What are the best campsites in Hérault?
It is one of the departments with the most campsites, with more than 230 campsites in Hérault, so the hardest part will certainly be making a choice! To help you, here is our selection:
In the heart of the Orpellières nature reserve near Béziers
Camping Le Clos Virgile **** in Sérignan is a campsite nestled in a protected natural setting covering six hectares, located close to Béziers and just 500 metres from a sandy beach in the heart of the Orpellières nature reserve. Open from April to September, it offers a variety of accommodation options, including comfortable mobile homes for 2 to 8 people and shaded pitches for tents. The vast water park features an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool for the off-season, two fun paddling pools for children, a 50-metre water slide and two hot tubs reserved for those over 16. A dynamic entertainment team sets the pace for the season with aqua-fun sessions, muscle toning, tournaments, fitness classes, competitions and theme nights, while a mini-club for children and a teens' club allow everyone to enjoy their holiday to the full. On site, services are designed for the comfort of holidaymakers, with a bar-restaurant, a snack bar, a grocery store, a launderette, Wi-Fi connection available, as well as bike and baby equipment hire so you can travel light. Finally, the environmentally friendly campsite, with some pedestrian areas, invites you to relax, get away from it all and explore the surrounding area in a friendly, peaceful and family-oriented atmosphere.
Cheaper seaside campsite in the Hérault
Les Flots Bleus *** campsite in Vias-Plage is a family-run establishment, located directly by the sea in a setting conducive to relaxation and maritime discoveries. It covers a generous area with numerous mobile homes and shaded pitches, a bar-restaurant and a small grocery store, as well as a variety of sports facilities such as a multi-sports campground, pétanque court and table tennis tables to keep you active and entertained. The water park has several heated outdoor pools, including two aquatic areas with hot tubs, paddling pools and fun slides designed for children and adults alike.
Regular activities punctuate the summer season with aquagym, tournaments, theme nights, bingo and Zumba, while younger children can enjoy the Carabouille playground. Open from mid-April to the end of September, this campsite attracts a loyal clientele thanks to its friendly atmosphere, dynamic entertainment, proximity to the beach (just a few minutes' walk away) and the quality of its services designed for the whole family.
4-star campsite with direct access to the beach
Le Petit Mousse **** campsite in Vias-Plage is located on a five-hectare wooded estate with direct access to the Mediterranean beach and a short walk from the Canal du Midi. Its vast lagoon-style water park is perfect for swimming and thrills, with an outdoor pool, a paddling pool for children, several water slides (including pentagliss and tubes) in a tropical setting of palm trees, complemented by a wellness area with hammam, sauna, bubble bath and massages. The modern rental accommodation, such as air-conditioned mobile homes for families of 4 to 6 people, has a terrace for enjoying meals in the open air. The family atmosphere is enhanced by a kids' club and a teens' club, a dynamic entertainment team, tournaments, shows and themed evenings, as well as a variety of sports and leisure facilities such as multi-sports, pétanque, table tennis, mini-golf, a playground and a games room. On-site services make your stay easier: several dining options (restaurant, snack bar, pizzeria, bar, mini-market, bread delivery), bicycle hire, laundry, baby kits, Wi-Fi, cleaning and other options, as well as pet-friendly facilities and a Green Key label for its environmental commitment. Everything has been designed to combine relaxation by the water, complete comfort and enjoyable entertainment with family or friends.
On the shores of Lake Salagou in Occitanie
The Lac du Salagou **** campsite in Clermont-l'Hérault is located on the shores of the volcanic Lake Salagou in a remarkable natural landscape with reddish hues and preserved biodiversity. Its modern aquatic area includes a 400 m² heated swimming pool with massage jets, a fun paddling pool for children and a solarium ideal for relaxing in the sun. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer: comfortable air-conditioned mobile homes, chalets, cottages and lodges, as well as spacious pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes, all nestled in a wooded setting typical of the Hérault valley. There is no shortage of activities: kids' club in July and August, sports tournaments, aquagym, mini-golf, multisports, gym, table tennis, boules court, evening entertainment, not to mention water sports on the lake (paddleboarding, canoeing, swimming, fishing) and hikes around the Natura 2000 classified natural site and network of major sites. On site, there are a full range of services: restaurant, bar, grocery store, bread delivery, laundry, bike hire, Wi-Fi internet access, service area and parking for motorhomes, all contributing to a comfortable and friendly stay. The campsite is about 30 kilometres from Montpellier and the Mediterranean Sea, and close to the centre of Clermont-l'Hérault with its shops, market and local heritage. This location combines unspoilt nature, a variety of leisure activities, comfortable facilities and a family atmosphere for a relaxing and lively stay in the heart of the Grand Site du Salagou.
