The Mountain Pic Saint Loup
The location
At 658 m high, the Pic saint Loup is a landmark impossible to miss between Montpellier, Sommières and Nimes.
You can even see it from the sea!
The geology
The rock of Pic Saint-Loup was formed by the accumulation of marine sediments. Made up of Jurassic limestone, the peak is a rare example of folded relief. The Jurassic limestone strata even tilted vertically on the northern slope during the tremendous Pyrenean thrust 40 million years ago... It offers a breathtaking view of the Hortus mountain.
It is a Natura 2000 program site, home to some remarkable flora and fauna.
The legend of the Pic Saint Loup
The name Pic Saint-Loup gave rise to a medieval love legend. Three brothers, Loup, Guiral and Clair, all in love with the beautiful Bertrade, set off on a crusade without knowing which of them she would choose as her husband. On their return from the Holy Land, their beloved had died. In despair, they decided to live as hermits on three neighbouring peaks. The one on which Guiral lived became Mont Saint-Guiral. It is located near Mont Aigoual. The one where Clair lived was named Mont Saint-Clair (the town of Sète lies at its foot). Loup, who lived on the peak to which he gave his name, was the last to die.
The medieval castles of Montferrand and Viviourès
Situated on the ridges of the Pic Saint Loup and the Hortus, in the communes of Saint Mathieu de Téviers and Valflaunès, these fortresses were built around 1100 and embraced the whole of the plains as far as the Séranne, the Cévennes and even the Ventoux. They have undergone numerous modifications and are now in ruins. They are a popular destination for walks.
Walking
Because of their variety, these reliefs offer a wide range of possibilities for walks and activities. The GR (long-distance hiking trail) "Tour dans le Grand Pic Saint Loup", voted France's favourite walking route in 2021, offers 4 ambitious routes to discover the region's panoramas and treasures. The trail is made up of 4 loops of 49 to 73 km, for a total route of 245 km. Each loop offers a different way to explore the region: villages with character, wine-growing landscapes, the river Buèges and the foothills of the Cévennes as far as Brissac, or Séranne and the Hérault Gorges, with a diversion to Saint-Guilhem-de-Désert.
You can also go rock-climbing on the north face and on the Hortus, practise gliding around the peak and discovering the countryside, fauna, flora and geology...
le vignoble du Pic Saint Loup
le vignoble du Pic Saint Loup
vignes en gobelet
le vignoble du Pic Saint Loup
source images Adobe Stock
The Pic Saint Loup wine growing region
The history
Surrounded by garrigues and emblematic hillsides, the vineyards in this region have existed since Roman times, and were reconstituted after the phylloxera crisis at the end of the 19th century.
The Pic Saint Loup Protected Designation of Origin
was recognised in January 2017, after a long process of recognition: VDQS in 1955, it became AOC Coteaux du Langudoc in 1985, then a specific designation in 1994.
It benefits from a climate tempered by cool nights, with good rainfall and significant temperature variations between day and night.
The grape varieties
The Pic Saint Loup PDO is recognised for its red and rosé wines. The main grape varieties are Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. A blend of at least one of these varieties is compulsory. Cinsault, carignan, cournoise noire and morrastel may be added up to a maximum of 10%. The result is a wine with character, structure, finesse and a fine range of aromas.
With global warming, we're finding that indigenous grape varieties are much more resistant to temperature variations.
The winegrowers' union
The Pic Saint Loup winegrowers have been united within their union for several decades, and have always been driven by the desire to assert the identity of their terroir through the distinctive character of their wines.
For generations, the Pic Saint Loup winegrowers have been sharing their practices, pooling their experience and working together to develop their appellation.
This collective work continues with the new generations of winegrowers, whether they come from families firmly rooted in the appellation, or have recently converted and settled in the vineyards.
Every spring, the Vignes Buissonières bring together thousands of wine lovers who come to discover the wines during a gastronomic stroll through the hidden corners of the landscape.
