Walking in the Vineyards of Montpeyroux, France

Short Hikes among the Vines in Languedoc with Wine Tastings Too

Nov 6, 2009

Montpeyroux close to Montpellier in Languedoc offers guided and self-guided walking tours through its vineyards, ending with a tasting of local wines in the Cave.

Less than an hour from Montpellier Airport is the little village of Montpeyroux, where one of the best things to do is go walking in the vineyards that surround it. Hiking among the vines in this area known as the Terrasses du Larzac, especially if on a tour with a knowledgeable guide, is one of the best ways to learn about the village. Understanding the importance of wine-growing in this part of southern France, and how it fits into the history of Montpeyroux, is the perfect way to build up to a wine-tasting in the Cave des Vignerons de Montpeyroux, the local wine co-operative.

Signs for Les Chemins de l'Histoire show visitors the way along the path that leads out of the village and through the vineyards. Guided tours can be booked or there is also a self-guided leaflet available at the Cave des Vignerons de Montpeyroux. This helps make sure that no-one gets lost on the short, circular route that leads through the rows of vines

Montpeyroux in Languedoc

Montpeyroux has been called the most beautiful village in France, which is praise indeed as many parts of France seem to be made up of nothing but beautiful villages. Part of the charm of Montpeyroux is that it is very unpretentious. It is also filled with cobbled streets and narrow alleys, has a charming little main square with the inevitable café tables spilling around, a 13th-century fortress tower, and a slightly elevated position which gives it pleasant views of the surrounding scenery – including those vineyards.

Walking in the Vineyards of Montpeyroux

This has always been a big wine-growing area, but thought of by French people more for the quantity rather than the quality of its wines. This is now changing, as anyone will see if they go visiting different vineyards around Montpellier.

A walk through the vineyards of Montpeyroux with guide Mickael Venturini, who works for the local tourist authority, explains the changes in wine-making, and also brings to life the very landscape. He picks some of the carignon grapes from the vines. 'These are typical of the region,' Mickael says. They taste sweet. 'The wines from Montpeyroux are quite strong because of the high sugar content of the grapes, due to the climate.' Further on are some grenache blanc grapes, and Mickael explains how to tell the grapes apart from the shape of their leaves.

Back to the Wine Tasting in Montpeyroux

Mikael also shows his group fossils of oysters found in the soil, and in bricks in the walls, and explains the history of the castle that overlooks the plain of vines and was abandoned in the 16th century. Eventually the path loops around and into the old part of Montpeyroux, and Mickael shows the group some of the architectural features on the historic houses here. Eventually the road leads back down through the village - it may well be one of the most beautiful in France - to a welcome wine tasting and a chance to buy local foods and wines in the Cave des Vignerons de Montpeyroux. Yes, walking in French vineyards is hard to beat.

Further Information on Montpeyroux

For more information on visiting Montpeyroux and walking in its vineyards in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France contact:

Walking in the Vineyards with a guide is only available in July and August, by booking through the local tourism office:

Otherwise pick up a leaflet at the Cave des Vignerons de Montpeyroux and follow the map and the signs through the vineyards.

The copyright of the article Walking in the Vineyards of Montpeyroux, France in France Travel is owned by Mike Gerrard. Permission to republish Walking in the Vineyards of Montpeyroux, France in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.