Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels: Hiking, Water and Local History

Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels offers several specific themes to consider when planning your trip: hiking, bodies of water, local history and regional produce. The routes differ in their loop format, duration and elevation figures, views and starting points. By the water, the different names and the activities available at each location can also help you find your way around.

Landscape and bodies of water

Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels is located in the Parc naturel régional du Haut Languedoc. The commune is also part of the ZNIEFF area of Massif de l’Escandorgue; the environmental inventory edition dated June 12, 2024, lists it as one of the communes in the area. This designation adds context to the bodies of water that shape the town and the region in different ways.

The alternative names can help you identify the bodies of water: Plan d’eau du Bouloc is also known as Lac du Taoutas and is fed by streams that pass through Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels. Lac des Monts d’Orb, also called Lac d’Avène, is instead a 6 km-long artificial reservoir surrounded by forests. It is used for fishing, hiking and mountain biking. On the section belonging to Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and electric boat trips are also possible in the “la mangrove” area. Before your visit, check the local rules for using the area and whether a permit is required.

Hikes and choosing a route

The “Le Col Vert” hike is a moderately difficult 9.2 km loop in Ceilhes-Et-Rocozels. The stated duration is 3 hours, with 320 m of ascent and 320 m of descent. “Le Canari” leads from the pretty lanes of Ceilhes up to the plateau, where it offers views of the village and the Larzac. When choosing between the two, consider whether you prefer a loop with stated duration and elevation figures or a route that climbs to the plateau and offers views of the village and Larzac.

The GR® de Pays “Entre 2 Lacs Avène – Salagou” starts in Ceilhes, adding another starting point in the town to the route options. Before setting out on any of the three routes, it is advisable to check current conditions: conditions on Le Canari may vary seasonally, while trail conditions and signage on the GR® de Pays may change.

Local history and regional produce

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Ceilhes is open to visitors free of charge, although it may occasionally be closed. Until piped water arrived in Ceilhes in 1925, the Fontaine du Griffoul was the town’s main source of water. Together, the fountain and the Plan d’eau illustrate two different roles of water: the town’s former water supply and a body of water fed by streams.

In the town center, L’Esquirol showcases local producers and farm cheeses, honey from the Monts d’Orb, meat and charcuterie, wines and organic beers from the Haut-Languedoc, all through a short regional supply chain. If you plan to visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cazedarnes, Villeneuve-Lès-Maguelone, Saint-Mathieu-De-Tréviers, Valras-Plage, Valflaunès, Les Plans, Villeneuve-Lès-Béziers, Mudaison.

For the main travel overview: Hérault.