Tour of the Hautes Terres d'Oc (Tarn, Hérault)

Starting in Lacaune, famous for its thermal springs and traditional cured meats, the trail winds through the dense forests of the Montagne Noire towards La Salvetat-sur-Agout, a granite village perched above Lake Raviège. Passing through Anglès, hikers discover a wild plateau where unspoiled nature and peat bogs shelter rare biodiversity. The descent towards Castres offers a striking contrast, with its colorful houses along the Agout River and its rich architectural heritage. The route then climbs back up towards Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy and the medieval village of Lacaze, nestled in the Anis Valley and dominated by its 15th-century castle. Following the meanders of the Gijou River, via Viane and Gijounet, the itinerary winds between verdant valleys and lively rivers, in the heart of an unspoiled rural heritage. This distinctive land is marked by the history of shepherds and weavers.

At the crossroads of the Tarn and Hérault departments, the Hautes Terres d'Oc form a wild balcony between the Massif Central and the Mediterranean. This mid-mountain region, the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, is distinguished by the granite boulder fields of the Sidobre and the dense forests of the Lacaune Mountains. History is etched in stone, from mysterious prehistoric menhirs to medieval towns like Murat-sur-Vèbre, testaments to a past of transhumance and resistance. The landscapes alternate between high-altitude lakes, such as La Raviège, and heathlands swept by the Autan winds. Nature reigns supreme, providing refuge for mouflon sheep and a rich flora where peat bogs and ancient beech forests flourish. The built heritage, marked by meat-drying sheds and schist churches, reflects an authentic Occitan mountain culture. It is a land of climatic contrasts where the mildness of Languedoc clashes with the harshness of the Atlantic peaks.

Google Maps - Google Earth

Hiking around Oc Highlands (Tarn, Herault) 1

Hiking around Oc Highlands (Tarn, Herault) 2

Hiking around Oc Highlands (Tarn, Herault) 3

Distance: 191km, Elevation maximum: 1242m, Elevation minimum: 173m, Elevation gain uphill: 4575m
IGN Maps: 2342SB - RÉALMONT / ALBAN. 2343ET - CASTRES / LE SIDOBRE / PNR DU HAUT LANGUEDOC. 2344ET - MONTAGNE NOIRE (EST) / MAZAMET / PNR DU HAUT LANGUEDOC. 2442SB - BELMONT-SUR-RANCE / ST-SERNIN-SUR-RANCE. 2443ET - MONTS DE LACAUNE / LA SALVETAT-SUR-AGOUT / PNR DU HAUT LANGUEDOC.

Hiking around Oc Highlands (Tarn, Herault) 10 Nearby paths:
Tour of the Upper Thoré Valley (Tarn, Aude, Hérault)
GR®7 From Vosges to Pyrenees
GR®36 From Channel to Pyrenees
GR®71 From L'Esperou (Gard) to Fontfroide Pass (Herault)
GR®653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

GR®, PR®, GRP®, and the corresponding signs of markings (white / red, yellow and yellow / red) are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that create and maintain hiking routes on GR®, PR® and GRP®. It publishes guides these topo hiking routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnee.

GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.

Facebook GR-Infos Long Distance Footpaths

Return

Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.