You are here: Visit FranceRegions of FranceLanguedoc-RoussillonHeraultOlargues

Olargues

Visit Olargues (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

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

Olargues is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)

Address: Olargues, Béziers, Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon, 34390 || GPS: latitude 43.557, longitude 2.9152

Map of Olargues & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Bize-Minervois 27km; Avene 27km; Beziers 34km; Lunas and area 34km; Cirque de Moureze 36km; Le Lac-du-Salagou 38km; Lodeve 38km; Villeneuvette 40km; Caunes-Minervois 40km; La Couvertoirade 51km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Olargues.
See Languedoc-Roussillon and Herault (the region and department for Olargues) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Olargues, France

• Fraisse-sur-Agout - ville fleurie 4* (11km)
• Haut-Languedoc - regional natural parc (21km)
• Minerve - most beautiful village (26km)
• Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanes) - religious monument (31km)
• Enserune - national monument (32km)
• Parc et jardin du château de Margon - remarkable garden (33km)
• Beziers - secteur sauvegarde (34km)
• 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)

The French version of this page is at Olargues (Francais)