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This beautiful and incredibly rich salt water lake covers almost 7500 hectares. 18 km long and 5 km wide, it is more like an inland sea with the Mediterranean to the south, and to the north, the oldest and most famous roman road the "via domitia". Under King Louis XIV, the Thau lake became the mouth of the Canal du Midi (a 241km navigable waterway that links the Garonne river in Toulouse to the Mediterranean sea in Sète). You can cross the lagoon by boat, enjoy swimming from one of its beaches, tour Sète's harbour, or keep going all the way to the 'Little Camargue'. Today, oyster and mussel farming are the main source of revenue, and provide the subject of interesting visits and tasting sessions.
The Thau lake is alongside Sète, 25 kms west of Montpellier.

The Pic Saint Loup

Standing proud, the Pic St loup moutain rises 658 metres above sea level and dominates the area north of Montpellier. Internatioally reknowned for its geological interest coupled with its flora and fauna, it offers an amazing panorama to those who hike up its south side, from the Cevenne mountains to the Mediterranean sea and from Mount Ventoux to the Caroux mountains. The Pic St Loup also offers the thrilling experiences of rock climbing, potholing and gliding.
It is located 15 km north of Montpellier, and can be seen from far and wide.

This fantastic collection of Dolomite rocks caused by limestone erosion, provides rugged natural countryside spread over an area of more than 300 hectares. Some rocks look like gigantic sculptures of houses in ruins, towers from the Middle Ages, twisted faces, strange animals and giants from fairy tales. This cirque is one of the greatest attractions of the area.
Located 5km west of Clermont l'Hérault, 35km west of Montpellier.

This artificial lake (957 m long) was developed 40 years ago to irrigate the surrounding fields. Today, it is spread out in countryside surrounded by red coloured mountains (red shale). Swimming, biking, fishing and the rental of sailing boats, pedalos and windsurfs are among the many activities available in this popular tourist destination now a classified site.
Located 5km west of Clermont l'hérault, 35km west of Montpellier.

The Hérault Gorge is set in beautiful, unspoilt countryside, with clear water flowing gently in wide open spaces, past river-bank beaches, and rushing through some narrower parts, forming mini rapids. The Vis Gorge, with its torrents of water, separates the Larzac plateau and the Seranne mountains. Last, but by no means least, is the Héric Gorge, the most impressive of the region, which resembles a deep cut accross the face of the Espinouse mountains. These Gorges are ideal for sporting activities, including canoeing, kayak and canyoning.
Located 30 kms North of Montpellier

Unesco World Heritage - June 2011 - www.causses-et-cevennes.com

A breathtaking site, unique in Europe where the meandering Vis river caused the collapse of the plateau leaving a giant 300 metre deep, funnel-like shape. Way below is a natural pyramid, where the little village of Navacelles is nestled amidst fields and cultivated areas. At this classified site (in belvédère de la Baume Auriol), you can find a tourist information point, a shop selling local produce (with local produce tasting from 3€ for a minimum of 5 people), a panoramic restaurant, a brasserie, a permanent exhibition, an audiovisual space (pastoralisme), countryside readings (from 100€ for a minimum of 20 people  or 180€ with local produce tasting)

Situated 5km west of Clermont l'Hérault, 35km north-west of Montpellier.

The magical sights of the Grotte des Demoiselles, the Grotte de Clamouse, the Grotte de la Devèze, the Grotte de Labeil and the Pioch Farrus mine are all open to the public, displaying some of the hidden geological beauty of the Hérault relief.
All within 45 km of Montpellier.

Of great historical interest, this village Witnessed the Middle Ages crusade against the Cathare heresy. Perched on a pedestal of rocks, towering above the Cesse gorge, are found the impressive ruins of a castle, its ramparts and two museums.
Located 30 km west of Béziers.

In the heart of the 'Haut Languedoc Natural Park', with the Caroux hills as a backdrop, lies this historic village clinging to a rocky hillside and overshadowed by a bell tower, a twelth century donjon of a medieval castle. Olargues is typically mediterranean, and with its blue sky and peaceful setting, it is the ideal walking or relaxing holiday destination.
Located 25 km north of Béziers

St Guilhem has all the charm and character you would expect from a beautiful medieval village: alleyways, buildings and the famous Gellone abbey reminiscent of the first Southern Romanesque art. This site is at the entrance to the Hérault gorge, and is one of the stages on the way to St James of Compostella in Spain.
Located 45 km West of Montpellier.

A beautiful, tree-lined navigable waterway for groups or families dating from the seventeenth century, the Canal du Midi is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It was the result of an audacious idea to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Along the 241 kms of calm water, are many fabulous works of art, such as the Malpas tunnel and the stunning Fonsérannes locks. It is navigable from Toulouse and goes all the way to the Thau lake near Sète. Cruises are organised for groups or families. Nearby, and not to be missed is the Enserune Roman oppidum, and its museum with a view overlooking the dried-up Montady-Colombiers lake, with its amazing thirteenth century circular shape.

This park is magnificent. It is the ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, horseriding, canoeing, potholing. It is also a paradise for botanists due to its extremely rich and varied flora. Medieval history enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous medieval villages to visit. There are many different places to stay offering a variety of types of accommodation and restaurants as well as shops and museums
Located 40 km north of Béziers. Easy access by road from Montpellier, Toulouse and Perpignan.