Hérault

In Occitania, the Hérault department is a natural amphitheater facing the sea and bathed in a Mediterranean climate.

From the foothills of the Massif Central to the Mediterranean, the Herault takes visitors from the middle mountains to the vineyards and the scrubland, to magnificent coastline bordering the Gulf of Lion. Welcoming cities, picturesque villages, preserved historical heritage and grandiose natural sites are the delight of all holidaymakers.

The essentials of Hérault

De the sublime city of Montpellier, in the historic and mysterious Cathar city of Minerve ... The gorges of the Hérault at the Cirque de Navacelles… Or even from Saint-Guilhem du Désert to Cap d'Agde, there really is something for everyone in this sunny department. And what about the fine sandy beaches that stretch all over the Hérault coast ?

Remarkable natural sites

In the heart of this magnificent territory, many natural sites are worth a detour. Thau pond, the Mont Saint-Clair in Sète, the cave of Clamouse, the lake of Salagou or the Cirque de Navacelles, are all raw or man-made gems. Don't miss either the gorges of the Hérault and the gorges of Héric. They both host a biodiversity typical of the region.

Historic sites

Here, history and heritage enthusiasts are not left out either. With the peaceful canal du midi and the 9 locks of Fonséranes, the oppidum of Ensérune and the feudal castle of Clermont l'Hérault, wonder is everywhere. And for those who appreciate religious buildings, the abbeys of Saint-Guilhem le Desertt and Valmagne, or the Cathedral of Maguelone, are sites of great beauty.

Sports in nature

In the Hérault, the climate and the reliefs are perfect for the practice of leisure activities in the great outdoors. From water sports to mountain sports, everything is possible. Hiking, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, cycle touring, horseback riding or canyoning… You just have to make your choice. For hikers, the Tour of Pic Saint-Loup was, for example, elected preferred GR for the French in 2020. It is also an ideal site for mountain biking. Les gorges de l'Hérault are an exceptional playground for whitewater sports enthusiasts. And on the beaches, sailing, paddle boarding, scuba diving and windsurfing can be practiced without moderation!