Attractions and Places To See around Cournonterral - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cournonterral, a village in the Hérault department of France, offers a blend of historical architecture, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy. Located about 15 kilometers from Montpellier, it is set amidst vineyards and scrubland. The area features medieval fortifications, 18th-century castles, and natural elements like the Coulazou stream. It serves as a gateway to exploring the heritage of the Occitanie region.
Best attractions and places to see around Cournonterral
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Rhone Kanal
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Bridge over the Rhône - Canal de Sète
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Submersible Road Between the Étang de l'Arnel and the Étang des Moures
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Vic Pond
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Abbaye Saint Félix de Montceau
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At the turn of the paths of La Gardiole, the ruins of the ancient abbey Saint-Félix-de-Montceau appear. The site, attested as early as 1104, was occupied for several centuries by a community of nuns, first Benedictine and then, for a period, Cistercian. The Gothic abbey church, built at the end of the 13th century, is today the most spectacular remnant of this medieval complex. Abandoned as a monastic site after the transfer of the community to Gigean in 1514, the site was long left to ruin before an association undertook its preservation in 1970. Today, the stones of the abbey church stand in the heart of the garrigue, on the northern slope of the limestone massif with the plain of Gigean in the background.
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From Frontignan to Palavas-les-Flots, the route follows the Canal du Rhône à Sète through one of the major lagoon complexes on the Languedoc coast. After the Étang d'Ingril and Les Aresquiers, the canal successively crosses or runs alongside the Étangs de Vic and Pierre-Blanche, then passes between those of Arnel and Prévost before reaching Palavas. The canal itself is a major historical element of this landscape. Its construction began in 1701 under the name Canal des Étangs, in order to ensure continuity between the Canal Royal du Languedoc – today the Canal du Midi – and the Rhône. The route, completed in 1829, passes through Frontignan, Maguelone, and Palavas before joining Aigues-Mortes and then Beaucaire. In Frontignan, its opening in the 18th century profoundly modified the landscape: the canal notably separated the former Étang de Frontignan into two parts, giving rise to the Étang d'Ingril and that of La Peyrade.
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From Frontignan to Palavas-les-Flots, the route follows the Canal du Rhône à Sète through one of the large lagoon complexes on the Languedoc coast. After the Étang d'Ingril and the Aresquiers, the canal successively crosses or runs alongside the Étangs de Vic and de Pierre-Blanche, then passes between those of l'Arnel and du Prévost before reaching Palavas. The canal itself is a major historical element of this landscape. Its construction began in 1701 under the name Canal des Étangs, in order to ensure continuity between the Royal Canal of Languedoc – today the Canal du Midi – and the Rhône. The route, completed in 1829, passes through Frontignan, Maguelone and Palavas before joining Aigues-Mortes and then Beaucaire. In Frontignan, its opening in the 18th century profoundly modified the landscape: the canal notably separated the former Étang de Frontignan into two complexes, giving rise to the Étang d'Ingril and that of La Peyrade.
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From the greenway, the panorama opens onto the Étang de Vic. This vast coastal lagoon of over 1,000 hectares stretches between the Gardiole massif and the Aresquiers lido. Protected within the Natura 2000 site of the Palavasian ponds and recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention, the pond forms a vast landscape of lagoon, salt marshes, and wetlands here. This opening allows its full extent to be appreciated from the surroundings of Vic-la-Gardiole.
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From the place called Le Pilou to the eponymous footbridge, this path takes us to the heart of the lagoon landscape of the Arnel pond. A space where human developments rub shoulders with the characteristic environments of the Palavas ponds: lagoon, sansouire and halophytic vegetation. Arnel is today a protected natural area, integrated into the Natura 2000 network and the classified site of the Palavas ponds. But the lagoon also bears the traces of a long history of exploitation: fishing, old salt pans and hydraulic structures have shaped this amphibious territory for several centuries.
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This is an almost entirely "flat" canal with only one active lock (in Saint-Gilles), which greatly facilitates pleasure boating.
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Yes, a very beautiful climb to get to the abbey, a magnificent, top place 👍👍
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Best practiced in dry weather. Some sections are very, very sticky. It can cause your wheels to lock, so don't be in a hurry!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Cournonterral?
