Lodeve is a small town in the Herault department of Languedoc-Roussillon region, to the north of Pezenas.
The town is in an attractive valley, formed at the confluence of the two rivers, the River Lergue and River Soulondre, and was once a stopping point on the pilgrim paths that pass across southern France en route for Santiago de Compostella.
Explore Lodeve
The most important site in Lodeve is the Saint-Fulcran cathedral which dominates the centre of the town.
Dating from the 13th century, the gothic style fortified cathedral was built on the site of earlier cathedrals that are thought to have stood here since the 5th century (although little remains of these earlier cathedrals you can see some of the capital stones in the local museum).
Of particular note at the cathedral are the carving around the doorway, the belltower, the cloisters and the stained glass around the choir section. Next to the cathedral you can see the large Bishop's Palace with its cobbled courtyard, Louis XV staircase and reception rooms decorated in Empire and Italian styles.
Other sites of note in Lodeve include a tower, 15 metres high, that was part of the original fortified ramparts of Lodeve, and the monument to the dead by local sculptor Paul Dardé: this is a very noteworthy sculpture, with a family and friends surrounding the body of a dead soldier.
You will also want to amble through the pleasant pedestrianised centre of the town, to see the town hall and other impressive 18th century town houses, and to walk a little alongside the Lergue river, with the pretty backdrop of wooded hillsides.
Below the town you can see the Montifort bridge, a simple 14th century stone bridge with a single arch in a picturesque setting across the Soulondre river
The Fleury Museum contains an extensive local collection of geological and prehistoric remnants, and some local fine arts. The Dardé hall, a 19th century hall now dedicated to the sculptor Paul Dardé, contains three of his sculptures (one is a copy of the original).
Saturday morning is market day in Lodeve.
Attractions nearby
There are several interesting and attractive natural sites in the hills around the town - indeed, it is usually visitors to the surrounding countryside that find themselves visiting Lodeve. Among the most impressive be sure to visit the Cirque de Moureze and the scenic leisure activities around Salagou Lake.
The 17th century Italianate style Church of Notre-Dame at Gignac also merits a visit, as do the castle and historical centre of Clermont l'Herault.
You can find more travel ideas in the Herault guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Photos of Lodeve
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Hotels in Lodeve
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Map of Lodeve and places nearby
Visit near Lodeve with France This Way reviews
Le Lac-du-Salagou
The Lac-du-Salagou is a popular leisure lake with a wide range of activities and several places of interest close by
Le Lac-du-Salagou guide
Lunas and area
Lunas is one of the villages in the attractive 'Land of Mountains and Springs' region of Herault
Lunas and area guide
Cirque de Moureze
The Cirque de Moureze is one of the loveliest scenic spectacles in northern Languedoc-Roussillon
Cirque de Moureze guide
Clermont-l'Herault
Clermont-l'Herault is a pleasant place to take a break if you are exploring the scenery of the region such as the Lac du Salagou and the Cirque de Moureze
Clermont-l'Herault guide
Villeneuvette
Villeneuvette is a pretty small village, interesting because it was originally built as a cloth factory with housing for the workers
Villeneuvette guide
Avene
More famous for the beauty products produced here, the steep streets of the old village of Avene are also enjoyable to explore
Avene guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Herault
Tourist classifications for Lodeve
Lodeve is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Lodève, Languedoc-Roussillon, 34700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.7325, longitude 3.32028
Plan your visit to Lodeve, Herault
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Valle du Salagou: grand site of france (9 km)
- Cirque de Mourèze: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Cirque du Moureze: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Le Caylar: village d'etape (15 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert: most beautiful village (18 km)
- St Guilhem le Desert ancienne abbaye (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (18 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert / Gorges de l'Herault: grand site of france (19 km)
- Grotte de la Clamouse: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Saint Jean de Fos pont du diable (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (19 km)
- La Couvertoirade: most beautiful village (20 km)
- Céressou: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Cirque de Vissec: site of natural beauty (22 km)
The French version of this page is at Lodeve (Francais)