The Herault River Valley
THE HERAULT RIVER VALLEY
The cities always attract tourists, groups and families thanks to their architecture, secrets and beauty. But, when you are in vacation, the idea is to relax and escape from these busy places. Therefore, we would like to make discover a part of Southern France ideal for holidays, spend time in family and friends, play sports and have the chance to discover a region that is still authentic and full of wonders!! We are here to talk about the Hérault. It is the name of a French department located in the big Occitanic region. Hérault is not only a territory it is also the name of the river that passes through. Born in the Cevennes mountains, Hérault river leads to the Mediterranean Sea crossing the city and port of Agde.
All along its running by the mountains and dales, the water has been digging a deep bed through granite, schist and limestone! It is a unique and spectacular landscape that you can discover during your holidays, going on hiking, on a picnic or if you like challenges by bike or in canoeing. At that beauty landscape, we may add the charm of the waterfalls falling in natural ponds. Near the medieval village of Saint Guilhem, the river is crossed by a bridge called “The Devil Bridge”. It was made in the 11th century to gather both banks of the Hérault. UNESCO organisation protects a great part of that valley, until Saint Guilhem le Désert. In the village it is the Gellone abbey that is protected and that since 1998, because of its situation on the path walk to Santiago of Compostella.
All along its running by the mountains and dales, the water has been digging a deep bed through granite, schist and limestone! It is a unique and spectacular landscape that you can discover during your holidays, going on hiking, on a picnic or if you like challenges by bike or in canoeing. At that beauty landscape, we may add the charm of the waterfalls falling in natural ponds. Near the medieval village of Saint Guilhem, the river is crossed by a bridge called “The Devil Bridge”. It was made in the 11th century to gather both banks of the Hérault. UNESCO organisation protects a great part of that valley, until Saint Guilhem le Désert. In the village it is the Gellone abbey that is protected and that since 1998, because of its situation on the path walk to Santiago of Compostella.
THE GORGES OF HERAULT
When you come in holidays in the Hérault valley, the spring and summer are the best, it is the time of the year when most all the activities and sport of this area are accessible to everyone! Many places are perfect to organise a picnic and even swim in the river waters. Among the sports you can practice canoeing, walking, hiking, escalade, visits of charming villages or just enjoy a relaxing moment watching a gorgeous landscape. Of course, it is possible to organize a ride in motorbike to explore more of this region! This way it would be more pleasant to discover a succession of lovely landscapes. For example, if you ride in the local “garrigue” (name of the local countryside) and stay near the river, sure marvellous landscapes would enthral your eyes!! A lovely ride starting from Montpellier would lead you to the villages of Aniane, and St Guilhem le Désert.
Then reach the village of Saint Jean de Buèges, famous for its hiking paths and the views on the dale’s landscapes. If you follow the road to Saint Etienne d’Issanssac, you would pass on a medieval bridge and make stop on a Romanesque chapel. Then, keep on riding toward the city of Ganges… On your road, to have a better immersion in this region the best thing is to stop in local shops and to taste local snacks. Then, this road leads you to one of the wonders of this area: The Navacelles Cirque.
It is one of the deepest canyons of Europe. The area is protected, and famous for its production of honey and cheeses. Thanks to your motorbike, you would be able to reach the village in the deep of the Canyon. It is a place you must absolutely discover! Once you are here, you can follow the paths or the road that would bring you closer to the local vineyards. Follow them to come back to Montpellier! Another option is to make a stop near the famous hill called Pic Saint Loup, a zone of wines productions.
Then reach the village of Saint Jean de Buèges, famous for its hiking paths and the views on the dale’s landscapes. If you follow the road to Saint Etienne d’Issanssac, you would pass on a medieval bridge and make stop on a Romanesque chapel. Then, keep on riding toward the city of Ganges… On your road, to have a better immersion in this region the best thing is to stop in local shops and to taste local snacks. Then, this road leads you to one of the wonders of this area: The Navacelles Cirque.
It is one of the deepest canyons of Europe. The area is protected, and famous for its production of honey and cheeses. Thanks to your motorbike, you would be able to reach the village in the deep of the Canyon. It is a place you must absolutely discover! Once you are here, you can follow the paths or the road that would bring you closer to the local vineyards. Follow them to come back to Montpellier! Another option is to make a stop near the famous hill called Pic Saint Loup, a zone of wines productions.
THE DEVIL BRIDGE
In 1998, UNESCO protected this bridge built during the 11th century as well as many places in this area, situated on the way to Santiago of Compostella. This bridge is also protected by the French organisation of “Les Monuments Historiques”. As it was built 9 centuries ago, it is considered as one of the oldest bridges in France. This Romanesque bridge was built before the stunning abbey of Gellone. This work was asked by the abbots of Aniane and St Guilhem abbeys, and it was considered a great help for the pilgrims who had to cross the Hérault and keep on going on the path to Santiago. This strong bridge resisted to the many and horrific floods of the Hérault River.
