Les Terrasses de Combaillaux: What to do from Combaillaux

Domaine de l’Oulivie (Combaillaux)
Organic olive oil, tapenades, soaps; guided tours and tastings available
➡️ oulivie.com

Domaine de l’Hortus (Valflaunès – around 20 min)
Renowned Pic Saint-Loup wines; tastings by appointment
➡️ domaine-hortus.fr

Château La Roque (Fontanès – around 25 min)
Biodynamic wines with elegant character and warm hospitality
➡️ chateau-laroque.fr

Brasserie des Garrigues (Sommières – around 35 min)
Organic craft beers; try “A la volée” or “Peyrouse”
➡️brasseriedesgarrigues.fr

Recommended Restaurants

In Combaillaux / nearby: Pizzeria at the village square

Typical villages:

Auberge de Valflaunès – excellent value regional fare
L’Oustal Fonzes (Saint-Jean-de-Buèges) – local cuisine in a charming, simple setting
L'Artichaut (Les Matelles) – creative bistro, good wine list, terrace in a quaint lane
L'Auberge du Cèdre (Lauret) – cooperative restaurant (reservation recommended)

Gourmet Experiences

Le Mazerand (Lattes, 30 min) – garden gastro setting ➡️ le-mazerand.com
La Réserve Rimbaud (Montpellier) – Michelin-starred, by the Lez river ➡️ reserve-rimbaud.com
Le Grand Arbre (Montpellier) ➡️ legrandarbre.com
Le Jardin des Sens (Montpellier) ➡️ hotel-richerdebelleval.com/jardin-des-sens
Cena (Montpellier) ➡️ cena-montpellier.fr
Restaurant Leclère➡️ restaurantleclere.com

Local Producer Markets (by day)

Tuesday mornings: Clapiers – small producer market
Wednesday mornings: Grabels
Saturday mornings: Village town square – local products
Thursday mornings: Claret – village atmosphere, great vegetables and cheeses
Friday mornings: Saint-Gély-du-Fesc – large regional market
Sunday mornings: Les Matelles – summer market with artisans, sometimes music, Prades-le-Lez – producer market

Bakeries & Sweet Treats

Boulangerie Le Fournil (Combaillaux)
L’Atelier du Pain (Saint-Gély-du-Fesc)
les Co'Pains du Pic (Saint-Gély-du-Fesc) – excellent bread
La Régalade (Les Matelles) – sweet pies, fougasses, homemade cakes
Chocolaterie du Pic (Saint-Gély) – great local chocolates

Sample Gourmet Day Plan

Morning: Market at Les Matelles + visit the old village
Lunch: L’Artichaut
Afternoon: Walk around Pic Saint-Loup or Combe de Mortiès
Late afternoon: Tasting at Domaine de l’Hortus
Additionally: La Maison du Fromage (Saint-Gély-du-Fesc); Bessière butcher/caterer (Grabels)
Evening: Charcuterie and cheese board with wine on your terrace

Day 1 – Garrigue & Pic Saint-Loup Wines

Morning: Gentle hike around Combaillaux

Route: Combe de Mortiès loop
6–8 km – 2 h 30 – beautiful views, garrigue and forest
MTB option available with GPS tracks on Komoot or Visorando

Midday: Country lunch or in the village

Option: picnic (bakery + local charcuterie)
Or: Le Clos des Oliviers (in Saint-Gély-du-Fesc)

Afternoon: Vineyard wine tasting

Visit and tasting at Domaine de l’Hortus or Château La Roque (by appointment)
Possible stroll through the vineyards in Valflaunès or Lauret

Evening: Relaxed dinner at the restaurant of L’Olivie, the olive estate in Combaillaux
Peaceful return to your accommodation

Day 2 — Secret Rivers & Medieval Village

Morning or afternoon: Short walk

Source de l’Avy in Grabels: pleasant shaded stroll along the Mosson river, enjoyable in all seasons, parking available onsite

Or:
Morning: Excursion to Saint-Jean-de-Buèges

Scenic drive via Viols-le-Fort (~35 min)
Walk around Rocher du Tracastel (easy, 1 h)
Relax and swim in the Buèges river (turquoise, refreshingly cool water!)

