In the south of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, the department of Hérault has its feet in the Mediterranean. Between flourishing nature and cities full of history, a multitude of adventures await you.
The Hérault is first of all an exceptional natural landscape. Whether you are a fan of the great outdoors or simply contemplative, the Cirque de Navacelles will surprise you. In the center of this splendid canyon of 300 meters of depth is the Rocher de la Vierge and its green flora. Accessible by shuttle bus, hiking trails also take you as close as possible to this geographical wonder. Another natural feature of the department is the famous Grotte des Demoiselles, in the depths of the Thaurac plateau. Nicknamed "the Cave of the Fairies" after a legend told by a Languedoc shepherd, it was discovered by the speleologist Edouard Alfred Martel in 1884. Since 1931, the cave is open to the public and developed for tourism. The visit starts on board of an underground funicular, the first one to be built in Europe, and brings you to the deepest part of this grandiose cave. Let yourself be carried away by the immensity of this "underground cathedral"!
For history buffs, a must-see is the Oppidum d'Ensérune, the archaeological site of a Gallic city located between Agde and Béziers. Perched on a rocky promontory, this site was continuously populated from the Bronze Age to the Roman conquest. The nearby museum presents an astonishing collection of treasures from nearby archaeological excavations.
The Hérault is also a region of modern and dynamic cities of which Montpellier, the department's capital, is the proud standard bearer. A lively student city, it is the ideal place for a vacation between relaxation and leisure. The large Place de la Comédie, the heart of the city's activities, was built in 1881 on ancient fortifications. It owes its elegance to its 19th century buildings, its charming cafés and restaurants and the Three Graces fountain, a marble work of art by the architect Etienne Dantoine. The rhythm of the musicians who spontaneously perform there day and night makes it the perfect place to relax with family and friends. At the end of the square stands the Opera Comédie, a magnificent Italian-style theater inaugurated in 1888, succeeding the previous buildings that had been reduced to ashes after multiple fires. As for art lovers, they will find themselves at the Fabre Museum. Since 1828, this one exhibits in a private mansion of the 18th century a collection of more than 800 works, where we find great names of the painting such as Delacroix, Poussin, Veronese, Rubens...
If you are staying with your family, don't worry, the Hérault is not lacking in leisure activities! Discover the universe at the Galileo Planetarium in Montpellier or go back to the time of the dinosaurs at the Musée-parc d'Europe in Mèze. Animal lovers will not be left out either. Special mention for the Amazonian Greenhouse in Montpellier, which brings together numerous species and raises awareness of the danger of the disappearance of the Amazon.
