Fontès brings together vineyards, volcanic landscapes, and a remarkable village history. When planning your stay, you can choose different focal points: a hike on Céressou, views across the wine-growing plain, or a tour of the village’s historic buildings.
Volcanic landscapes and views
Céressou, also known as Célessou, is geologically an ancient, now inactive volcano in the Massif Central. Its crater has long been filled in; the basalt flows are visible. From the summit of Céressou, the Péchet lava lake can be seen to the south. The Plan du Céressou viewpoint is at an elevation of 207 m and overlooks the wine-growing plain. On a clear day, you can also see the coast, as well as Agde and Sète.
The vineyards of Fontès lie on limestone soils and along volcanic lava flows. Wines from the AOP Languedoc and Languedoc Pézenas appellations are produced there. Viticulture and volcanic terrain thus shape the landscape together, which you can experience on a hike or from the viewpoints.
Hiking among vineyards and volcanic slopes
The Céressou hike follows the slopes of the ancient volcano and offers views of the vineyards of Fontès. The Oenorando® “Des Vignes et Volcans de Fontès” provides a specific guide to the route and its duration: it is of moderate difficulty, 12.5 km long, and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. It passes within a few metres of the ruins of the 12th-century Château de Mazers de Latude, then returns to Fontès via La Clapisse hill. With its stated duration, this tour can be planned as a several-hour activity during the day.
Architectural history and village details
The Church of Saint Hippolyte is a Gothic building dating from the beginning of the 13th century. Its nave has two bays, and the apse has five sides. Self-guided visits and guided tours are available; check which option suits your visit before you travel.
Rue de la Tour, formerly Rue du Porche de la Ville, preserves a vaulted passage that once served as an entrance and remains intact to this day. The Font Grande is another distinctive village feature: it is the only village fountain in Fontès that still flows. Together with the church, these buildings and places give your stay a cultural focus that is distinct from the hikes and viewpoints.
Getting there and planning your stay
La Fontesole is about 114 m from the FONTES – BV. J. FERRY bus stop. The Clermont L’Hérault – Fontès and Pézenas – Nizas – Fontès routes serve this stop. If you plan to use either route to get there or travel around, check the timetable for your travel day.
The duration of the Oenorando® provides a specific reference point for planning your day; plan bus journeys around the departure times of your chosen connection.
Discover more destinations: La Trivalle, Puissalicon, Rosis, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Gabian, Le Poujol-Sur-Orb, Saint-Mathieu-De-Tréviers, Aumelas.
See the broader travel guide: Hérault.
