Liausson - Col de Portes - Montagne de Liausson

Morley Sewell

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After leaving the village and running for a short distance on a path between houses and then along the edges of fields, the route turns up a stony track once used by muleteers. The track climbs steadily up the side of a small valley, with occasional views of the Lac de Salagou through the trees to the left and behind. By the time the track has reached the Col de Portes, a view has opened up ahead as well as behind. At the Col, the route turns left onto a narrow path that climbs up round the opposite (southern) side of the Montagne de Liausson to the lake. The path becomes steeper and much rockier but eventually it leads out onto the crest of the Montagne, with dramatic views on both sides.

The Lac du Salagou lies in the broad valley to the left, while to the right there are row upon row of tree-covered hills. The extraordinary dolomitic pillars at Mourèze can also be seen at the bottom of the steep hillside on the right. Despite the yellow ballisage crosses, it is well worth while occasionally and carefully going a few metres off the waymarked path, to the left, to see the ever-changing views over the lake. Part of the way along the crest, the path passes close to the ruined hermitage of Saint Jean d'Aureillan. The route back down to the village twists and turns through the trees but is mostly much less steep, albeit somewhat longer, than the ascent. It emerges into the village within 100 metres of the car park.

France - South of France - Languedoc-Roussillon - Herault