Midday: Lunch on site

L’Oustal Fonzes: local, simple, and generous cuisine
Or picnic by the river

Afternoon: Visit & return via Ganges or Claret

Optional stop at local crafts in Claret (glassblower workshop)
Beer break at Brasserie des Garrigues (Sommières)

Evening: Return and home dinner

Board of local products + wine of the day on your terrace
Sunset over the hills

Day 3 — Pic Saint-Loup & Typical Villages

Morning: Ascent of Pic Saint-Loup

Start from Cazevieille (Fesquet car park)
Challenging but short hike: 6 km round-trip – 2 h 30 – +350 m elevation gain
Panoramic 360° view (sea, Cévennes, vineyards, Hortus)

Midday: Lunch at the foot of the Pic

Auberge de Valflaunès: regional cuisine, great value for money
Or L’Auberge du Cèdre in Lauret (reservation recommended)

Afternoon: Visit Les Matelles

Stroll through medieval streets
Stop at the Maison des Consuls (archaeology museum or temporary exhibition)
Ice cream or coffee on a terrace

Evening: Elegant dinner to end your stay

Option 1: Le Mazerand (Lattes – garden setting, refined cuisine)
Option 2: La Réserve Rimbaud (Montpellier – Michelin-starred, by the Lez river)

What to Bring for the Stay

Hiking/MTB shoes
Swimsuit, towel, fresh water
Cooler for markets and picnics
Advance reservations recommended for wineries and certain restaurants

Morning: The Historic Heart of Montpellier

Depart from Combaillaux around 9:00 a.m.
Park at the Corum or Comédie car park.
Hop on the little tourist train from Place de la Comédie (departures roughly every 30 minutes).
The 40-minute circuit, with audio commentary, is ideal for getting an overview of the historic Écusson district.
Then, enjoy a walking tour:
- Place Saint-Roch, Ancien Courrier and Argenterie streets (charming and full of shops)
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and the Peyrou Gardens

Lunch: Local Flavours
Gourmet options:

Le Petit Jardin (near Peyrou): lush setting and refined cuisine
Le Bouchon Saint-Roch: typical atmosphere and regional products
Or a quicker option on a terrace at Place Saint-Roch

Afternoon: Culture & Modernity

Visit the Musée Fabre (major fine arts museum) or MO.CO. for contemporary art.
Stroll through the Antigone district with its neo-classical architecture, then along the banks of the Lez to the Hôtel de Région or the Marché du Lez (concept stores, street food, and vintage shops).
Take a coffee break or enjoy artisan ice cream by the water.

End of Day: Evening Drinks & Return
If you stay in town:

Enjoy an aperitif on a rooftop (Mercure or Gazette Café)
Wander through the illuminated streets of the city centre at sunset
Dinner on a terrace or in the lively Sainte-Anne district.
Return to Combaillaux.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes: the city centre is best explored on foot.
In summer, visit in the morning to avoid the heat.
Montpellier is lively yet shaded, with plenty of small squares and fountains. Walk on the shaded sides of the streets for comfort.
For an itinerary: visiorando.com – Montpellier d’hier et d’aujourd’hui (“Montpellier of yesterday and today”).

Day Trip Around the Étang de Thau & Sète
9:30 a.m. – Depart from Combaillaux

Head towards Bouzigues via Montbazin (~45 min).

10:30 a.m. – Stroll in Bouzigues & Oyster Tasting

Walk along the charming port of Bouzigues.
Optional visit to the Étang de Thau Museum (short and well done).
Taste oysters and shellfish with a view of the lagoon at a local producer’s (for example La Palourdière or Chez Tintin).

12:30 p.m. – Lunch by the Lagoon

Option 1: La Côte Bleue (panoramic view of the lagoon, fish and shellfish)
Option 2: Lunch in Mèze at Poisson Rouge or Le Mas (local produce, peaceful setting)

2:30 p.m. – Head to Sète, Walk on Mont Saint-Clair

Breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, the lagoon, and the rooftops of Sète.
Optional visit to the Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette Chapel.

4:00 p.m. – Stroll in Central Sète

Wander along the canals, visit the fish market, the Paul Valéry Museum, or MIAM (Museum of Contemporary Art).
Enjoy an ice cream or coffee by the Royal Canal.

5:30 p.m. – Aperitif on the Beach

At La Ola or Le Cabanon de la Plage for a drink with your feet in the sand.

7:30 p.m. – Dinner in Sète

Gastronomic option: The Marcel
Relaxed seaside option: Le Saint-Clair, terrace on the beach

9:30 p.m. – Return to Combaillaux (~1 h)

Day Trip to La Grande Motte, Le Grau-du-Roi & Aigues-Mortes

9:30 a.m. – Depart from Combaillaux (~50 min drive)
10:30 a.m. – Swim or Stroll in La Grande Motte

Unique architecture, well-equipped beach.
Seafront walk or bike rental along the coast.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch in a Beach Club (Paillote)

Effet Mer or L’Essentiel: quality cuisine, sunbeds available after lunch.

