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Languedoc-Roussillon /
Herault
Hérault River running through the Languedoc-Rousillon region in the south of France, is the basis for the province of Hérault’s name.
An area where the languages of French, Occitan and Catalan collide, this geographically diverse area of Hérault with its capital Montepellier is bordered on the south with sandy beaches, to the north with mountains as well as rich arable agricultural valleys in between, gifting the location great climate across the year.
The Mediterranean beaches are undoubtedly a major attraction in Hérault—where active watersports are prevalent activities, as well as simply lounging on the beach in the climate. Along the coastline lies the town of Sete, a highly valued fishing port on the French Mediterranean coast.
Cap d'Agde is a major nudist resort which brings a large number of visitors annual, able to accommodate 100,000 tourists at any one time during the summer months for splendour in the sun.
Nearby is Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, one of France’s most beautiful abbeys, that shares its name with the medieval village that grew around it. Because of its isolation, in 806, the Saint Guilhem established the famed monastery there.
Located on the Chemin de St Jacques (St James' Way) pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella, the village has maintained its historic state with wall-to-wall stone houses, abbeys, and narrow cobblestone side-streets that line the buildings. With a population of a little over 200 today, the village is counted among the Plus Beaux Villages (most beautiful villages) of France, and since 1999 has been classified as a national site. Numerous local artists call this village home, most of which open their studio doors to interested visitors located the village square.
Close to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, is the Clamouse Cave, whose natural hanging stalactites and mineral formations have earned its nickname “The Cathedral of Time,” as well as the distinction of being a World Heritage site on the United Nations watch list.
