Heric - Les Gorges

France River 2 - Good

Baignade des Gorges (Héric) is a freshwater bathing site located in the Héric stream canyon, extending nearly the entire length of the stream from Héric hamlet to the ARS control point. The site is situated in a narrow, forested valley within the Espinouse Massif at approximately 184 metres altitude. The bathing area is equipped with facilities including a snack bar, toilets, children's play areas, and a picnic area, but is not lifeguard-supervised. Visitor numbers have increased significantly, with an estimated 360 persons on average daily visits and peaks of 1,625 persons.

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Water

Ruisseau d'Héric (Héric stream), a freshwater watercourse originating at 1,105 metres altitude in the Espinouse Massif on the commune of Castanet-le-Haut, flowing through a narrow, deeply incised valley over approximately 12 kilometres to the bathing site. The study zone covers 19 square kilometres with a linear distance of 12.4 kilometres.

Location

Mons-la-Trivalle commune, Hérault Department, France. The bathing site is located on the Héric stream from Héric hamlet downstream to the ARS monitoring point. A parking area operates from 15 April to 15 September, with approximately 22,000 paid entries recorded in 2017.

Facilities

Snack bar, toilets, children's play area, picnic area. Parking available (seasonal: 15 April to 15 September). No lifeguards.

Season

Official bathing season runs from 1 July to 31 August. Monitoring by ARS begins in June.

Water Quality

Water quality classification is based on bacteriological analysis of Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci using the 2006 EU Directive framework (excellent, good, sufficient, or insufficient categories). The 2018 profile revision followed a degradation in water quality. Monitoring occurs during the bathing season from 1 July to 31 August, with measurements beginning in June. The ARS typically conducts 5 samples between June and August. Classification requires minimum 16 analyses over 4 years (4 per season), evaluated at the 95th percentile for excellent and good quality thresholds, and at the 90th percentile for insufficient versus sufficient distinction.

Risks

Risk of aquatic vegetation proliferation and cyanobacteria blooms. Accidental pollution risks identified. Water quality degradation noted in 2018 revision.