The classified site of the Gorges d’Héric in the heart of the ‘Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc’ is always well worth a visit. In summer, it’s perfect for a dip in the Orb River and the naturally formed rock pools. Only for the brave though, because the water is cold as ice, even when the weather is hot! And the other seasons, with a preference for spring and autumn, are great for a hike. Whatever the time of year, you will find plenty of wonderful places to spread your picnic blanket to round of the day. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a mouflon!
Héric River
In the South of the Massif Central range between the Hérault, Tarn, and Aveyron departments lies the vast Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. This is where the Héric River rises to about 1,000 meters in altitude in the Espinousse mountain, part of the Massif du Caroux, to eventually plunge into the Orb River. And this is where hundreds of thousands of years ago, erosion created the Gorges d’Héric, and still does. It resulted in some impressive gorges where the water finds its way through numerous naturally formed rock pools and waterfalls. When I take the family to the Gorges d’Héric in summer, we only can think of getting into the river as quickly as possible to cool us down. You have to come early though, to find the best spot. And, as the site is remote and wild, swimming is at your own risk.
Hameau d’Héric
The last time the family and I went was in September. The weather was splendid but cool enough to undertake some action. The advantages of going during the off-season are that it is less crowded and free parking. There are about 80 (!) walks to do in the area, from simple trails to some serious mountaineer tracks. Be prepared with the right gear, detailed maps, and enough water and food, especially when doing the more advanced hikes. Don’t go wandering around on your own, as you can get lost easily. It had been a while since we had walked to the Hameau d’Héric, one of the easiest hikes around. It’s a pretty straightforward one- no extra gear needed- following the Gorges d’Héric for about 5 km upwards and downwards along the same path. It’s hard earth all the way and, therefore, very accessible for kids and buggies.
Bon marcheur
A sign at the beginning of the path mentions how long it will take to go up and down according to your fitness level. The kids wanted to be a ‘bon marcheur’ (good walker), so off they went to try to reach the hamlet within an hour. Of course, it took a bit longer, thanks to some photo breaks. However, despite the many stops on the way, it only took about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the hamlet. It’s really tiny though, so easy to miss. And if you’re lucky, you can have a break in the little open-air café, run by a lovely lady. Don’t expect too much of it; it’s just nice to sit there and rest for a bit before you head back. It was closed when we were there, but we had brought our picnic (as you do when going to the Gorges d’Héric).
Gouffre du Cerisier
Downwards usually goes fifteen minutes to half an hour quicker. It took a bit longer for us this time though, as Chéri had made a bet with the boys that they wouldn’t go in the river. Being teenagers, they eagerly wanted to prove Chéri he was wrong. On the way up, we spotted a magical rock pool with a waterfall, called the ‘Gouffre du Cerisier’. It was the perfect place for the boys to take a plunge and dip their heads under the cascade. And very entertaining to watch while the rest of us enjoyed our picnic. Bet won! However, I can’t tell you how long it took to get back at the car again. But then again, who keeps track of time when you are surrounded by such marvellous natural scenery!
