Build some magnificent outings into your programme...

For more information about the sites listed below, click on the links or contact us on +33 (0)4 67 67 71 71 or send us a fax on +33 (0)4 67 67 71 77
Our website is www.herault-tourisme.com
Our email address is contact@herault-tourisme.com

OT St Guilhem © OT St Guilhem

Gorges de L'Hérault - Classified site ('Grand Site de France')
Saint Guilhem Le Désert - Classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France
In the Hérault valley, with its classical Mediterranean landscapes, Saint Guilhem Le Désert - Gorges de L'Hérault is a site managed sensitively, being both welcoming for its visitors and protective of its heritage. St Guilhem has all the charm and character you would expect from a beautiful medieval village: alleyways, buildings and the famous Gellone abbey, reminiscent of the first Southern Romanesque art registrered as a Unesco World Heritage Site. This site is at the entrance to the Hérault gorges, and is one of the stages on the way to St James of Compostella in Spain. Located 45 kms west of Montpellier.

 
LAC DU SALAGOU © CHRISTEL GAUTHIER

Salagou lake - Classified site ('Grand Site de France' in progress)
This artificial lake (957 meter long) was developed 40 years ago to irrigate the surrounding fields. Today, it is spread out in countryside surrounded by red coloured mountains (red shale). Swimming, biking, fishing and the rental of sailing boats, pedalos and windsurfs are among the many activities available in this popular tourist destination now a classified site. Located 5 kms west of Clermont l'Hérault, 35 kms west of Montpellier.

 
CIRQUE DE MOUREZE © HERAULT TOURISME

The Mourèze cirque - Classified site ('Grand Site de France' in progress)
This fantastic collection of dolomite rocks caused by limestone erosion, provides rugged natural countryside spread over an area of more than 300 hectares. Some rocks look like gigantic sculptures of houses in ruins, towers from the Middle Ages, twisted faces, strange animals and giants from fairy tales. This cirque is one of the greatest attractions of the area. Located 5 kms west of Clermont l'Hérault, 35 kms west of Montpellier.

 
Cirque de Navacelles © OT Lodevois et Larzac

The Navacelles cirque - Gorges de la Vis - Classified site ('Grand Site de France')
Unesco World Heritage - June 2011 - www.causses-et-cevennes.com
A breathtaking site, unique in Europe where the meandering Vis river caused the collapse of the plateau leaving a giant 300 metre deep, funnel-like shape. Way below is a natural pyramid, where the little village of Navacelles is nestled amidst fields and cultivated areas. Located 5 kms west of Clermont l'Hérault, 35 kms north-west of Montpellier.

 
Les Bateaux du Soleil  © Les Bateaux du Soleil

The Canal du Midi, from Malpas to Fonséranes - Classified site ('Grand Site de France' in progress) and Unesco World Heritage
A beautiful, tree-lined navigable waterway for groups or families dating from the seventeenth century, the Canal du Midi is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It was the result of an audacious idea to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Along the 241 kms of calm water, are many fabulous works of art, such as the Malpas tunnel and the stunning Fonsérannes locks. It is navigable from Toulouse and goes all the way to the Thau lagoon near Sète. Cruises are organised for groups or families. Nearby, and not to be missed is the Enserune Roman oppidum, and its museum with a view overlooking the dried-up Montady-Colombiers lake, with its amazing thirteenth century circular shape.

 
BLEU MARIN © BLEU MARIN

Thau salt water lake
This beautiful and incredibly rich salt water lake covers almost 7500 hectares. 18 km long and 5 km wide, it is more like an inland sea with the Mediterranean to the south, and to the north, the oldest and most famous roman road the "via domitia". Under King Louis XIV, the Thau lake became the mouth of the Canal du Midi (a 241km navigable waterway that links the Garonne river in Toulouse to the Mediterranean sea in Sète). You can cross the lagoon by boat, enjoy swimming from one of its beaches, or keep going all the way to the 'Little Camargue'. Today, oyster and mussel farming are the main source of revenue, and provide the subject of interesting visits and tasting sessions. The Thau lake is alongside Sète, 25 kms west of Montpellier.

 
PIC SAINT LOUP © HERAULT TOURISME

The Pic Saint Loup
Standing proud, the Pic St Loup mountain rises 658 metres above sea level and dominates the area north of Montpellier. Internatioally reknowned for its geological interest coupled with its flora and fauna, it offers an amazing panorama to those who hike up its south side, from the Cévennes mountains to the Mediterranean sea and from Mont Ventoux to the Caroux mountains. The Pic St Loup also offers the thrilling experiences of rock climbing, potholing and gliding. It is located 15 kms north of Montpellier, and can be seen from far and wide.

 
CITE DE MINERVE © J. DEBRU

Minerve, Gorges de la Cesse et du Brian - Classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France and 'Grand Site de France' in progress
Of great historical interest, this village witnessed the Middle Ages crusade against the Cathar heresy. Perched on a pedestal of rocks, towering above the Cesse gorges, are found the impressive ruins of a castle, its ramparts and two museums.
Located 30 kms west of Béziers.
Classified site alongside the Cesse and Brian gorges.

 
PARC NATUREL REGIONAL DU HAUT LANGUEDOC © CLAUDE BESSON

The Haut Languedoc Natural Regional Park
This park is magnificent. It is the ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, horseriding, canoeing, potholing. It is also a paradise for botanists due to its extremely rich and varied flora. Medieval history enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous medieval villages to visit. There are many different places to stay offering a variety of types of accommodation and restaurants as well as shops and museums. Located 40 kms north of Béziers. Easy access by road from Montpellier, Toulouse and Perpignan.

 
CATHEDRALE DE MAGUELONE © SABRINA LUCCHESE

The Maguelone cathedral
Located only 4 kms from Palavas Les Flots, enjoy this exceptional site that boasts plenty of shade and refreshing breezes. This beautiful Romanesque jewel built in the 11th century was once the seat of a bishopric and nestles in a green setting between the vines and the lagoons. Don't miss a chance to visit it! Located 10 kms south of Montpellier.

 
Grotte de Clamouse

The underground world
The magical sights of the Grotte des Demoiselles, the Grotte de Clamouse, the Grotte de la Devèze and the Grotte de Labeil are all open to the public, displaying some of the hidden geological beauty of the Hérault relief.
All within 45 kms of Montpellier.

 
 

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Agence de Développement Touristique de l'Hérault - Maison du Tourisme - Avenue des Moulins 34184 MONTPELLIER Cedex 4
Commercial support +33 (0)4.67.67.71.52

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