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Région and Tourism
Tourism
The Cirque of Navacelles (40km)
Slowly eroded by the Vis river, this fantastic canyon in the limestone plateau of the Larzac region is a listed as “great natural site”. At the bottom, a luxurious oasis hosts the small village of Navacelles, abandoned to the forces of nature and of its surrounding limestone cliffs. Dolmens, menhirs and cromlech dating back to the Neolithic era can also be found on the Causses.
The Gorges of the Hérault River (8km) , the Gorges of the Buèges and of the Vis
From Brissac to Pont-du-Diable, the Hérault river crosses the most picturesque part of the region with remarkable natural and architectural features to be found all along its course. Bathing and canoeing are the two major highlights of the summer season. Because of its isolated disposition, the Hérault benefits from excellent water quality and abundant wildlife activity: Fish, birds, wild boars, deer, beavers, etc. s…
Natural heritage
The cave of the Demoiselles (10km)
This sinkhole on the Thaurac plateau presents a unique stage made out of stone lace and strangely shaped concretions. The humbling dimensions of the cave make it seem like a subterraneous cathedral. Conveniently, the cave is equipped with a funicular to enable access for all.
The Ravin des Arcs (2km - protected site)
The limestone rocks of the Guarrigue open onto the Lamalou Canyon, branching off the Hérault river. Exclusive !!! :
A trail, starting from the gîtes, gives access to the bottom of the narrow gorge: Through the time worn rocks, the path leads you through a series of beautiful arches surrounded all around with potholes and “gours”.
The Pic Saint Loup (10km)
Renowned for its geological value and its 658 metre height, the Pic de Saint Loup features a multitude of botanical wildlife discovery trails. Its south face also reveals a remarkable view onto the Mont Ventoux, the Alpilles and the massif de Caroux as well as the whole of the Cévènes region up to the sea.
Cultural heritage
Saint Guilhem le Desert (44km)
At the heart of the Gorges de l’Hérault, this medieval village is listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. The Abbey of Gellone (9th and 11th century) and its cloister stand as typical examples of the early Roman art of Languedoc and are classified as world heritage sites by the Unesco.
Meet the Glassmakers
Passionate about this five century-old skill, the glassmakers of Claret, in the Causse de l’Hortus, transform and manipulate this fascinating material by using ancient and modern techniques to create genuine pieces of art: glass blowing, glass staining, thermoforming…
The village of Saint Martin de Londres (6 km)
This typical village with narrow winding streets is famous for its 14th century fortifications and its splendid 12th century Roman church. Its clover structure reaches back to the first Langedocian Roman art and it is fitted into an adjoining medieval “claustre” (cloister) with a beautiful façade.
The Village of Notre Dame de Londres
Located in the heart of the Vallon de Londres, our village is classified as place of “superior interest” for its tortuous streets and its ancient fortifications which hide a small protected square. Most noteworthy are its fort-like medieval castle (14th-16th century), its curious Roman church (12th century) with two antiquated naves joined by two beautiful archways.
Equally typical, the neighbouring villages are keen to maintain their autonomy and authenticity as well as to preserve their special relationship to the surrounding nature.
Prehistorical site of Cambous (10km)
This 4500 year old village has now become a genuine archaeological site. Its museum presents relics dating as far back as the copper age and a life-size prehistoric house reconstitution, enabling visitors to discover the daily life of these remote ancestors.
Leisure and outdoor activities
Water Sports
Lakes and rivers are the perfect meeting point for those who like paddling, rowing or fishing When it comes to water sports, the region has plenty to offer during the summer: Canoeing down the Hérault river, rafting or simply bathing quietly under the sun.
Paragliding/Hand-gliding
With its strong air currents, our region is a paradise for paragliders and hand-gliders alike.
Airfield (6km)
Test your limits at the gliding club of Mas-de-Londres You can take part in one of the induction courses the club offers and learn to paraglide on a two-seater, perfect your existing skills or get acquainted with gliding (suitable for people with restricted mobility) to admire the breathtaking scenery of our region “from above”.
Horse Riding (3 and 5km)
There are two horse riding centres: The riding school of St Martin de Londres offers a wide range of horse and pony lessons – at foundation, consolidation or competition levels – and organises trekking and wildlife excursions. In Mas de Londres you can participate in excursions on horseback, discover the region with a federal guide or venture out on a night dawdle in the summer.
Geology, Caving, Climbing (10km)
Professional advice and assistance can be provided for those who wish to discover the geological treasures of the Pic de Saint Loup.
AcroBranch (17 km)
Three aerial courses are available for younger people (from 5 onwards) in the forest of Saint Jean de Cuculles where, supported by a safety harness, you can jump from trees to trees. Many obstacles lay ahead for you and your family: monkey bridges, footbridges, trapezes, Tyroliennes…
Golf (20 km)
Nested in a pine forest lulled by the cicadas, the golf course of Saint Gely du Fesc combines high technology with nature. This challenging 18 holes course is set on the side of hill and requires precise strategies and expert skills. Lessons and courses are also available.
The Mediterranean (40km)
A day trip to the sea will make an excellent opportunity to relax under the sun or to become familiar with sailing and scuba-diving. Numerous clubs are available.
Taste Bud Teasers
Great New Wines
In the “chais” and “caveaux” of our region, wine tasting events are often pretext to friendly encounters and lively discussions.
Wines not to miss: The wonderful wines of the Pays d’Oc, the famous AOC – Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée - of the Minervois, Picpoulm, Saint Chinian, Faugères, Clairette du Languedoc, coteaux du Languedoc (Pic Saint Loup) as well as the fines and muscats (Frontignan Mireval, Saint Jean de Minervois and Saint Jean de Lunel).
Authentic Regional Products
Traditional and modern recipes use wholesome products from the earth and the sea: Fish and shellfish, meat, sun-kissed fruits and vegetables, olive oil, tapenades, pélardons, honey and mead… Seasoned with olive oil, garlic and basil, this cuisine is often flavoured with aromatic herbs from the Guarrigue country: Thyme, rosemary, laurel, sariette…
Les vignobles
Dans ce coeur du Languedoc, la vigne plus qu'une tradition est une culture sinon une civilisation profondément
inscrite dans la mémoire confondue des paysages et des hommes : la vigne d'origine préhistorique fut cultivée
par les Grecs et développée par les Romains.
On découvre partout les traces de cette culture : dans le paysage façonné par la vigne, dans l'architecture des
villages aux vastes maisons vigneronnes, auprès des abbayes et des châteaux bâtis aux premiers temps de notre
histoire dans les fêtes et la littérature.
Festivities
- February : Farmers’ Day to celebrate traditional local food
- May: Earth Festival in Viols-le-Fort
- May : The “Floralies” present a typical flower market full of surprises…)
- July : Votive Festival in Notre Dame de Londres
- July/August : Match of the Buèges (Saturday nights only)
- July/August: Saint Martin de Londres: "les Musicales"
- October : Autumn Day, for outdoor activities
- Early November: Chestnut and New Wine Festival in Ollargues
- November : Rally through the Cévènes
mais également: Montpellier Danse (juillet et hiver)
Radio France Hérault
Tambourin : A local sport
Here is a sport that combines elegance with exercise (in Occitan language "lou tambournet") and through which our locality, Notre Dame de Londres, has gained considerable recognition !!!
Tambourin is a team sport which is practised with a “tambourin”: an 11 inch racket-like circle onto which a horse skin circle used to be tightened. The horse skin has now been replaced by a plastic film for better bouncing.