Cabrières: Hiking, Wine and History

Cabrières combines hiking routes with a wine-growing landscape and themes related to history and geology. When looking for a hotel in Cabrières, you can first plan your stay around what interests you most: an easy, shorter circular walk, a longer route along the Crêtes de Vissou, or cultural sites with historical and geological features. The options vary in length, stated duration and subject matter. This lets you estimate in advance how much time to set aside for the trails and your other interests.

Hiking, Cycling and Time Required

The Sentier des Mines is an easy 7-kilometre circular walk, with a stated duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. The trail passes through woodland, vineyards and garrigue in the Cabrières terroir, and tells the story of the area from prehistory to the present day. The Oenorando® des Crêtes de Vissou runs from the village through vineyards and garrigue to the cliffs of Pic de Vissou. It is 12 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty, and has a stated duration of 4 hours. By comparison, the Oenorando is 5 kilometres longer, with a stated duration 1 hour 30 minutes longer. The two circular walks also differ in difficulty. This allows you to compare their distances, time requirements and level of challenge in practical terms.

For the Oenorando, the CABRIERES – COOPERATIVE bus stop is less than a ten-minute walk from the route; it is served by the Clermont L’Hérault–Fontès lines. Check the timetable before setting off, as transport information may change. Another route option is the “Cabrières et les ruines de Tiberet” mountain-bike circuit: it is 13 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty, and has a stated duration of 2 hours. Check route conditions before setting off.

Pic de Vissou rises 480 metres above Cabrières’ vineyards and offers a 360-degree panorama of the Hérault département and beyond. The area around Pic de Vissou covers 1,208 hectares and was classified by decree on 26 March 2002. Pic de Vissou is a destination for hiking and paragliding. Numerous fossils and Palaeolithic remains make it noteworthy for anyone interested in nature, geology and prehistory.

History, Geology and Wine

A hiking route to Château de Cabrières provides access to the visible remains of the cistern, the rampart and the base of a tower. It reaches a summit platform at an altitude of 293 metres, offering views of Pic de Vissou and the village of Cabrières. The landscape is thus complemented by tangible evidence of the former fortifications: Cabrières’ former fortress was finally demolished in 1585 by order of the Duke of Montmorency.

Église Saint-Martin in Les Crozes was listed as a historic monument by decree on 30 December 1980. The oldest document mentioning the church dates from 990. These two dates provide different historical reference points: its early mention and its later listing as a monument.

The Caveau muséographique des Vignerons presents the medieval history of Cabrières, the geology of the Monts de Cabrières, archaeology and copper metallurgy. A visit can be followed by a tasting of the cuvées presented by the winemakers; check current visiting arrangements separately. At the Cabrières wine cellar, the Galerie photo des schistes features changing themed exhibitions, renewed every three months. Museum exhibits, wine and changing exhibitions thus complement nature and hiking experiences with further topics to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nébian, Le Pouget, Castries, La Mausse, Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels, Saint-Jean-De-Cuculles, Faugères, Aumelas.

For the main travel overview: Hérault.