of the Vidourle now hosts exhibitions on the workings of mills. The site, which is freely accessible, has an old picnic area near a weir where you can eat in the shade of the plane trees. There's also a brand-new, less shaded area for barbecuing.
Getting there :
Take the N113 to Lunel. Continue towards Sommières on the D34, then follow the signs to Villetelle (D110), cross the Vidourle at Villetelle towards Aubais (D12) and park just after on the left, in the site parking lot.
- Villetelle: near the Ambrussum arch
This Gallic oppidum dominates the Domitian Way, which spanned the Vidourle on an imposing eleven-arch stone bridge. All that remains is the central arch of this bridge in the middle of the river, which has been contemplating the site for over 2,000 years. Have a picnic near the arch, on the large grassy shaded area where rocks provide seating. Museum open from 2pm to 5:30pm, every day except Monday.
The oppidum archaeological site is freely accessible. Picnic tables are available near the bridge arch, in a shaded area along the Vidourle.
Getting there :
Join Lunel. Continue towards Sommières (D 34), then follow signs for "Oppidum d'Ambrussum" on the D 110 E to the site parking lot (picnic area). Walk past the gate and museum to the Roman bridge area, 400 m further on.
In and around Montpellier
- The green Lez at Agropolis
Located north of Agropolis and the Lunaret zoo (free), the Lez Vert site offers a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy a picnic and recharge your batteries. A stroll to the threshold reveals an arboretum and the Lavalette kayak training area.
You can round off the day with a visit to the zoo (open free of charge from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., every day except Monday) or admire tropical plants and animals in the Amazonian greenhouse (same opening hours as the zoo, admission €6.50, €3, free for children under 6).
Admission to the exhibition is free.
Getting there :
Bus line 22 to Agropolis, or, by car, follow the signs for the zoo and then the Agropolis site to the parking lot. From here, walk along the path at the far end of the parking lot to the water's edge. Walk along the right bank of the Lez under the plane trees for 150 m to the shaded picnic area, where tables, benches and plenty of space allow you to relax by the water.
- Grabels: at the source of the Avy river
A stone's throw from Grabels, the Mosson stretches peacefully through plane trees and meadows to its confluence with the Avy, an exurgence that emerges from a rocky basin commonly known as the Fesses-Madame. Oases of greenery, unusual nooks and crannies, tufa waterfalls, an old mill, the Vauta dau Pioch gorge... all enhance this grassy picnic spot with tables and games under the plane trees along the watercourse. You can also take a dip near the spring and mill.
Getting there :
Bus line 24 to the La Source stop in Grabels. By car, cross the village on the main road (D 108), turn left towards the stadium, cross the Mosson river and turn left. Cross the site parking lot and walk to one of the picnic areas between the bridge and La Source.
- Domaine de Méric: a romantic picnic
This estate, located on the banks of the Lez opposite Castelnau, belonged to 19th-century painter Frédéric Bazille, one of the precursors of Impressionism. The wooded paths leading down to the water's edge are dotted with reproductions of his works. Along the way, you'll also discover a labyrinthine garden, terraces, trees over a hundred years old and the banks of the Lez, laid out for walks with picnic areas, making this a remarkable landscaped site just a stone's throw from the town center. For direct access, from the main entrance, follow the playground signs to the left, then the hoopoe symbol straight ahead. Open from 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Getting there :
Tramway line 2 to the Domaine-de-Méric stop, then walk to the site. By car, from the route de Nîmes, head towards the faculties and take the first street on the right, then follow the signs to the site's shaded parking lot.
- In Castries: the castle park
Château de Castries is a piece of Languedoc heritage. Construction began in 1565, by the de La Croix family. The park was laid out from 1666 onwards by Le Nôtre, who was responsible for the park at the Château de Versailles. Today, it belongs to the town of Castries. You can picnic in the shade of the plane trees, but pets are not allowed. It is not possible to visit the château, which is currently being restored. From the château, you can take a country walk along the Castries aqueduct to the Domaine de Fondespierre, just outside Castries on the D610.
Getting there :
By car, take the D 613, or the A709 (Vendargues exit). In both cases, on entering Castries, follow the "château" sign to a parking lot at the bottom of the building. Line 21 is the bus route to Castries.
