Lodève

Plateaus and cirques upstream, fertile plains downstream: the great diversity of the lodevois landscapes marks the natural transition between the larzac and the languedoc.

Promenade in the heart of the city  Narrow streets and medieval bridges, the magnificent early-gothic cathedral (Saint Fulcran), the former episcopal palace dating from the 18th century * now the City Hall * historic buildings, hotel particuliers...

Lodève, the city of tapestries  During your stay, you will visit the national tapestry manufacture, the sole annex in the French provinces of the Paris-based Gobelins and Savonnerie, where tapestries are woven, as they were long ago,for kings and presidents.

The salagou lake  The Salagou Lake is a magnificent fresh water lake (750 hectares) with turquoise nuances, lined by lush green hillsides and red-earth shores (ruffes). Ideal for sailing and fishing, the dunes and canyons are also particularly enticing to mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Lodève's museum  The Lodeve's museum is housed in the hôtel particulier of the Fleury family (built during the 16th and 17th centuries) where the Cardinal André-Hercule de Fleury, private tutor and prime minister to Louis XV, was born.The museum's collections are organized in two large divisions:  Geology, paleontology, prehistory, archeology  Fine arts (from the Middle Ages to the 20th century). A collection of traditional and popular arts evokes the cloth industry which endowed the city with many riches as early as the Middle Ages.

Stroll in the forest  The two large forests, the Escandorgue and the Parlatges, which overlook Lodève will enchant lovers of shaded strolls... and the clearings are ideal for picnics.

Authentic flavours  Lucques olives, goat and sheep cheeses (pélardons, pérails, tommes), local & AOC wines, old-fashioned breads... An entire day for tasting!

Le cirque de navacelles  Lying between Ganges and the Plateau du Larzac, is one of the most extraordinary natural sites of the region. A unique landscape, this natural 100 metre deep amphitheatre was carved out by a now abandoned stretch of the river Vis. In the centre of this crater-like valley rises a lonely spur of rock by the side of which nestles the tiny village of Navacelles. One can also admire a magnificent waterfall and the entrances to several caves and chasms.