Avène: Thermes d’Avène, lake and hiking routes

At the same time, Lac des Monts d’Orb and several named routes give nature and hiking interests a concrete focus. First consider whether the medical purpose or the landscape will shape your stay. The distinctions between the thermal baths, trails, lake and area designation can help you define this focus more precisely.

Thermal baths and purpose of travel

If you are travelling for a specific treatment, confirm the medical services before booking. This will help you plan around your actual treatment needs and clarify medical questions before arranging the rest of your stay. The Thermes d’Avène are intended to provide relief for chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Hiking routes and landscape

The Peyreguille route passes the 12th-century Pont Vieux and then returns to the car park via a footbridge. At Peyreguille, there is also an information board and an exceptional panorama of the wooded hills of Avène, Rode Basse and Truscas. The La Plaine de Sadde circular trail alternates between chestnut groves, beech and spruce forests, meadows, wooded sections and open areas. The routes offer different highlights: Peyreguille focuses on a historic landmark and the panorama, while the changing mix of woodland and open areas shapes the landscape along La Plaine de Sadde. This makes it easier to choose based on whether you are looking for a historic point of interest or varied landscapes.

Lake, long-distance trail and natural area

Lac des Monts d’Orb, also known as Lac d’Avène, is a six-kilometre-long artificial reservoir. It is surrounded by forests and used for fishing; please observe local restrictions. The Tour du Lac des Monts d’Orb forms part of the GR® de Pays Entre Deux Lacs Avène–Salagou. The lake and the route offer different points of reference: the lake is characterised by its length, wooded surroundings and use for fishing, while the route is defined by its inclusion in the named long-distance trail.

In March 2026, the western section of the Tour du Lac des Monts d’Orb was closed until further notice following Storm Nils in February 2026. Check the latest official route updates before setting out. The Massif de l’Escandorgue includes Avène and is listed as a type 2 continental ZNIEFF. The area is also designated under the Birds Directive (ZPS) and is recorded as a Regional Natural Park. This area designation complements the specific landscape features of the lake and routes with a nature-focused perspective at area level.

Getting there

Avène Tourist Office is less than a ten-minute walk from the AVENE – CENTRE bus stop. Check current bus services before travelling, as transport information can change.

Discover more destinations: Vacquières, Roquebrun, Ferrières-Les-Verreries, Perols, Le Poujol-Sur-Orb, Saint-Georges-Dʼorques, Le Soulié, Mireval.

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.