A spectacular, classic hike which links the stunning medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert with the two best-known features in the mountains around it: the hermitage of Notre-Dame du Lieu Plaisant and the overhanging paved track built in the 18th century across the impressive natural amphitheatre of Cirque de l'Infernet. We'll also get close to the ruined castle perched on a rock which overlooks the village. Despite starting from a major tourist spot, this hike which follows part of the Saint James Pilgrimage route from Arles feels very wild and remote.
First meeting point before 9:30am near the petrol station on the car park of the Géant Casino Montpellier Celleneuve supermarket, 129 bis avenue de Lodève, which is accessible from tram stop Tonnelles (line 3), to leave from there at 9:30am exactly. Please note that I will NOT be meeting you in Montpellier. There are many car-less people, so if you have a car, please bring it so you can take other people in it. If you don't use it, then you can leave it there until the evening.
If you leave from Montpellier on time, then you'll arrive early in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert early and will have a bit of time for exploring the village lanes, visiting the abbey and its cloister or sit down for a coffee on the square where we're meeting.
To reach the starting point of the hike, exit the A750 at Gignac (exit 59) and follow signs for Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. In the village, turn left following signs for the Pré des Pères car park (7.50€ fee for the day). Note that this car park has toilets and a cash machine. From the Pré des Pères car park, walk to the village main square - place de la Liberté - where you'll see the entrance of the abbey and an enormous plane tree with café terraces in its shade. This is where we're meeting.
Pack a picnic lunch and at least one and a half litre of water.
This event will be postponed if the Météo France forecast is for rain (other than "pluie faible" or "rares averses").
I will bring along a well-behaved small dog (cavalier king charles).
Guideline for sharing car costs from Montpellier: 0,25€/km/car (=petrol+car wear and tear and depreciation), so 28€ (incl. 7,50€ parking) to be divided by the number of persons in the car.
Please do everything you can to allow this event to start on time.
