Region
The department of Hérault is part of the Occitanie region and is a concentration of natural resources and extraordinary sites, several of them are classified as ‘Grands Sites’ or are World Heritage Sites. In short, a region that has a lot to offer!
Lodève
Lodève is a little town of art and history. A visit to the centuries-old cathedral is certainly worth it, but also to the Manufacture de la Savonnerie, where to this day, according to a four centuries-old technique, special carpets are woven by hand for the Elysée, embassies and national monuments. In the Fleury Museum you will discover not only large temporary expositions but also a permanent presentation of 540 million years of history.
Hérault
The Hérault, with its authentic French atmosphere and blessed with the Mediterranean climate, is very typical for its incredible diversity of landscapes stretching from the foothills of the Massif Central to the Mediterranean, through mountains and hills, ‘garrigues’ and vineyards to the lowlands of the Mediterranean.
The region is also home to many traces of a rich and tumultuous past. There are several remains of Romans, Cathars and Templars to admire. Beautiful buildings, monuments, cathedrals and museums. Cities such as Montpellier, Pézenas and Béziers we can certainly recommend.
Wine region
The Hérault is the second largest and oldest wine-growing area of France. The area has a very suitable climate, a wide variety of soils and a wide range of cépages; in short, all the assets to produce delicious wines, sometimes full-bodied and robust with a range of different aromas. Taste them in combination with regional cheeses such as the goat’s cheese Pélardon or the famous Roquefort. We have documentation for you with wine routes and interesting addresses.
Salagou Lake
In a quarter of an hour you are at Lake Salagou and in the middle of a unique landscape where the red colour of the rocks gives a nice contrast with the deep blue water. The lake covers 750 hectares and water sports enthusiasts will love it. You can swim, surf, canoe, paddle but motorboats are forbidden. This protected nature reserve (awarded the Natura 2000 label) is also a true paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders, anglers and bird watchers.
Mediterranean Sea
In less than an hour you are on the Mediterranean Sea. Along the coastline there are numerous beaches: wide, narrow, quiet and busy, but you will also find trendy beach clubs where you can rent a sun bed and have a delicious lunch. Discover the bustling marina of Cap d’Agde, its shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. Sète is one of the largest fishing ports in France. Along the old port, which runs through the middle of this charming town, are numerous restaurants. For oyster lovers the oyster banks of Bouzigues at the Etang de Thau are a must. A little further to the east, near the beautiful town of Aigues-Mortes, lies an atypical, almost desert-like beach; Espiguette; pure, unspoilt and extensive.
Buddhist Temple
On the Larzac plateau (20 min) you will find the largest Buddhist temple in France: Lerab Ling, founded in 1991 and visited twice by the Dalai Lama (2000 and 2008). Apart from the retreats that are given here throughout the year, the temple can be visited on fixed visiting days from April to October.