This guidebook details 31 walks in the Languedoc region of France, north of Béziers. Much of this area forms the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, at the heart of which is the stunning Espinouse massif, rising abruptly some 850m from the valley floor. Close by is the valley of Lac du Salagou, an enormous man-made lake surrounded by impressive hills. A little further east is the valley of the river Hérault, which provides the explorer with wonderful limestone gorges, caves and cliffs. All three of these areas are well provided with footpaths on which it is rare to see another human being; and, because this is France, a fine dinner awaits you at the end of the day. The Languedoc has for too long been in the shadow of Provence. Sharing the same Mediterranean climate and vegetation, it is a quiet, beautiful place which retains more than a hint of the old France. This book is the fruit of 10 years' exploration of the central part of the Languedoc, and aims to provide walks into these areas for hikers of all standards; some are very straightforward, others are for the very fit and experienced. All the walks described are circular.

Table of Contents:
Preface to Second Edition Map Key Map: Languedoc Region Map: Starting Points for Walks on Caroux - Espinouse - Somail Map: Starting Points for Other Walks Introduction Climate, Geology, Wildlife Getting There Where to Stay What to See Food, Markets and Money Weather, Clothing and Equipment Maps Using this Guide Hunting Recommendations Walk 1 Around Roquebrun Walk 2 La Forêt des Ecrivains Combattants Walk 3 Les Gorges de Madale Walk 4 Les Gorges de Colombières Walk 5 Saint Martin de l'Arçon Walk 6 Circuit of the Caroux Plateau Walk 7 La Cabrière Walk 8 Tour du Roc Noir Walk 9 Valley of the Vialais and the Montagne d'Aret Walk 10 Caroux - Table d'Orientation Walk 11 Circuit of La Gleizo Walk 12 Les Gorges d'Héric Walk 13 Circuit of Cambon Walk 14 Summit of Mont de l'Espinouse Walk 15 Circuit of Montahut Walk 16 Les Sagnes Walk 17 Circuit of Coustorgues Walk 18 Circuit of Cassagnoles Walk 19 Le Saut de Vézoles Walk 20 Le Priou Walk 21 Circuit of Villemagne Walk 22 Pic de la Coquillade Walk 23 La Maurelle Walk 24 Les Trois Tours (The Three Towers) Walk 25 Tour of Mont Liausson Walk 26 The Mont Liausson Ridge Walk 27 St Guilhem le Désert Walk 28 Lac du Salagou Walk 29 Around Le Puech Walk 30 Pic Saint-Baudille Walk 31 Le Caylar and La Couvertoirade English-French Glossary Summary of Walks