Olargues, classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', is 40 kilometres 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'.
Explore Olargues
France This Way review: Olargues is almost encircled by the river giving it a lovely natural setting and there are various bridges across the river, which together with the small historic centre make it a pleasant village to explore.
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 Olargues 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 in the village 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 above Olargues you can see the bell tower. This is a remnant of an ancient (11th century) donjon of a medieval castle, that was converted into a belltower in the 15th century. From here there are fine views over the Languedoc countryside.
In the centre of the town there 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. One of the most popular attractions is the source of the Fréjo river, where a lovely walk leads you to a pool and small waterfall surrounded by rocks and trees, a lovely place for a picnic.
A popular side excursion from Olargues is to visit the Mediterranean Garden at Roquebrun.
You can find more travel ideas in the Herault guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
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Map of Olargues and places nearby
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Tourist classifications for Olargues
Olargues is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Olargues, Béziers, Languedoc-Roussillon, 34390, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.557, longitude 2.9152
Plan your visit to Olargues, Herault
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Mont Caroux: site of natural beauty (8 km)
- Fraisse-sur-Agout: ville fleurie 4* (11 km)
- Grotte de la Devèze: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Haut-Languedoc: regional natural parc (21 km)
- Minerve: most beautiful village (26 km)
- Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanes): religious monument (31 km)
- Enserune: national monument (32 km)
- Parc et jardin du château de Margon: remarkable garden (33 km)
- Beziers: secteur sauvegarde (34 km)
- Jardin des carrières de Saint-Adrien: remarkable garden (34 km)
- Cirque du Moureze: site of natural beauty (37 km)
- Cirque de Mourèze: site of natural beauty (37 km)
The French version of this page is at Olargues (Francais)