2:00 p.m. – Head to Aigues-Mortes (~20 min)

Visit the ramparts, walk along the towers with views over the salt marshes.
Optional tourist train ride or walking tour in the old town.

4:00 p.m. – Salins du Midi or the Camargue

Guided tour or tourist train in the Salins du Midi: striking pink landscapes and explanations about salt harvesting.
Prefer nature? Horseback ride or cycling in the Camargue marshes near Le Grau-du-Roi.

6:00 p.m. – Aperitif at the Port of Le Grau-du-Roi

Family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere; terrace seating on the quay.

7:30 p.m. – Fresh Fish Dinner

Recommended: Le Panoramique (sea view), Ô de Mer, or Le Dauphin.

9:30 p.m. – Return to Combaillaux (~1 h)

Day Trip to Maguelone & Palavas

10:00 a.m. – Depart from Combaillaux by car

About 35–40 minutes to the Maguelone peninsula.

10:45 a.m. – Visit Maguelone Cathedral

Park at the Cathedral car park (paid in high season).
Access on foot (pleasant 15-min walk) or by small tourist train (paid).
Visit the Saint-Pierre de Maguelone Cathedral: a magnificent Romanesque site surrounded by lagoons and vineyards, peaceful and very photogenic.
Possibility to enjoy a coffee or cold drink at La Buvette de la Cathédrale in a shaded setting.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch in a Beach Club (Paillote)

Head to the nearby beach for lunch with your feet in the sand.
Two nearby options:
Carré Mer – chic paillote by the Pourcel brothers, refined Mediterranean cuisine ➡️ carre-mer.fr
La Plage Bonaventure – more casual but equally pleasant setting
Reservations recommended in July–August.

2:00 p.m. – Relaxation or Seaside Walk

After lunch, relax on the wild Maguelone beach (less crowded than Palavas).
Sunbed rentals available, or walk to the Rhône-to-Sète canal, or simply enjoy the sand and a swim.

5:30 p.m. – Sunset Aperitif

Leisurely drive towards Palavas, stroll along the canal.

7:30 p.m. – Dinner with a Sea View

Option 1: Phare de la Méditerranée, rotating panoramic restaurant with 360° views over the sea, lagoons, and hinterland
Option 2: Carré Mer for a long, relaxed dinner in the beach club
Option 3: L’Artimon facing the casino – an iconic gourmet restaurant founded about 45 years ago, recently taken over (late 2022) by Anthony Gerbeau and his wife Élodie Reddit. Located upstairs in the harbour master’s office, with a terrace and large bay window offering panoramic views over the sea, the port, and Mont Saint-Clair. Elegant setting, family-friendly, smart dress expected (no shorts/sportswear) ➡️ lartimonpalavas.com

9:30 p.m. – Return to Combaillaux

About 30–35 minutes’ drive, back to the calm of the garrigue after a day of sea, culture, and gastronomy.

Altissimo Montpellier – Grabels

An indoor climbing gym perfect for families, located just 10 minutes from Combaillaux:
14.5 m wall, 155 rope routes, 47 bouldering routes, accessible from age 5 with children’s programs
Open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on weekends)
Equipment rental, group lessons, or independent climbing
Alti’Académie children’s programs: lessons from age 5 starting in September, package includes unlimited access from mid-September to mid-June (≈ €120)
➡️ montpellier-grabels.altissimo.fr
→ Perfect for active indoor fun, in a safe and friendly environment.

Saint Georges Riding Club – Grabels

A family-friendly equestrian center, open to children from age 2, ideally located at the gates of Montpellier:
4-hectare estate with arenas, riding halls, club house, and parking
Offers lessons, rides, treks, children’s camps, and competitions
Special lessons for very young riders (baby rider from age 2) and pony-sport programs
Info & bookings: 04 67 63 21 41, Route de Ganges, Grabels
→ Ideal for introducing children to horse riding in a calm, professional setting
➡️ saintgeorgesequitation.fr

Educational Farm of Combaillaux

La P’tite Ferme is a wonderful educational outing for families, combining animal encounters, pony activities for children, outdoor games, simple dining, and nature time. Perfect for a half-day or more, with activities running all year and extended summer hours.
Address: Puech de Las Fourques (RD 102), 34980 Combaillaux
Phone: +33 6 24 65 31 81 / contact@alaptiteferme.fr