- Saint-Jean-de-Védas: the Moulin du Trou
The Mosson cuts through a final limestone plateau at the Moulin du Trou (private) in Saint-Jean-de-Védas, before flowing into the sea. Opposite the waterfall, a tunnel pierces a cliff to the plateau, while at its foot, modest holes, temporary resurgences of the river, dot the ground.
Picnic on the ground in the shade of the large oak trees near the climbing cliff or at the water's edge.
Getting there :
Tramway line 3 terminus at St-Jean-de-Védas. Head for Fabrègues on the D 613 (ex-RN 113) to the St-Jean-de-Védas exit. Turn left and drive to the Eiffage warehouses. Go through the gate, access authorized to pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles, cross the parking lot and then a barrier, walk along a vineyard and follow a wooded path to the cliff, opposite the mill. Five minutes on foot from Eiffage or 10 minutes by bike from the streetcar.
- Palavas: in the Parc du Levant
This park bordering the ponds to the north of Palavas surrounds a redoubt built in the middle of a stretch of water. Formerly one of the eight towers used to defend the Languedoc coast against pirates in the 18th century, it houses a museum presenting the work of cartoonist Albert Dubout (€5 for children aged 12 and over, open from 10am to 12pm and from 4pm to 9pm). Ticket valid in conjunction with the Musée du Train et de la Voiture miniatures.
In the park, open from 8am to 9pm, you'll find a boulodrome, a snack bar, aviaries, a lake and a children's merry-go-round, the Pétoulet, open from 10:30am to 12:15pm and from 4pm to 7:30pm (tel.: 06 61 07 32 23), all just a stone's throw from the sea and the port. You can picnic on the benches or on the grass.
Getting there :
From Montpellier, take the beach road to Palavas (D 986). Head towards Carnon (D 62 E) and park shortly after on the right in the site parking lot. Enter the park through the gate near the pond.
- Pérols: at the Mas-Rouge estate
Located on the banks of the Etang de Pérols, Mas-Rouge features a fitness trail, botanical path, playgrounds, picnic areas and a wild bird observation post.
Getting there :
Tramway line 3 terminus in Pérols, follow signs to "Mas-de-Pérols" or by car, follow the D21 towards Carnon to the tramway terminus. Then follow signs to Mas de Pérols and Mas-Rouge to the site parking lot (10-minute walk from Pérols).
The picnic areas can be reached from l'Espérou via Ganges (D 986), then towards Le Vigan as far as Pont-d'Hérault. Turn right towards the Aigoual via Valleraugue (D 986) to l'Espérou.
1 The meadows of the Mont Aigoual observatory
This fortress-like meteorological observatory was built in the 19th century at an altitude of 1,567 m, at the point where oceanic and Mediterranean air meet. The last mountain station in France, it is occupied year-round, testing measuring equipment in extreme conditions. It's also a meteosite, with a discovery and entertainment area that reveals the secrets of meteorology, with photos, videos, models, slideshows, instruments and games.
From July 3 to August 23, the météosite is open every day. From July 3 to 12, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm. From July 13 to August 23, 10am to 7pm. Tel. 04 30 05 16 80, 04 67 42 59 83. Picnic areas to the east of the observatory, on cool tables under the rare pines that cover the summit, or on its soft grass.
How to find us :
From Espérou, continue to Aigoual. Park in the site's large parking lot.
2 Col de la Serreyrède: on tables near the fountain
The watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic at an altitude of 1,300 m, this is an unspoilt area of greenery, beech trees and mixed species. A picnic area welcomes you around the Maison de l'Aigoual, with a freshwater fountain. A starting point for hikes to the sources of the Hérault, the Aigoual or the Val du Bonheur, the site features a park information point and exhibitions on fauna, flora and the Cévennes. The other wing of the building sells local products (honey, jams, fruit syrups, charcuterie, cheeses, etc.). Open daily, 10am-7pm. Tel. 04 67 82 65 39.
How to find us :
From Espérou, head for the Aigoual (D 986) to the Col de la Serreyrède, where you can park.
3 Lac du Bonheur: feet in the water
An ancient passageway, the Val du Bonheur is an area of pastureland at 1,100 m altitude. Surrounded by large forests, the site is crossed by the Bonheur, a stream that meanders its way to the Camprieu fishing reservoir and is home to the remains of an 11th-century abbey (listed tympanum), which can be reached in 20 minutes on foot via the GR (start in front of the Auberge du Bord du lac).
