Gorges d’Héric – Nature’s wonder
Under an hour’s drive from Mazamet, this stunning natural gorge provides a great place for a stroll as well as sightseeing in the nearby villages of Olargues and Roquebrun.
Cascades, natural rock pools for swimming, flora and fauna, the Gorges d’Héric has it all. Situated near the small village of Le Mons (in our neighboring départment of the Hérault), it’s a perfect day out for some exercise and fresh air less than an hour’s drive from La Villa de Mazamet.
Your journey takes you from Mazamet through the villages of Saint-Amans and Saint-Pons with rolling hills, grazing cattle and breathtaking views in either direction. After the village of Saint-Pons, you take the road towards Bédarieux until you reach Olargues and its medieval Devil’s Bridge.
OlarguesLeaving Olargues, you are but a short drive to the start of your walk. There is ample (paid) parking at the bottom of the Gorge and the walking route itself starts just meters away. The complete walk to the summit is around 2 1/2 hours; two thirds of which are on a man-made pathway that follows the natural contours carved out by the fast-flowing river.
The top section becomes quite steep and is on rough terrain; we would recommend wearing walking shoes/boots if you intend to undertake the full walk. If you are staying with us in July and August, you will need to arrive early as it’s a very popular spot for locals and the car park becomes full. Whatever time of year, the changing scenery, the volume of water, and the colors of the trees make for a fantastic scenic walk, and one we (and our guests) highly recommend.
When staying with us, ask us for directions and more information. Olargues and Roquebrun can also be visited as part of one of our 8 self-drive day tours – read more about these and other things to see and do, HERE on our website.