What are the must-see attractions in the Hérault?
The capital of Languedoc and designated a City of Art and History in 2019, Montpellier is the must-see city in Hérault. The modern Antigone district, the historic centre and the Three Graces fountain, the Peyrou promenade and its view of the Pic Saint-Loup will hold no secrets for you.
Jardin du Peyrou in Montpellier
Pézenas, a jewel of heritage
Like Montpellier, Pézenas has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of Art and History) label. Nestled between Béziers and Montpellier, this charming little town was one of Molière's favourite places to stay, providing him with the perfect setting for creativity. Its beautifully preserved historic centre is a maze of cobbled streets lined with sumptuous mansions with ornate ironwork balconies, remnants of its golden age in the 17th century. Rightly nicknamed the Versailles of Languedoc, Pézenas charms visitors with its theatrical and refined atmosphere. As you stroll around, you'll be surprised by the many shops selling the wares of artisans, potters, glassblowers, jewellery designers and cabinetmakers. Every corner holds a discovery, and it's almost impossible to leave Pézenas without a unique, handmade object as a souvenir of an authentic way of life.
The Cirque de Mourèze, a timeless mineral landscape
Dating back more than 160 million years, the Cirque de Mourèze is a spectacular 300-hectare dolomitic complex located a stone's throw from Lake Salagou in the Hérault hinterland. This unique landscape, composed of rocks sculpted by erosion into strange and sometimes monumental shapes, evokes a veritable natural labyrinth. This exceptional geological site is best explored on foot, along hiking trails that wind through pine forests, in a Mediterranean atmosphere where you can breathe in the scent of resin and hear the song of cicadas. The starting point for these walks is in the village of Mourèze itself, a charming village with narrow streets, nestled against a rocky outcrop. A little higher up, the Parc des Courtinals viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the entire cirque and the surrounding relief, making this site a must-see for lovers of nature and magnificent landscapes.
Lake Salagou, between red earth and tranquil waters
Close to the Mourèze cirque, Lake Salagou impresses with the flamboyant colours of its landscapes, dominated by a characteristic red earth called "ruffe", the result of a geological phenomenon dating back to the Permian period. The striking contrast between the intense blue of the water and the glowing red hills creates a spectacular, almost unreal setting. Covering 750 hectares, the lake stretches across six municipalities and is now much more than just an artificial reservoir originally created for irrigation. It is a veritable open-air leisure centre, ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing or hiking on the many trails that run along its shores. Swimming is permitted and supervised during the season, with beaches equipped to make the most of this natural setting. Calm, wild and protected, Lake Salagou is a privileged place to recharge your batteries, explore or simply contemplate.
Clamouse Cave, an underground treasure in the Hérault Gorges
Nestled in the Hérault Gorges and classified as a Scientific Site, the Clamouse Cave is a geological wonder discovered in 1945, renowned for housing one of the richest concentrations of crystallisations in France. A veritable underground cathedral, it reveals a magical world sculpted by water and time, where limestone concretions take the form of spectacular draperies, fistulas and aragonites. Throughout the visit, the specially designed route allows visitors to admire these sparkling formations on the ceiling, walls and floor, enhanced by lighting that highlights their natural beauty. For visitors eager for thrills, an adventure trail called "Spéléopark" offers a fun and safe introduction to caving, with rope bridges, descents and narrow passages to explore like a true adventurer. An unforgettable experience combining science, nature and exploration in the heart of the Hérault.
The Devil's Bridge, between legend and panorama
Just 400 metres from the Clamouse cave, the Devil's Bridge spans the turquoise waters of the Hérault River in a spectacular setting combining limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. Built in the early 11th century by monks from the abbeys of Aniane and Gellone, this Romanesque bridge is one of the oldest still standing in France. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, it is also surrounded by legends, including that of the devil who tried to prevent its construction. Today, it attracts history buffs as well as swimmers, hikers and photographers who come to admire this architectural masterpiece and enjoy the exceptional view of the Hérault Gorges. An iconic site where heritage, nature and fantasy intersect.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, medieval gem of the Hérault Gorges
Just three kilometres from the Clamouse cave, in the heart of the Hérault Gorges, lies one of the most beautiful villages in France: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Nestled between the cliffs, this medieval village is a must-see, particularly for its Gellone Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Strolling through its cobbled streets lined with old houses with stone facades, you literally step back in time. The steep staircases, vaulted passageways, artisan shops and shaded fountain in the central square create an authentic and peaceful setting. Here, every corner exudes history and invites contemplation. Climbing above the village, a superb view of the valley and the surrounding hills rewards the most curious visitors. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert appeals to heritage enthusiasts and nature lovers in search of beauty and silence alike.