Sources :
Eloge du Pic Saint Loup, Les Ecologistes de l'Euzière
Syndicat des Vignerons du Pic Saint Loup
Grand Pic Saint Loup Tourist Office
le vignoble du Pic Saint Loup
grappes bien mûres
élévage en barriques
le vignoble du Pic Saint Loup
source images Adobe Stock
Pic Saint Loup wine estates*
Lauret :
Clos Marie
Claret :
Corconne :
Zélige-Caravent
Domaine Baubiac
Domaine Mirabel
Vacquières :
Domaine Les Grandes Costes
Valflaunès :
Les Matelles - Le Triadou :
Fontanes :
Château de Fontanès
St Mathieu de Tréviers :
St Jean de Cuculles :
Assas :
*non-exhaustive selection
le lac du Salagou et les ruffes rouges
le cirque de Mourèze
le Pont du Gard
le lac du Salagou et les ruffes rouges
source images Adobe Stock
Tourism around Pic Saint Loup
The Hérault
Of course, when we arrive in the department of Hérault, we think of the Mediterranean, which we can discover along with the lagoons and beeches, near the Maguelone Cathedral, or the port of Sete, in the footsteps of Paul Valery or George Brassens, between the sea and the Bassin de Thau.
To the east, the Camargue, where marshes, fields and rice fields follow one another, and where pink flamingos, Camargue horses and bulls rub shoulders, will offer you an interesting excursion. A delta unique in the world and open to the Mediterranean, this territory is distinguished by its cultural richness.
But the hinterland has some very nice surprises in store for you, with the Pic Saint Loup as landmark...
To savor your time, or for a bit of adventure, you can discover the Gorges de l'Hérault by canoe with Canoe Le Moulin in St-Bauzille-de-Putois, Canoe Montana in Agonès or Canoé Kayapuna in St Guilhem le Desert.
Let your imagination run wild as you plunge deep into the earth to discover The Demoiselles cave and its legend. Water and a long, long time have made this mysterious cavity in the upper Hérault valley a unique place in the world.
Or the Clamouse Cave, internationally known for the richness of its concretions (notably the very rare aragonite and eccentric crystals), makes for an enchanting journey.
The old Royal Manufacture of Villeneuvette is a charming spot for a stroll under the village's plane trees or a short hike along the signposted paths in the hills behind.
The 'Grand Sites'
After winding your way through the Cirque de Mourèze and its dolomitic chimneys, you'll discover the vast Lac du Salagou, red earth and blue waters, from the summit of Mont Liausson.
The Hérault Gorges are another Grand Site, a landscape that has been both wild and domesticated for thousands of years.
The Cirque de Navacelles, France's 15th Great Natural Site, is a geological curiosity shaped by 600,000 years of patient labour by water, between the Causse and the Vis Gorges. It's a must-see site, where you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramas.
The Gard
Take a step back in time and discover the Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of ancient architecture. It is one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world, and a well-appointed Museum tells the story of our region's long history, particularly the Roman times.
Finally, to reach the 'roof of the Gard', set off to conquer the Mont Aigoual, highest point of the massif of the same name: 1567m.
At the heart of the Cévennes National Park, the Aigoual national forest is today a world-renowned site, with the Forêt d'Exception label.
At the summit, you will discover the observatory, the last inhabited mountain weather station in France, an interesting museum of meteorology, with the first French center for interpreting climate change. With, of course, an incredible 360° view: from the Pyrenees to the Alps, and from Sancy to the Mediterranean.
Accommodation near Pic Saint Loup
A great way to stay in the region is in one of the American Vintage Caravans near the Pic Saint Loup, adding the fascination of a very special self-catering rental to your discovery of the vineyards.
In these caravans you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, good wine glasses and even a decanter to enjoy your discoveries on your own...
These gîtes are located in the middle of the Pic Saint Loup vineyards, in Lauret, 30 km north of Montpellier with its TGV station and airport.
Check out the availability and prices of the Billie and Ella caravans on Airbnb!
