On the southern edge of the Causse du Larzac, at an altitude of 600 to 800 metres, La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries lies in a landscape where cattle, horses, donkeys and sheep are raised extensively. Local themes range from rural water engineering to trees and wildlife, as well as ecclesiastical architecture. A variant of the long-distance Chemin de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert passes through the village. There are also trails and walks with their own distinct themes—a basis for choosing what to explore according to your interests.

Water Heritage and Architecture

The Chemin de l’eau follows a circular route through the area’s rural hydraulic heritage to the Source du Goutal, which supplied La Vacquerie with water for a long time. The nine-kilometre circular walk runs from La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries to the spring and past the Cantercel experimental site. As a place for architectural experimentation, Cantercel adds an architectural theme to the focus on water supply and historic buildings.

Along the interpretation trail, water intakes, channels and cisterns are presented, with information boards explaining the themes. The Chemin de l’eau is suitable for exploring with the family. The combination of a clearly defined circular route and the historical purpose of the Source du Goutal makes it a specific option for anyone interested in water supply and its architectural traces.

Trails with Different Themes

The Chemin des Chênes highlights two remarkable oak trees and traces of local wildlife. On the Chemin de l’Érable, markers shaped like leaves of the Montpellier maple point the way to a remarkable maple tree with an information board. The two trails therefore have different focuses: one links oak trees with information about wildlife, while the other leads to a single tree and an information board.

The Notre-Dame de Parlatges walk also has a clearly defined destination: it starts and ends in La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries and leads to the historically significant site of Notre-Dame de Parlatges. If a historic destination matters more to you than a particular tree or water theme, this walk is an option to consider.

Churches, Priory and Village Architecture

The Notre Dame church in La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries was founded in 1248 by Bishop Guilhem de Cazouls and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 12th century, the Priory of Saint-Martin-de-Castries was a dependency of the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. The ruins of the priory church were restored in 2005; the church is described as the oldest on the Larzac plateau.

Another architectural detail can be found at the Maison dite « Du Bailly » on the village square: it has a carved door and a 17th-century gallery. The historical dates vary, from the 12th-century priory and the church’s foundation in 1248 to the 17th-century architectural features. The 2005 restoration concerns the ruins of the priory church.

Landscape, Getting There and Accommodation Planning

The location on the southern edge of the Causse du Larzac and the extensive raising of cattle, horses, donkeys and sheep give the landscape a rural character. Together with trails leading to hydraulic structures, trees and a historic site, the village offers several themes for planning a day out, without every walk having the same focus.

The La Vacquerie-et-Saint-Martin-de-Castries – Centre bus stop is served by Réseau Draille routes. As transport networks and timetables can change, check current connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Thibéry, La Boissiere, Villeveyrac, Restinclières, La Grande Motte, Lauroux, Aigne, Pouzolles.

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.