682-685 liO bus service
- Montpellier
- Saint-Pons-de-Thomières
The 682-685 "Montpellier - Saint-Pons-de-Thomières" liO bus runs through the Hérault département into the Haut Languedoc Nature Park. The Caroux and Espinouse mountain ranges peak at over 1000m and are surrounded by steep gorges. This listed site is renowned for its canoeing, climbing, walking and cycling.
- Period: all year round
- Days: Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays, except May 1st
- Recommended start point from Montpellier: Station Mosson (tram 1 or 3).
Recommended stops
Places to eat and sleep at each stop
Lamalou-les-Bains
1 hr 30 from Montpellier. Stop: Casino. Lamalou is a famous spa town in a leafy setting. Nature tourism reigns supreme here.
Explore a land bursting with unspoilt nature sites, cultural attractions and leisure facilities with peace of mind along the Passa Païs greenway, which runs from Bédarieux to Mazamet. Find out more
Mons-la-Trivalle
1 hr 50 from Montpellier. Stop: Centre. Mons-la-Trivalle is a village next door to the outstanding Gorges d'Héric nature site with the Massif du Caroux in the background.
As well as hiking, you can canoe from the Tarassac base, cycle along the Passa Païs or go rock climbing. Find out more
Olargues
2 hr from Montpellier. Stop: Mairie. Olargues is a medieval town listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" to the south of the Espinouse mountain range.
The village sits on a rocky hill and has fabulous views from the ancient keep at the top. Feast your eyes then stroll back down through the narrow streets to visit the Pont du Diable which has spanned the Jaur since the 12th century.
Find out more
Saint-Pons-de-Thomières
2 hr 30 from Montpellier. Stop: Le Foirail. Saint-Pons-de-Thomières is known as "the city of marble" and full of listed heritage sites.
Travel back in time at the Musée de Préhistoire, visit Saint Pons de Cimiez Cathedral, the biggest Romanesque cathedral in Occitanie, and explore the streets lined with traditional shops and lintels. The town is a foodie favourite where local produce is celebrated every year at two major events: the Pig Festival in February and Chestnut Festival on the last weekend in October. Find out more
