This circular 7 miles hike from Liausson to Mourèze offers a rich blend of natural drama and quiet charm. Starting with panoramic views over the deep blue waters of Lac du Salagou, the route winds through the typical shrubland ecosystem of the Mediterranean region (la garrigue) before descending into the surreal dolomitic landscape of the Cirque de Mourèze. Here, twisted limestone towers rise like guardians of the garrigue and invite your to explore. Mid-way, you will find the village of Mourèze, where a home-cooked lunch at a family run restaurant awaits. Grab a table under the shade of plane trees and enjoy a perfect pause before making your way back towards Liausson, with ever-changing views of red earth, silver rock, and brilliant blue lake below.
Stats
| Difficulty | Moderate – No technical skills required. But a fair amount of Elevation. And some alpine paths. There is a very mild scramble section. |
| Length | 6.4 mi – 10 km |
| Total elevation | 1,506 ft – 460m |
| Highest point | 1,560 ft – 475m |
| Walking time | 3h30 |
| Terrain | Walking paths, Alpine paths (including some very mild scramble), streets |
| Equipment | Enough water to walk for 4 hrs. Although you may find a water fountain and several cafes / shops in Moureze (after 4.5 mi.) |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: Free car-park in Liausson
- Public transport: Sadly, this walk cannot be accessed by public transport.
Watering Holes
- O Cirque – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A fantastic family-run restaurant with indoors and outdoors seating.
It is in a quiet spot.
The house specialty is lamb-tajine with apricots. But you will also find: tapas, salads, classic French dishes and vegetarian food..
Everything is home-made with fresh products.
Open Thursday to Tuesday from 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00 - Flor de Salagou – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A tapas bar and epicerie.
Open from 10:30-18:30 every day.
You will find small tapas and planchettes (large selection of cheese and/or cured meat) and ice-cream.
And can also purchase some local produce and preserves. - Le Petit Creux – Moureze – (4.5 miles into the walk)
A creperie (pancake cafe).
As well as pancakes, they serve some sandwiches (panini) hot and cold drinks.
The opening hours do vary depending on the season.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
For camping and clamping: Lac du Salagou Camping Club – Clermont l’Herault (1.8 mi from Liausson)
Pitches available for tents, caravans, campers and mobile homes.
They also have 3 different types of static caravans and glamping units.
It has a large outdoor pool, a paddling pool and a spa.
A children club and a teenager’s club with supervised sports and game activities.
A restaurant and a shop.
For self catering: Several options – Liausson
There are at least 5 villas set as holiday rentals in Liausson.
They vary in size and prices. But usually require a week minimum stay.
For a hotel stay: Hôtel Les Hauts de Mourèze – Moureze
There are no hotels near the start point of this hike but a couple of places in Moureze.
The hotel les hauts de Moureze is a traditional and family run small French hotel.
It has 14 bedrooms and an outdoors swimming pool.
Prices are reasonable, each room has different levels of comfort and prices. Ranging from single to quad room.
Expect similar prices and comfort you would find in a good country inn in Britain
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 