Ideally situated to explore the Languedoc, Lodeve lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards (our house is on the site of a former vineyard). The town has restaurants with excellent menus from 14 euros, bars, cafes, bakers, take-aways and a Saturday market. It is becoming an important cultural centre, with an art gallery (the Musee Fleury) with exhibitions of national renown, and an annual poetry festival. There are concerts at venues around the area in the Summer.
For more information go to the Lodeve page
Clermont l’Herault, a 20 minute drive away, has a 13th century Gothic cathedral and a ruined chateau on the hill above, and a Wednesday morning market.
Nearby is the Lac du Salagou with its spectacular views and a range of water sports.
To the north lies the Cevennes National Park, to the south Montpellier and the coast, to the west the hills of the Haut Languedoc with the Massif de l’Espinouse.
Whatever your interests there is something for you. There are walks of varying lengths and difficulty in the area - Lodeve is on the GR7, and was a stage on the ancient walks leading on the pilgrimage of St Jacques of Compostella It is good cycling country.
There are golf courses nearby. Find out more in the books that are in the house.
Scenery
Visit the nearby Pic St Baudille, Cirque de Navacelles and the Cirque du Bout du Monde for spectacular views
Historical interest
There are many churches and monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages, ruins of Cathar fortresses, and many picturesque old villages and towns to discover. Le Prieure Saint-Michel de Grandmont, a XIIth century monastery, is on the hills above Lodeve.
Other interesting villages include St Guilhem le Desert and St Martin de Londres.
The seaside
You are 40 minutes from the Mediterranean with resorts ranging from the
custom-built La Grande Motte to fishing ports such as Palavas-les-Flots, Marseillan Plage or Sete. Aqualand at Cap d'Agde is great fun.
Vineyards
There are many vineyards to visit. Some of the more well known are Corbieres, Minervois and Fitou.
However there are many small local vineyards you probably won't have heard of whose wine can be bought in the local shops for under 4 euros, and which will probably be enough to keep you interested during your stay.
