This guidebook details 32 walks in the Languedoc region of France, north of Béziers. Much of this area forms the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, at the heart of which is the stunning Espinouse massif, rising abruptly some 850m from the valley floor. Close by is the valley of Lac du Salagou, an enormous man-made lake surrounded by impressive hills. A little further east is the valley of the river Hérault, which provides the explorer with wonderful limestone gorges, caves and cliffs. All three of these areas are well provided with footpaths on which it is rare to see another human being; and, because this is France, a fine dinner awaits you at the end of the day.

The Languedoc has for too long been in the shadow of Provence. Sharing the same Mediterranean climate and vegetation, it has not had done to it what Peter Mayle did for the Luberon - yet! Apart from its beaches, it is a quiet, beautiful place which retains more than a hint of the old France.

This book is the fruit of 10 years' exploration of the central part of the Languedoc, and aims to provide walks into these areas for hikers of all standards; some are very straightforward, others are for the very fit and experienced. All the walks described are circular.