Cournonterral is rich in history. You can discover the 19th-Century Town Hall, the 1820 Temple, and the 18th-Century Chapel of the White Penitents. Don't miss the visible Remains of 14th-Century Ramparts, the 18th-Century Mallet Castle, and the Saracen Tower, which is the last part of the old feudal castle. Legend also has it that Hannibal's elephants drank from the Ancient Fountain.
Are there any significant natural features or parks in Cournonterral?
Yes, Cournonterral boasts several natural features. The village is crossed by the Coulazou Stream, which has carved out a canyon. You can also enjoy the Municipal Park, located between the Coulazou torrent and the old ramparts, or explore the surroundings of the Mare du Ramassol. The village is set amidst scenic vineyards and scrubland, characteristic Mediterranean landscapes offering opportunities for walks.
What cultural events and activities take place in Cournonterral?
Cournonterral is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The Pailhasses Carnival is an atypical and significant annual event held on Ash Wednesday. The town also hosts an International Music Festival every Easter weekend, participates in the Total Festum Festival in June, organizes Tambourine Masters events in July, and celebrates a Votive Festival on the first weekend of August. A weekly market is held every Wednesday morning.
What are some popular natural attractions near Cournonterral?
Beyond the village, you can visit the Salines de Villeneuve Nature Reserve, known for its former salt pans, canals, and lakes, which serve as a breeding ground for waterfowl, including pink flamingos. Another popular spot is Mount Saint-Baudile, offering magnificent panoramic views of the coastline and surroundings. The Avy Spring also provides a pleasant stroll in a cool, shady setting.
Are there opportunities for hiking around Cournonterral?
Absolutely! The area around Cournonterral offers various hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the 'Saint-Pierre Church – Aven Well loop' or the 'Aven Well loop from Cournonterral'. For more options and detailed routes, check out the dedicated guide for Hiking around Cournonterral.
Can I go cycling near Cournonterral?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity here. You can find routes like the 'Stony Path – DFCI loop from Cournonterral' or the 'View of Sète – Cantonnière trail loop from Cournonterral'. The Rhone Kanal also offers a beautiful gravel track for cycling. For more cycling adventures, explore the guides for Cycling around Cournonterral and Road Cycling Routes around Cournonterral.
What are some family-friendly attractions in the area?
Families can enjoy several spots. The Salines de Villeneuve Nature Reserve is great for observing wildlife, especially flamingos. The Avy Spring offers a pleasant and cool natural setting for a stroll. Additionally, the Municipal Park in Cournonterral provides a green space for relaxation. The Rhone Kanal also features a family-friendly cycle path.
What day trips can I take from Cournonterral?
Cournonterral is an excellent base for exploring the Occitanie region. Montpellier, with its historical center and attractions like Planet Ocean, is just 15 kilometers away. You can also visit the significant natural lagoons of Étangs Palavasiens and Etang de Thau, the impressive Grotte de la Clamouse, or the Grand Site de France of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Gorges de l'Hérault. Further inland, the stunning Cirque de Navacelles and Vallée du Salagou are also within reach.
What is the best time to visit Cournonterral for outdoor activities?
The region generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and early autumn are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as the weather is pleasant and temperatures are moderate. Summer can be hot, but activities near water bodies or in the early morning/late evening are still enjoyable. The Pailhasses Carnival takes place on Ash Wednesday, and various festivals occur from Easter to August, offering cultural experiences alongside outdoor pursuits.
Are there any wine-related attractions or experiences in Cournonterral?
As a wine-making village, Cournonterral offers opportunities to explore local wine culture. You can visit local vineyards and producers such as Domaine l'Aigueliere or Château de l'Engarran, which also houses a wine museum. The surrounding vineyards provide scenic beauty and are perfect for walks or cycling.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Cournonterral?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The ruins of Abbaye Saint Félix de Montceau, with its maintained garden and picnic area, are highly rated for their beauty and the surrounding hiking opportunities. The panoramic views from Mount Saint-Baudile are also a favorite, offering stunning vistas of the coastline. The tranquility and wildlife, especially flamingos, at the Salines de Villeneuve Nature Reserve are also frequently praised.
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Most popular attractions around Cournonterral
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