Olargues

Visit Olargues, Languedoc-Roussillon

Olargues (one of the 'most beautiful villages of France') is 40 km north-west of Béziers. It is on the banks of the little Jaur River, and forms part of the 'Parc naturel régional du Haut-Languedoc'. Olargues is almost encircled by the river giving it a lovely natural setting and there are various bridges across the river.

Explore Olargues

One of the bridges across the river is an attractive 3-arched bridge dating back to the 12th century. This bridge is called the Pont du Diable, or devil’s bridge, apparently because it was the site of transactions between the devil and the villagers. From here the town is entered through a medieval stone arched gateway.

The paved streets of the village meander uphill from here passed the medieval houses. Various remnants of the past fortifications can be seen, such as parts of the original ramparts. The Church of Saint-Laurent was built in the 17th century using stone from the ramparts.

The village contains some lovely old stone houses, many with impressive stone doorways and decoration. The Ruelle d’Olargues is a particularly pretty street and the Escalier de la Commanderie a lovely old stone staircase. Many of the old shop fronts are made of marble.

At the top of the hill is the bell tower. This is a remnant of an ancient (11th century) donjon of a medieval castle, converted in the 15th century. From here there are fine views over the Languedoc countryside.

In the centre of the town is a museum of Art and popular traditions, also the site of the lovely escalier de la commanderie.

Attractions nearby

Olargues and area makes a good base for exploring the Parc Naturel, and outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking are the best way to enjoy the rivers, gorges and lakes of this 'not yet overdeveloped' part of France.

A popular side excursion from Olargues is to visit the Mediterranean Garden at Roquebrun.

Photos of Olargues (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Olargues: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Olargues, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bize-Minervois 27km; Enserune 32km; Beziers 34km; Cirque de Moureze 36km; Lodeve 38km; Narbonne 42km; Pezenas 42km; Fontfroide Abbey 48km; La Couvertoirade 51km; Gruissan 52km; Agde 53km; Castres 54km; Marseillan 54km; Brousse-le-Chateau 54km; Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert 55km; Cap d'Agde 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Olargues

Olargues tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Fraisse-sur-Agout - ville fleurie 4* (11km) : Haut-Languedoc - regional natural parc (21km) : Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanes) - religious monument (31km) : Parc et jardin du château de Margon - remarkable garden (33km) : Jardin des carrières de Saint-Adrien - remarkable garden (34km) : Cirque du Moureze - site of natural beauty (37km) : Valle du Salagou - grand site of france (38km) : Gouffre de Cabrespine - site of natural beauty (43km) :

French version: see Olargues (Francais)