Picnic areas all around the lake and numerous shaded grassy areas between the lake and the abbey, upstream from the site. Swimming possible near the beach and bar.
Visit the Bramabiau abyss (cave where the Bonheur flows) 1 km further on towards Meyrueis, July and August, 10 am to 6.30 pm, for €10, 12-16 years €7.50, 6-12 years €6.50. No credit card payment. No credit card payment.tel: 04 67 82 60 78.
How to find us :
From l'Espérou, head towards the Aigoual as far as the Col de la Serreyrède. Turn left down the D 986 to Camprieu. Continue right towards the lake to the site parking lot, 1 km further on.
4 Le Bramabiau: the freshness of a stream
At an altitude of 1,000 m, the ONF has set up an arboretum of large conifers on the old St-Sauveur estate (17th century), now a forest house, where picnic tables are available. You may prefer the coolness of the Bramabiau stream, not to be confused with the abyss of the same name!
You can picnic in a shaded clearing (two wooden tables) and take a dip in the crystal-clear pools. A 1.5-hour walking trail includes a tree identification game.
How to find us :
From l'Espérou, head towards the Aigoual as far as the Col de la Serreyrède, then left towards Meyrueis (D 986) as far as the Villemagne crossroads, 4 km after Camprieu. Go down to the bridge and turn left onto a small road towards Camprieu (D 157) for 50 m as far as the garbage cans. Follow the woodland track (suitable for motorized vehicles) on the left for 1 km to a house (maison forestière), then turn right and go downhill for 1 km to the banks of the Bramabiau, where you can park.
5 Lac des Pises: overlooking the hills
On the Lingas, a small lake stretches languorously between steppe-like landscapes at 1,300 m altitude, overlooking the hills. Surrounded by cool forests, peace and broom, it's a little paradise on earth. There's a circuit that can be circumnavigated in an hour (signs and information leaflets on the way). No-kill" fishing, swimming prohibited, but you can take a dip in the cold water of the stream downstream.
How to find us :
From l'Espérou, cross the village and follow the D48 for 1 km towards the Col de Faubel. At the crossroads, turn left towards Le Vigan as far as Col du Minier. At the pierre dressée, take the forest road to the right for 5 km to the parking area (information panel on Les Pises). On foot, follow the PR (yellow route) for 300 m to the lakeside. Numerous natural picnic areas on the grass or in the woods.
6 The Orgon waterfalls: in the shade of the beech trees
Tumbling down from the Lusette, the Coudoulous (the stony one) has carved out its bed in a deep, narrow gorge in a succession of twelve large waterfalls. A few picnic tables are set up in the shade of the beech trees on the banks of the stream, 100 m from the parking lot. From here, following the Coudoulous on the left bank, you can reach the waterfall site 100 m further on. A footbridge overlooks the impetuous torrent that plunges into the abyss, renowned for its canyoning. A path takes three hours to complete.
How to find us :
From l'Espérou, at the entrance traffic circle, turn left for 5.5 km onto the route des cascades d'Orgon (D 548a), following Le Vigan to the right, past the Puylong valley, the Montals and Giralenque passes, then downhill for 500 m to a crossroads with tracks leading off to the left. Take the main road to the left and park 50 m further on at the next crossroads, leaving the way clear for emergency vehicles. Continue on foot to the right (PR) for 100 m to the picnic area (1,200 m altitude).
7 La Lusette: viewpoint over the Aigoual
Facing the Aigoual, La Lusette (1,300 m a.s.l.) rises like a panoramic pyramid above the Hérault valley. From the parking lot, cross the road and walk along the GR (red and white) 200 meters downhill to the monument dedicated to André Chamson, the Cévennes academician writer buried here.
The site is an ideal spot for picnicking on the grass in the shade of the pines, with views over the Hérault valley and the Aigoual.
How to find us :
From Espérou, head for the Orgon waterfalls on the D 548 to a crow's-foot 1.5 km further on. Follow the D 329 towards Cap-de-Côte on the left for 3 km, pass the Col de la Lusette and descend for 1.8 km to park at the Chamson belvedere parking lot (signposted "P").
There are picnic tables in the shade near the parking lot, but you may prefer the grass of the belvedere.
This article was originally published on https://www.montpelyeah.com/
Link to article: https://www.montpelyeah.com/montpellier-plage/les-coins-de-nature-autour-de-montpellier-pique-nique-et-riviere
