The most beautiful villages near Montpellier
Top 10 of the most beautiful villages near Montpellier
Whether you live in Montpellier or Nimes, or are on holiday in La Grande Motte, Palavas or Setes, this article is for you.
If you want to discover our heritage and must-see places of Herault region, here's our selection of must-visit villages near Montpellier.
Saint Guilhem le Désert a medieval village with an exceptional heritage
Ranked as one of France's most beautiful villages, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a real gem nestled in the heart of the Hérault Gorges. Its Gellone Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cobbled streets and unspoilt natural environment make it a must-see destination in Occitanie.
A historic and mystical heritage
As you stroll through the village, you'll notice dried flowers hanging from the doors of the houses. An intriguing detail... Do you know what they're used for? An ancient tradition surrounds these flowers, but will you be able to unravel the mystery before your visit?
Not to be missed around Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert:
- Gellone Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
- The Hérault Gorges, ideal for a nature break.
- The Pont du Diable, one of France's oldest medieval bridges, steeped in legend.
- The Grotte de Clamouse, a fascinating underground site with spectacular concretions.
Between history, nature and legends, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is an ideal destination for an excursion from Montpellier or a getaway in the heart of Occitanie.
Olargues, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, Olargues is a jewel in the Parc naturel du Haut-Languedoc. Nestling on the banks of the River Jaur, this medieval village boasts cobbled streets, historic relics and breathtaking views.
What to see in Olargues
- The bell tower-dungeon, former vestige of the medieval castle, offers a panoramic view of the Jaur valley and surrounding mountains.
- The Pont du Diable d'Olargues, a superb 12th-century stone bridge, not to be confused with the famous Pont du Diable at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. From this emblematic site, enjoy a magnificent view of Olargues and the river.
Olargues, a village of heritage and nature
In addition to its rich medieval heritage, Olargues is also famous for its marrons d'Olargues, a local product appreciated by gourmets. Sports enthusiasts also know the village for the Enduro World Series, one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world.
Hiking and nature activities around Olargues
For hiking enthusiasts in Occitanie, the Montagnes du Caroux offer superb itineraries through wild, unspoilt landscapes. Whether you're looking for a nature walk, a day of canyoning in the Hérault or a discovery of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, Olargues is the ideal destination for an authentic holiday.
Moureze, an artists' village in a unique natural site
Nestled in the heart of the Hérault region, the medieval village of Mourèze has a picturesque charm and an exceptional natural setting. With its authentic alleyways, 11th-century church and the remains of its ancient castle, this Occitan village invites you to take a timeless journey.
The Cirque de Mourèze: a spectacular natural landscape
Far from being a cirque in the classical sense of the term, the Cirque de Mourèze is a veritable sea of limestone rocks sculpted by erosion over millions of years. This unique geological site, made up of strangely shaped dolomites, offers a striking backdrop reminiscent of some Far West landscapes.
Don't miss:
- Panoramic hikes through the cirque with exceptional viewpoints.
- Le Belvédère du Mont Liausson, offering breathtaking views of Lac du Salagou and the surrounding relief.
Mourèze, a village of artists and poetry
Beyond its spectacular scenery, Mourèze is also a village of artists. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you can admire the works of the driftwood sculptor, who scatters his creations throughout the village, or discover the poems of a local writer left behind the cemetery.
Whether you're a hiker in Occitanie, a geology enthusiast, or looking for an authentic village to visit near Montpellier, Mourèze is a must-see destination!
Saint Martin de Londres, a jewel at the foot of the Pic Saint Loup
This small medieval village is also one of my favourites.
If I were you, I'd start my visit in the central square, with its shady fountain and century-old plane trees, and sit on the terrace of a café, just to enjoy!
Afterwards, discover the 11th-century Romanesque church, listed as a Monument Historique, a real architectural gem. Its trefoil plan, unique in the Languedoc region, and its cupola topped by a lantern give it a majestic appearance. The village has also preserved vestiges of its medieval walls, as well as numerous old houses with stone doors and slate roofs.
The history of Saint-Martin-de-Londres is closely linked to that of the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-du-Désert. In the 12th century, the Benedictine monks contributed to the village's prosperity by developing agriculture and wine-growing.
Today, Saint-Martin-de-Londres is a peaceful village on the outskirts of Montpellier. Its picturesque narrow streets, craftsmen and local produce invite you to stroll and discover.
Saint Martin de Londres is also the starting point of one of the favorite hiking tours of French people: the Tour from Londres to Bueges !
Les Matelles, wander through the narrow streets of this pretty medieval village
Another medieval village, one of the most beautiful I've visited in the area, and one of the smallest, by the way.
At the foot of the famous Pic Saint-Loup, the charm of Les Matelles lies in its well-preserved medieval character, with narrow streets, stone houses and 14th-century ramparts.
The village's history dates back to the 12th century, as documented in the Cartulaire de Maguelone. In the Middle Ages, Les Matelles was an important stronghold, surrounded by three successive walls. The village prospered thanks to agriculture, livestock farming and crafts.
Today, Les Matelles is home to a number of sites of interest, including the Maison des Consuls, which exhibits archaeological remains, and the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a listed historic monument.
Wine lovers will not want to miss the AOC Pic Saint-Loup wines.
Pézenas, a town of art, history and local specialities
The city has many art galleries and craft shops. This place is famous in particular for the fact that Molière stayed there several years of his life.
Who says Molière says theater! There are three theaters in Pézenas, however, the theater piscénois (adjective of Pézenas and name given to its inhabitants) that I recommend is the oldest.
By the way, Pézenas was the birthplace of another artist...Boby Lapointe.
The history of the city is also very rich, linked to the great fair and the past of the Templars.
Finally, there are the culinary specialities, take a trip to a grocery store and take with you some petits pâtés de Pézenas (both sweety and salty pastries) as well as berlingos (local candies).
Aigues Mortes in Camargue, see the ramparts of Saint Louis
It is in my opinion one of the most beautiful and most impressive fortified cities of the region.
This huge citadel at the gates of the Camargue has powerful towers and ramparts, built with a sand-colored stone, which plays on the warm aspect of this city.
Climb on the parapet walk, and admire the breathtaking view of the Camargue and the pink salt marshes ...
Visit La Couvertoirade, Templar town in the heart of Larzac
A fortified city surrounded by ramparts, but with grey stones this time, making think of a more classical medieval city.
La Couvertoirade is this kind of place that amazes young and old, plunging us into the time of the knights.
The citadel has in its heart the only Templar castle in France.
Finally, a pretty windmill is located on the hill overlooking the city.
Don't leave the place without having filled up with aligot (local cheese) and cold cuts !!!
Villeneuvette, a royal factory under the reign of Louis 14
< Its location in the Buèges valley and at the foot of the Séranne mountain offers a really incredible setting. Without doubt the wildest valley of the Herault.
As you approach the houses, the traditional houses and the Romanesque church contribute to the charm of this village, not to mention its imposing castle.
My little piece of advice : go in search of the source of the Buèges, and follow the crystalline waters. You won't regret it!
Note that the imposing rock overlooking the village is used for abseiling and climbing.
Olivier BOURRAT, student in tourism school in Montpellier