OC’Aventures Tree-Climbing Park – Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles

OC’Aventures offers a treetop adventure park combined with a forest laser-tag arena, set in a pine forest about 15 km north of Montpellier.
110 activities split into 5 children’s courses (from age 4) and 5 adult/teen courses (from age 8 and 1.30 m minimum)
The adult course includes a Tarzan jump and three giant zip lines of 200 m, 230 m, and 245 m crossing the Boulidou valley, accessible to people weighing between 40 and 110 kg
➡️ oc-aventures.com

Discovery Trails at Domaine de Restinclières

The Château de Restinclières, in the folie montpelliéraine style, hosts temporary exhibitions on biodiversity and the environment. Visitors can explore themed gardens, hiking trails, wetlands, and agroforestry areas.
Domaine de Restinclières is an ideal spot for a family or friends’ outing, offering relaxation, discovery, and environmental awareness all in one.
➡️ domainederestinclieres.herault.fr

Supervised Swimming & Play at Le Crès Lake

Activities: walking, jogging, mountain biking (10 km of trails), paddleboarding, swimming, BMX, regulated fishing
Facilities: skatepark, city stadium (basketball/football), children’s playground, picnic tables, orienteering course
Nature & Setting: bordered by pine groves and trees, alongside the Salaison River. Varied fish species (carp, trout, white fish) and ducks along the banks

AOC Pic Saint-Loup
(± 60 estates, 3 cooperative wineries)

A prestigious appellation north of Montpellier, made from noble grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre), producing highly aromatic reds and rosés, the majority of which are organic.
➡️ www.pic-saint-loup.com

Notable estates and cooperatives:

Château de Cazeneuve (Lauret)
Château de Lancyre (Valflaunès)
Château de Lascours (Sauteyrargues)
Château des Mouchères (Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers)
Château Puech-Haut (Saint-Drézéry)
Clos des Augustins (Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers)
Domaine Chemin des Rêves (Saint-Gély-du-Fesc)
Domaine de la Vieille (Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers) – 100% organic wine, family heritage spanning 11 generations
La Gravette, Les Vignerons du Pic, Les Coteaux du Pic – local cooperatives producing nearly half of the Pic Saint-Loup volumes

AOC Terrasses du Larzac
(± 90 estates, 3 cooperative wineries)

An appellation created in 2014, exclusively producing red wines from blends predominantly Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, often organic, expressing the minerality of the Larzac plateau.

Representative estates:

Mas Cal Demoura (near Jonquières) – classic ambassador of the appellation, elegant and saline
Domaine de Causse d'Arboras – L’Extrême cuvée: dense fruit, hint of olive, lovely freshness
Domaine de Montclamès – structured, spicy wine with peppery notes of black cherry and plum
Mas de l’Écriture – Les Pensées cuvée: black fruit, spices, fine and balanced character
Mas Lasta – finesse and liveliness, vibrant raspberry and plum fruit
Les Vignes Oubliées (Saint-Privat) – collective of small winegrowers, fresh wines with silky tannins, discreet ageing in a naturally cool cellar

Other notable estates: Mas des Chimères, Domaine de Granoupic, Domaine de Blancous, Clos du Serres, Domaine des Conquettes, etc.
➡️ www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr
➡️ https://www.terrasses-du-larzac.com

Good to Know for Your Visits

Tastings are often available at the estate; some are located in the communes of Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Murles, Aniane, or Saint-Privat.
Many are committed to organic or biodynamic farming, producing wines of strong character that respect the terroir.
You can also discover several estates through cooperative wineries or at the local wine shop Vins du Pic & d’Ailleurs in Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, a specialist in Pic Saint-Loup wines (± 70 estates referenced).

Things to Do from Combaillaux

Content

Activities Around Combaillaux

1. Combaillaux

2. Local Mountain Bike Trails

3. Pic Saint-Loup

4. GRP (Grande Randonnée de Pays)

5. Saint-Jean-de-Buèges & Buèges Gorges

6. Les Matelles

7. Source du Lez – Domaine de Restinclières

8. Canoeing on the Hérault & Swimming

9. Practical Tips

Local Gourmet Trails: Producers & Tasty Visits Around Combaillaux

Visit & Walk Suggestions

Three-Day Itinerary Around Combaillaux (walks/MTB + gourmet stops)

Walk & Visit of Montpellier – 1 Day

Seaside Excursions

Activities for Children Around Combaillaux

Renowned Wine Estates