The main body of the bridge is put on 2 arches high enough to pass over the river. Two small openings were added to evacuate more water in case the water was rising level. It was avoiding too many waters to tear down the bridge because of the violence of the river speed. As time goes by, the bridge changes. It has been raised of one level and was enlarged.
Until 1932, you could drive a car upon. But, like it was an ancient bridge, and a larger one was needed, and it was created just at the side of the original one. Nevertheless, people are still allowed to walk on the original bridge.
As many buildings from the Middle Ages a legend was told to explain its origins. It said that once the bridge was ready, the Devil sat at the border and waited for the first person who was about to pass to catch its soul and drag it to Hell! Unfortunately for his, the first one was a dog. In another version, Guilhem, the Lord of Saint-Guilhem defeated the Devil in a terrible fight and threw him directly inside within the waters of the Hérault River. So, as a tradition, pilgrims used to throw a heavy stone as they were crossing the bridge. This stone had to be eaten by the Devil himself, so he was staying stuck in the bed of the river.
The main body of the bridge is put on 2 arches high enough to pass over the river. Two small openings were added to evacuate more water in case the water was rising level. It was avoiding too many waters to tear down the bridge because of the violence of the river speed. As time goes by, the bridge changes. It has been raised of one level and was enlarged.
Until 1932, you could drive a car upon. But, like it was an ancient bridge, and a larger one was needed, and it was created just at the side of the original one. Nevertheless, people are still allowed to walk on the original bridge.
As many buildings from the Middle Ages a legend was told to explain its origins. It said that once the bridge was ready, the Devil sat at the border and waited for the first person who was about to pass to catch its soul and drag it to Hell! Unfortunately for his, the first one was a dog. In another version, Guilhem, the Lord of Saint-Guilhem defeated the Devil in a terrible fight and threw him directly inside within the waters of the Hérault River. So, as a tradition, pilgrims used to throw a heavy stone as they were crossing the bridge. This stone had to be eaten by the Devil himself, so he was staying stuck in the bed of the river.
SAINT GUILHEM LE DESERT
When you come to visit this lovely part of the department, it should be a pity not to come to this charming medieval village, built at 800 meters high. Saint Guilhem is part of the most charming villages of France organisation. Saint Guilhem is such a beautiful village, full of history, charming little houses and many local craft workshops. The village has also a title as one of the “Grand Site de France”. There, you may discover the Romanesque abbey of Saint Saviour of Gellone, the abbatial church, the Cloister and the Giant Castle situated on a rocky pick. The village was famous as an important centre to welcome the pilgrims on the path to Santiago of Compostella. In Saint Guilhem, there is nothing better than a ramble in its narrow streets and let you charm by the shops of the craft workers of the village. After a time of shopping, just come sit down and have break under the shade of the big and old planetree. On the Freedom square, at the shade of the majestic tree have drink in one of the many coffeeshops you have in here.
The Sautà Rocs (people of Saint Guilhem) would be please to welcome you. If you feel sporty and want to explore a stunning series of landscapes, you can follow the Fenestrelles path. This hiking path is really made for expert walkers. Do not forget your camera, because you would have many moments and landscapes to freeze in time. Another idea to have a good time in family or friends is to visit the Clamouse Caves. This touristic site suggests you enter, discover and walk down in the depths of the valley. An amazing experience and good surprises are waiting for you. A traditional and famous village in this area is Saint Jean de Fos. This village is known for its craft around the pottery crafts and skills. Visit workshops of ceramists or pottery makers. Then if you prefer just to have a moment of chill and relax, come down at the Devil Bridge and have a picnic or be prepared to swim on the pond that is at the bridge bottom.
The Sautà Rocs (people of Saint Guilhem) would be please to welcome you. If you feel sporty and want to explore a stunning series of landscapes, you can follow the Fenestrelles path. This hiking path is really made for expert walkers. Do not forget your camera, because you would have many moments and landscapes to freeze in time. Another idea to have a good time in family or friends is to visit the Clamouse Caves. This touristic site suggests you enter, discover and walk down in the depths of the valley. An amazing experience and good surprises are waiting for you. A traditional and famous village in this area is Saint Jean de Fos. This village is known for its craft around the pottery crafts and skills. Visit workshops of ceramists or pottery makers. Then if you prefer just to have a moment of chill and relax, come down at the Devil Bridge and have a picnic or be prepared to swim on the pond that is at the bridge bottom.