Fontès: Volcanic Landscapes, Vineyards and Hotels

When planning a trip to Fontès, you can focus on three specific themes: volcanic landscapes, wine-growing and architectural history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fontès, this overview can help you organise your days around your interests. Walks, viewpoints and historic architectural styles offer different ways to explore the area.

Volcanic landscapes and views

Céressou, also known as Célessou, is an ancient, now inactive volcano in the Massif Central. Its crater has long since filled in, and its basalt flows are visible. The vineyards of Fontès lie on limestone soils and along volcanic lava flows. Wines bearing the AOP Languedoc and Languedoc Pézenas designations are produced there. Limestone soils and lava flows thus provide the geological context for wine-growing, while the visible basalt flows also reveal the volcanic character of the landscape.

The Plan du Céressou viewpoint is at an altitude of 207 m and overlooks the wine-growing plain. On a clear day, the view extends to the coast and the towns of Agde and Sète. From the summit of Céressou, the Péchet lava lake can be seen to the south. The views range from the wine-growing plain to the coast, towns and lava lake; views of the coast, Agde and Sète in the distance depend on clear weather.

Hiking around Céressou

The Oenorando® “Des Vignes et Volcans de Fontès” is a moderately difficult 12.5 km route that takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. It passes within a few metres of the ruins of Château de Mazers and returns to Fontès via La Clapisse hill. Its length, difficulty level and duration give you specific points of reference for planning your day; the return via La Clapisse is also part of the route.

The Céressou walk runs along the slopes of the ancient volcano and offers views of the vineyards of Fontès. The two routes have different focuses: the Oenorando® is defined by its distance, duration, difficulty level and return route, while the Céressou walk is characterised by volcanic slopes and vineyard views.

Architectural history in the village

Fontès is home to the ruins of the 12th-century Château de Mazers de Latude. The Church of Saint Hippolyte is a Gothic building dating from the beginning of the 13th century. Its nave comprises two bays, and its apse has five sides. The church can be visited independently, without a guide, or on a guided tour. Check the visiting options before your trip.

Rue de la Tour also preserves a historic feature: it was formerly called Rue du Porche de la Ville and still has a vaulted passageway. Font Grande is the only village fountain in Fontès that still flows. Along with the dated buildings, the passageway and fountain provide further specific points of reference for the village’s history.

Bus connections as a guide

La Fontesole is about 114 m from the FONTES – BV. J. FERRY bus stop. The Clermont L’Hérault – Fontès and Pézenas – Nizas – Fontès routes stop there. This is an approximate distance for this named location and bus stop. As bus services may change, check the timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Clément-De-Rivière, Les Matelles, Caux, Mourèze, Boujan-Sur-Libron, Sete, Cazouls-D'hérault, Sauteyrargues.

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.