SO MUCH TO DISCOVER
WALKING CYCLING DRIVING
Walking - The map above shows a small snapshot of hiking paths situated in the vicinity of Mas de Boudet, in fact one actually passes the front door! If you enjoy walking, then this area is made for you.
A favourite walk from the house is "across country" to the village of Cabrials, shown in the centre of the map, and then following the road marked Route des Mas, which is the D114E2. This road eventually heads to the village of Aumelas, some 11 kilometres to the east. There are numerous opportunities to "go off track'' by turning left at any point and taking one of the paths that cross the spectacular Causse d' Aumelas (shaded in green), an area of high ecological interest offering some stunning views. It is an area of complete tranquility with very few signs of human habitation, a chance to experience the sweet smells of the rugged "garrigue".
Cycling - Few would argue that France is the "spiritual home of cycling", locally there are a number of cycle clubs that encourage new membership from all nationalities.
Whether you favour mountain or road biking, you will be spoilt for choice as you discover exactly what this unspoilt area offers, catering as it does for all levels of experience. Just one example is a popular circular route around the Etang d' Thau. Whilst completing this ride would be for the more experienced cyclist, the route could of course be tackled in gentle stages over a period. The company shown in the hiking map above, SityTrail, also feature detailed maps of cycle and mountain bike trails in the Herault area.
Driving - There are a number of popular areas that require no more than a gentle drive
through the countryside, in fact far too many to mention.
We can mention nearby Lake Salagou, with its strange red soil around the edges of the 750 hectare lake. It has a 'ghost' village - abandoned as it was supposed to be flooded along with several other villages when the valley bottom was flooded, but this one, Celles, escaped the water.
Not far from the lake, Villeneuvette is a fascinating village which was built in the 17th century to house the workers of the factory, which at the time manufactured uniforms for the army of King Louis XIV. Above the gateway as you enter the village, you will notice a slightly chilling sign announcing ‘Honneur au travail’ (Honour in Work). The original inscription above the gateway was "Manufacture Royale", but this was later changed by the Republic.