Discover Montoulieu near the campsite
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Cévennes countryside by staying at our campsite in the Cévennes, in the Hérault hinterland.
When you stay at Le Val d’Hérault campsite, you’ll be just a quarter of an hour from Montoulieu, with its famous Castellas and numerous hiking trails.
Your vacation in the Cévennes
Our riverside campsite offers a wide choice of furnished rentals. You’ll find mobile homes of various sizes to accommodate families of up to 6 people, with plenty of living space and all the necessary equipment. You can also choose to rent a chalet, again with a range of well-appointed units for 5 or 6 people.
Looking for an original solution? We offer a 5-person canvas bungalow and a 4-person tent cabanon. These two atypical accommodation options, halfway between a tent and a rental, each have two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a terrace and garden furniture.
If you prefer, our campsite near Montoulieu offers you the charm of traditional camping. You can, of course, pitch your tent, caravan or motorhome. You can choose between plots in the shade of oak trees, semi-shaded or sunny pitches. In July and August, we also offer camping by the river, a privileged place to sleep close to nature.
Whatever your choice of accommodation, you’ll have access to all the facilities of our 4-star campsite, starting with the swimming pool and sandy beach by the river. Enjoy the benefits of nature camping in the Cévennes, just a stone’s throw from Montoulieu!
Montoulieu and its Castellas
To visit Montoulieu is to plunge into the heart of the Cévennes’ medieval history. Nestled in a superb natural setting, this small village has the distinction of having been abandoned in the early 18th century. Many remnants of the village’s original layout remain, including the traditional mas (farmhouses) that surround the village, and other heritage buildings such as old lime kilns. Today, it’s a village that preserves its authenticity and shares its Cevennes identity through traditional festivals.
What gives Montoulieu its character is the castle that has overlooked it since the 12th century. It was then called Castrum de Montolivo, a name that refers to the presence of olive trees on this stretch of mountain. What we know today as Castellas de Montoulieu is a relic of its glorious heyday.
This ancient castral site, of great historical value, has recently been restored and made safe for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the superb view from the promontory, you’ll discover the remains of the castle, a major feature of local life in the Middle Ages and the turmoil of the Wars of Religion. The 12-metre-high watchtower, fortified walls and castle gates, of which significant traces remain, give an idea of the power of the complex.
Walks and hikes around Montoulieu
Situated in the foothills of the Cévennes, the village offers a multitude of walking itineraries. The first must-do is the climb up to Castellas de Montoulieu. The ridge path from the village is a beautiful 7 km hike through the garrigue. Beware of the steep gradient and stony sections: this is a recommended route for good walkers.
There’s also a discovery trail that you can follow on foot, following signs that explain the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area. It’s a great way to discover the surrounding countryside, with its alternating agricultural plains, vineyards, forests and Mediterranean landscape.
From Montoulieu, near our campsite, you can also hike to the Ermitage de Monnier. It’s an hour’s walk at an easy level, accessible to all members of the family. You can picnic on site and enjoy the panoramic views of the Cévennes.
Further information: Montoulieu Tourist Office