The Voie Verte du Haut-Languedoc Passa Païs runs through Riols and offers a route for environmentally friendly travel. At the same time, Riols stretches from the green valley at an altitude of 250 metres to the Somail Plateau, which reaches 950 metres. Those who want to combine scenery and activity can choose from various circular routes and explore the village’s history on foot. Check local conditions before using the Voie Verte.

Hiking between the plateau and waterfalls

The Chemin des Légendes is a difficult 13-kilometre circular hike. The route is listed as taking 5 hours and 30 minutes, with 775 metres of elevation gain and loss. Check trail conditions before setting out. Along the way, signs explain the local schist and gneiss, menhirs, dolmens, and the legend of the Saut de Vesoles.

Along the trail, the Sentier des Mille Marches leads to the plateau and a viewpoint at the Saut de Vesoles. The Saut is considered a geological fault in the Bureau stream. The Lac de Vésoles and its waterfalls also offer numerous hiking routes, making these trails through the landscape another option alongside the long circular hike.

Circular routes for different time frames

The Boucle Cyclo N°30 is an easy 22-kilometre circular route. It takes two hours, with 660 metres of elevation gain and loss. Compared directly with the Chemin des Légendes, the cycling route is nine kilometres longer but three and a half hours shorter; the two routes are also classified as easy and difficult, respectively. Near Ardouane, the Boucle Cyclo includes the Pont aux Vélos. It also passes the hamlet of Ardouane and its former monastery.

Another 13-kilometre circular route is the Espace Trail Montagnes du Caroux – Parcours 2 – Notre-Dame de Trédos. This moderately difficult route starts at Place du Foirail in Riols and takes three hours. It reaches a viewpoint overlooking Riols and the Jaur Valley. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Trédos was founded in the 11th century under the name Notre-Dame des Trésors and remained dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Pons until the end of the 18th century. On 13 February 2026, following the latest storms, the Trail Notre-Dame de Trédos was reported closed until further notice. Check its current status before making plans.

Village history and a garden visit

Specific features of the old village include the stone-paved Rue Basse du Somail, water-filled lanes, and the projecting façades of former shops. The Pont Vieux crosses the Jaur and is part of a recommended walk through the village. The Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Paul also reflects Riols’ textile heyday, which began in the 16th century. These places give a walk through Riols a historical focus without requiring a longer circular route.

For a different perspective, the Jardin de Mamie Rose offers a guided tour of Jean Aribaud’s vegetable garden. The tour lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. In summer, visits are possible by prior reservation; seasonal scheduling may vary.

Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-Lès-Béziers, Cazouls-D'hérault, Puisserguier, Bouzigues, Murviel-Les-Béziers, Babeau-Bouldoux, Balaruc-Les-Bains, Montbazin.

For the overview of the wider region: Hérault.