The 8 things to do in Olargues

Are you planning to visit Olargues in the Hérault? Then discover the 8 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

Ranked among the most beautiful French villages , Olargues is a formerly fortified perched village Haut-Languedoc Natural Park . It offers magnificent and picturesque views, with its typical small houses and its massif of the Caroux in background canvas. A must-see village to visit at least once if you are passing through the Hérault!

Bordered by the Jaur, this village deserves to be there to discover its natural wonders, its heritage and its craftsmanship. Are you planning to discover this beautiful village? So we tell you the 8 things to do in Olargues during your stay!

1. The ancient dungeon of the medieval castle

The former dungeon of the castle, this bell tower of the 15th century is located at the top of the hill where the village is located. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. If you come to visit Olargues, you must obviously climb to this beautiful medieval bell tower.

2. Old Village

Before or after taking advantage of this magnificent view, do not miss exploring the charming medieval streets of Olargues. The Old Village is full of small wonders to admire. You will notice, for example, caladas, streets steeped in Jaur pebble. Also think about visiting the St. Lawrence Church, the Order’s staircase or the Saint-Roch and Saint-Etienne chapels.

3. The Devil Bridge

Built in the 12th century, this bridge is admirable by its perfect Romanesque architecture and thus its typical medieval aspect. They deserve to be listed as a listed site. As for his name, he comes from one of his usual legends of the villages.

The villagers would probably have passed a pact with the Devil, a soul against a bridge. At the end, the inhabitants deceive the Devil who disappears, sometimes destroying the bridge! Fortunately for travellers, the building survived ages and legends.

4. The Museum of Popular Art and Traditions

If you visit Olargues, also take a tour of the Museum of Popular Art and Traditions. The latter is located in an old bourgeois house of the staircase of the Commandery.

This small museum presents the history of local life. Here you will find a collection of tools (from prehistory to the present day), paintings, as well as re-enactments of workshops: lavender, blacksmith, shoemaker, traditional cuisine.

5. La Peyro Escrito

Among the essential things to do in Olargues, we obviously count on the visit of the rock engravings called Peiro Escrito. This rock is adorned with the Prehistory. A hiking path marked in yellow from the Green Way to Olargues will allow you to discover this "written Stone", classified Historical Monument.

During this walk, enjoy the shaded climbs to admire beautiful views of the village!

6. The Frejo and the river

The Jaur River is the perfect spot to swim or practice live water activities! For swimming, do not miss to go to the Place-dit the Frejo. You will find a small basin with waterfall, as well as a small sand and pebbles beach.

A small car park is also close to its beautiful emerald waters. In addition to stuffing and swimming, you can practice canoe-kayak or rafting, but also canyoning, on the river and in the region.

7. Holidays of the village

Throughout the year, Olargues is the place of several events and festivals thanks to its many cultural and sports associations. The best known is the feast of maroons and new wine. In fact, the village is specialized in the production of the Marron of Olargues! This party takes place on the first weekend after the Toussaint.

You can also participate in the Feast of the Brouette (1 Sunday after 11 May), at the fireworks on 13 July or at the Festibaloche (August). If you come to visit Olargues during one of his festivals, don't miss participating in the festivities!

8. Hiking around Olargues

The region around Olargues is full of beautiful hikes, from easy to difficult level. The difficult level hike Malviès allows to see the Peyro Escrito, but also to enjoy beautiful views. But you also find the markup of the country GR. It allows you to go to the Pic de Naudech where you will enjoy an exceptional view of Vieussan and the Orb that surrounds it.

The Minervois-Cairoux now has an application listing the region’s hiking and cyclo-bikes. You can also take a tour at the Tourist Office to get up-to-date maps and walk ideas! Hiking is one of the most important things to do in Olargues, enjoy it.

How to get to Olargues?

Olargues is located in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. The big town closest to the village is Beziers. The city of Montpellier is also nearby. Several lines bus de l’Hérault join Olargues from this metropolis. These are the lines 661 , 663 , 682 and 685 . The bus schedules are on the Hérault-Transport site.

You can thus reach Montpellier in train or by bus from several major French cities, including Lyon , Marseille , Paris or Toulouse. You can then take the bus to Olargues. The carpooling can also be a good option to reach Montpellier or Olargues.

If you have one car , visiting Olargues and its surroundings will obviously be much easier. Here are various routes that you can follow from the big cities around:

• From Beziers : follow the D909 until Faugères then Herepian. Then take it. D908 towards D14 in Olargues;
• De Montpellier : you can take theA9 until Béziers then follow the above route. You can also take A750 until Clermont-l’Hérault then the D908 in the direction of Olargues;
• From Toulouse : borrow theA61 towards Carcassonne. Take the exit 24-Carcassonne-Est then follow the roads D610, D910, D907 and D908 towards Olargues.

Where to stay in Olargues?

If you plan to visit Olargues, the question of accommodation will necessarily arise. Fortunately for travellers, this beautiful little village of Hérault definitely does not lack accommodation options. You will find several hotels, holiday homes or accommodations in the home, via Airbnb in particular, or through Compare hotels . The offer adapts to all budgets.