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° Douch

Douch is a charming little mountain hamlet in the commune of Rosis. It is the starting point for a number of walks, including the not-to-be-missed PR du sommet du Caroux, an 8km loop offering superb views and a wide variety of landscapes.

Discover the Salagou lake

The lake Salagou is one of the most beautiful lakes and natural areas in the Hérault. It offers a breathtaking view of the red earth hills that surround it, and is the ideal place for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and water sports.

Local villages and heritage

Must-sees in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park

The mouflon, the region's emblematic animal

Contrary to appearances, the mouflon is not a member of the goat family, but a wild sheep. Nevertheless, it is at home on steep terrain.

In France, the Corsican mouflon was introduced at the end of the 1950s into several national parks and hunting reserves, including the Caroux and Espinouse massifs, where there are currently around 2,000 of them. Shy, they come out mainly at night and are therefore not easy to observe.

We invite you to visit the Maison du Mouflon et du Caroux in Douch for more information.

Further away...

° Mount Caroux

Mont Caroux lies at the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. It consists of a plateau rising to an altitude of 1091m, bounded to the west by the Héric gorges and to the east by the Colombières gorges. From the Caroux viewpoint, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the Orb gorges and the Hérault plain. The Mediterranean and the Pyrenees can be seen in the distance. At the crossroads of the Atlantic, Mediterranean and mountain climates, Mont Caroux is home to remarkable biodiversity. We recommend the ‘PR du sommet du Caroux’ loop, which lasts around 3 hours.

° The Gorges d’Héric

The Héric gorges are one of the region's best-known spots. Bordered by cliffs with numerous climbing routes, the river offers beautiful pools perfect for swimming. An easy-to-access discovery trail runs for 5km along the gorges. Access is via Mons-la-Trivalle.

The Colombières gorges are a must for hikers, climbers and nature lovers. This wild and magical place is nestled in a beautiful setting of mountains, forest, small waterfalls and pools carved out by the Arles stream. We recommend the 13km ‘PR des Gorges des Colombières’, which takes around 5 hours to complete. With a difference in altitude of 818 m, this is a trail for good walkers. The gorges and swimming pools can be reached directly from La Fage, a 10-minute drive from our gîte.

° The Colombières Gorges

° Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare

Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare is a small village of character on the route to Santiago de Compostela, situated between Caroux-Espinouse and Monts d'Orb. We recommend a visit to the Maison Cévenole, which is the region's tourist information point and has a very interesting museum on the art, old trades and popular traditions of the region. Guided tours of the village and the Castrum of Neyran are also available.

° The Castrum of Neyran

Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village of Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, the Castrum of Neyran is the remains of a small medieval hamlet built in the early 11th century, combining a seigniorial dwelling and village houses. The site is accessible on foot via a path that starts at the bottom of the village. The walk takes around 45 minutes. The path is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

° Haute Vallée de la Mare hike

This varied route from Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare offers splendid views. Allow 6 hours' walking time for the full 17km loop. This walk can be shortened to a loop of around 4 hours.

A pleasant getaway by car or bike

Discover the Orb gorges between Vieussan and Roquebrun. This itinerary offers lovely views of the river and vineyards, as well as a chance to visit the picturesque village of Roquebrun. You can also canoe down the Orb gorges over a 10km stretch.