Gardiole Massif

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Do you like nature and hiking? Take advantage of your stay in the Hérault to explore the Gardiole massif, its trails, its natural and historical sites and its leisure activities!

Discover the Gardiole massif

Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Gardiole massif extends over 18 km between Montpellier and Sète. Its highest points are: 

• Roc de l'Aigle  (210 m);
• Roc d'Anduze (236 m);
• Pioch de Camille (224 m);
• Pioch Noir (216 m);
• Madeleine (185 m), dominated by the old Saint-Baudile chapel.

The site is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunal and floral interest. We observe a typically Mediterranean vegetation: Aleppo pines, pistachios, cistus, or rosemary. The fauna is also remarkable: it is not uncommon to come across falcons, red partridges or ocellated lizards on the trails of the Gardiole massif.  

On the hiking trails, you will also see capitelles, dry stone shepherd shelters testifying to the pastoral and agricultural activity of the past.

Hiking around Montpellier

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Various hiking trails allow you to explore the Gardiole massif. From sporty walks to family walks, there is something for everyone! Departing from Montpellier or Saint-Jean-de-Védas, a day trip will allow you to enjoy a beautiful walk between garrigue and forest.

    Several viewpoints offer a breathtaking panorama of the sea and the Thau lagoon, the coastline, the lagoons and the hinterland. Depending on your desires and your level, many possibilities are available to you: a tour in the Mourèze cirque to admire its geological sculptures, a walk on the banks of Lake Salagou, a visit to the abbey village of Saint-Guilhem-le-désert... The surroundings of Montpellier are full of excellent circuits, get a map and make your choice!

To see in the surroundings of the Gardiole massif

The abbey Saint-Félix-de-Monceau

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Overlooking the village of Gigean, the Benedictine abbey Saint-Félix-de-Monceau dates from the 11th century.

It prospered for a long time thanks to its lands, its vines and its agricultural crops but was abandoned in the 16th century, victim of successive looting and attacks.

Major restoration work carried out during the 20th century made it possible to recreate its main buildings and its monastic gardens.

Cultural events and activities are organized there every year. 

The Vic lagoon

The Vic lagoon extends over the towns of Frontignan, Vic-la-Gardiole, Mireval and Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. This protected natural area is home to many species of birds as well as nesting and feeding areas. Hiking, horse riding or mountain biking allow you to admire its sumptuous landscapes in all seasons.

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The oyster site of Bouzigues

Want to learn more about oyster farming? In Bouzigues, capital of the oyster in the Mediterranean, oyster tables extend as far as the eye can see.

Discover the daily life of sea farmers and taste the local oysters on site during a visit to an oyster hut!

A visit to the museum of the Thau lagoon will pleasantly complete the day.

The Terral estate 

About ten kilometers from Montpellier, don't miss a visit to the Terral estate in Saint-Jean-de-Vedas. Dating from the 9th century, this property was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It now belongs to the municipality and houses a theater, an exhibition gallery as well as the cultural associations of the town (music and fine arts schools).

The Terral estate also has a superb historic park with a bamboo grove, a scent garden and a stone and water garden hosting remarkable plant species, typical of Mediterranean gardens.

The Saint-Baudile Hermitage

On the hills of the Gardiole, 187 m above sea level, the Saint-Baudile Hermitage is a priory of the Middle Ages. Access is via a small path from the village of Fabrègues, a pretty medieval town located between Frontignan and Montpellier.

 Around this building of modest dimensions, one enjoys a formidable panorama of the sea, the plain and the surrounding hills.

The city of Sète

The town of Sète is located at the eastern end of the Thau lagoon, right next to Balaruc-les-bains. Nicknamed the Venice of the Languedoc, this pretty port city is bordered by a superb saltwater lagoon with very beautiful fine sandy beaches.

Your hotel in Saint-Jean de Vedas

Are you looking for a hotel in Languedoc-Roussillon for family vacations, a romantic night, or a business trip? Book your room in our hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Vedas!

Close to the A9 highway and the Saint-Jean-le-Sec tram station, it has an ideal location to easily explore the region. By car or public transport, reach the city center of Montpellier in the blink of an eye for an evening at the Zenith or a business meeting. Right next to the Le Castelet clinic, it is also a convenient base if you need to go to this establishment. To eat, you will easily find a good restaurant in Saint-Jean-de-Vedas or nearby.

Enjoy a comfortable room with top-of-the-range bedding and a private bathroom: at B&B HOTELS, it's possible at a friendly price. We also provide you with a free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi connection: keep in touch with your loved ones, easily plan a video conference or watch your favorite series whenever you want...

Book your room now in our establishment for an unforgettable stay in Occitanie!