Timeline

Origin and history

The Heric gorges, located near Mons-La-Trivalle in Herault, were carved by Héric Creek in the Caroux Espinouse massif. They are part of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park and are classified in the National Site File. Their geological formation dates back to the Devonian, linked to hercynian hercynian orogenesis, a mountain chain that is now eroded but whose roots are visible in the metamorphic rocks of the gorges.

These gorges reveal deep geological strata, such as eye gneisses and migmatites, formed under high pressure at more than 10 km depth. Above, shales and granites show less intense tectonic activity, about 5 km below the surface. These rocks illustrate the transformations that occurred during the collision of the Gondwana and Laurasie continental plates about 340 to 300 million years ago.

The Heric Valley, now a major tourist site, separates the Caroux plateau from the Espinouse Mountains. The creek, taking its source in the wildlife reserve, traverses encased landscapes conducive to canyoning before it flows into the Orb. The gorge trail, opened in 1931, allows hikers to discover remarkable points such as the Gouffre du Cerisier or the Minarets.

The massif is also known for climbing, with needles reaching the 7th degree of difficulty. The gorges thus embody a geological, landscaped and sporty heritage, marked by a complex tectonic history and increasing tourist traffic since the 20th century.

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