The Cirque de Mourèze

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Cirque de Mourèze

Nestled in the heart of the Hérault region is the natural wonder of Cirque de Mourèze. This breathtaking area boasts a unique collection of limestone rock formations, sculpted by centuries of erosion, that create a surreal landscape of pinnacles, cliffs, and towers. Visitors to Cirque de Mourèze can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the rocky landscape, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For those looking for a more leisurely stroll, there is also a short walk that takes visitors on a guided tour of the most impressive rock formations, including the famous Stone Labyrinth. 

Hiking Trails in Cirque de Mourèze

Cirque de Mourèze offers a range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Here are some of the most popular trails:

Les Trois Termes

This 7km trail is the longest in the area and is suitable for experienced hikers. It takes visitors through the heart of the Cirque and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Le Balcon de la Pousterle

This 5km trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors to one of the highest viewpoints in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Le Chemin des Charbonniers

This 2km trail is an easy walk that takes visitors through the forest and offers a glimpse of the region’s historic past. Along the way, visitors can see the remains of charcoal burners’ huts and other relics of the area’s industrial heritage.

La Boucle de la Vierge

This 1km trail is a short, easy walk that takes visitors to the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows. From there, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Cirque and the surrounding hills.

The Short Walk in Cirque de Mourèze

There is a family-friendly 2.5km walk (Sentier des Courtinals) that starts at the parking and ends in the village of Mourèze that you can do in under an hour that we managed with a 3-year-old Théo. He loved to spot the markers along the way and it was just the right distance to keep him entertained. The views are superb. This short walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Village of Mourèze

After a day of hiking and exploring the stunning scenery of Cirque de Mourèze, you can continue your adventure by exploring the charming and picturesque village of Mourèze.  This medieval village has a rich history dating back to the 10th century.

Stroll through the winding streets and admire the traditional stone buildings, many of which are adorned with colourful flowers and vines.

Visit the Romanesque church of Sainte-Croix, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning frescoes, and the 14th-century Chateau de la Roquette, which was once the residence of the local lord and now serves as a cultural centre.

Browse the local markets, where you can find a range of locally-produced crafts, including pottery, textiles, and jewellery. The markets are held on Sundays and Wednesdays in the village square.

Logistics

There is a large car park at the entrance to the village. This costs EUR3 but you get a ticket that is valid all year so you can come back! You will pass a small information centre where you can pick up a map and more information on the area. The staff are very helpful.

If you are visiting in the height of summer be warned that there is not a lot of shade and you’d be better to avoid the middle of the day.

There are a few restaurants and cafés but you might need to book. We were unlucky enough to finish our walk just after 1pm and couldn’t get into anywhere to eat. Alternatively you could bring a picnic to make the most of the fantastic scenery.