A great introduction to Grabels is L’Oasis des garrigues: recognised by the Fédération française de randonnée, this hiking trail follows a route once used by salt carts and leads to partly wooded, rocky plateaus. From there, panoramic views open up over Pic Saint-Loup and the surrounding mountain ranges. The municipality of Grabels created the trail with technical support from the FFR de l’Hérault and maintains and signs it. Check trail conditions locally.

Hiking and scenery

The park around the Source de l’Avy and along the Mosson is a heavily wooded spot for walks. The leisure area at the Source de l’Avy has tables, wooden benches and a fitness trail; numerous paths and trails also start there. The landscape offers a range of options: a signposted hiking route to rocky plateaus, walks in wooded surroundings and other trails starting from the leisure area.

The orienteering course at the Source de l’Avy has around 40 markers. Families can enjoy it as a fun orienteering game or treasure hunt. Maps and marker locations may change. This activity offers a different focus from the hike through the Garrigue: here, the aim is to find the markers, while there, the trail and views provide a distinctive landscape experience.

Historic Grabels

In the historic village, narrow lanes and surviving remains of former fortifications recall its architectural history. These include the towers of the presbytery and the clock tower. The church has two towers; behind the newer one, an older Romanesque bell structure has been preserved. Rue du Porche also tells the story of the former fortifications: it was built through the old rampart and is known for its mullioned windows.

The church was rebuilt in 1666 after the village was taken by Protestant rebels during the Wars of Religion in 1621 and 1622, and parts of it were destroyed. Another aspect of local history is the Bugada: the name for the work of the Bugadières, washerwomen who collected the laundry of wealthy people from Montpellier, washed it, dried it on aromatic plants in the Garrigue and returned it. This work continued for more than three centuries.

Views and other activities

The Tour de Montredon is a tower dating from the late 12th century, on a hill between Grabels and Combaillaux. It can be reached via the Chemin du Mas de Matour and offers views of Grabels, Combaillaux, Saint-Gély and Pic Saint-Loup. Together with L’Oasis des garrigues, it is another way to include scenery and views in your visit. Check trail conditions locally.

For climbing enthusiasts, Altissimo Montpellier Grabels offers climbing walls open to the public, individual and group courses, equipment hire and sales, and climbing excursions. Karting Elceka offers outdoor karting, with vehicle hire, challenges and private events. Operating details may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Way of St James, overnight stop and market

Grabels lies on the Via Tolosana, also known as the Chemin d’Arles or GR653, one of the major pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The municipal overnight stop was set up for hikers and pilgrims travelling along the GR653 between Montpellier and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. It was closed for construction work from 15 October 2025 to 15 September 2026. If you plan to stay there after that period, check current availability.

The Grabels market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Place Jean Jaurès. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Le Cros, Berlou, Cébazan, Octon, Saint-Jean-De-Buèges, Sete, Villeveyrac, Beaulieu.

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.