Exceptional Territory
In the heart of Hérault, the Lodève Valley and Larzac unveil grand and preserved landscapes — a unique territory to absolutely discover.
Between remarkable natural heritage, excellence know-how, and grand landscapes, our territory is distinguished by the richness of its identity and the quality of its environment. It owes nothing to chance if it is listed in several protected areas and recognized by numerous labels: Grand Site of France, UNESCO, Natura 2000 Sites, Vignobles & Discoveries label, and many more.
ALL LABELS AND CLASSIFIED AREAS
Grand Site of France
The Network of Grand Sites of France brings together exceptional landscapes, recognized by everyone and fragile. They are protected and managed according to sustainable development values.
Lodève and Larzac hold no less than 2 Grand Sites (GS) of France, a unique concentration in France :
- the Grand Site cirque de Navacelles (since 2015)
Grand Site cirque de Navacelles
- the Grand Site Salagou - Cirque de Mourèze (since 2024)
Grand Site Salagou - Cirque de Mourèze
Grand Site Occitanie
The Grand Site Occitanie "Cirque de Navacelles, Lodève, Pays Viganais" includes one of the largest canyons in Europe at the heart of the Causses and Cévennes listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It is part of the collection of 41 Grand Sites in Occitanie.
"Causses and Cévennes", UNESCO area
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Causses and Cévennes illustrate Mediterranean agro-pastoralism through an exceptional cultural landscape mixing open environments, forests, built heritage, and agricultural know-how. Lodève, a gateway city, embodies this link between pastoral tradition and historical textile wealth. A network of Ambassadors highlights this living heritage, rooted in 231 municipalities over 6,000 km².
Regional National Park
Lodève and Larzac are within the boundaries of two regional natural parks (PNR): the PNR of Haut-Languedoc and the PNR of the Grands Causses.
- The Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park is united by a mountainous character as well as by a common language and culture: Occitan. Their main missions: to work in local development and environmental protection.
- The Grands Causses Regional Natural Parkpreserves spectacular landscapes between plateaus, gorges, and valleys. It promotes exceptional natural and cultural heritage, fosters sustainable tourism, and supports local know-how.
Country of Art and History
The Lodève and Larzac obtained in 2024 the label Country of Art and History, awarded by the Ministry of Culture. This national distinction values the territory's commitment to preserving and promoting its rich heritage. Among its strengths: cultural landscapes, megaliths, religious and industrial heritage, and the work of sculptor Paul Dardé. A territory where history and nature meet to offer a unique cultural experience.
Natura 2000 Areas
The Lodève and Larzac have 7 Natura 2000 areas, witnesses to the richness of its fauna and flora. These protected spaces aim to preserve remarkable species and natural environments, while maintaining sustainable human activities. Between causses, gorges, and garrigues, these sites offer a precious refuge for biodiversity. A unique natural heritage, to be discovered while respecting the environment.
Geopark Terres d'Hérault
A territory of 2000 km² in the center of Hérault, rich in an exceptional geological heritage, recognized internationally.
A collective approach, carried by the Department with 111* municipalities and many partners, aimed at preserving and enhancing these geological jewels.
Strong ambition: obtaining the prestigious label « UNESCO Global Geopark ».
Wines and Discoveries
Since 2010, the Heart of Hérault has committed, in partnership with the 3 Tourist Offices in the territory, to a strategy for the development of wine tourism. This collective approach has taken on new dimensions a few years later with the mobilization of local professionals around the application for the national Vignobles & Discoveries label, under the name of destination « Languedoc, Heart of Hérault ».
The Label "Vignobles & Discoveries" was obtained in December 2015.
Way of Saint James
The way of Saint James de Compostelle crosses Lodève and Larzac, offering stages rich in heritage and grand landscapes. 3 stages concern Lodève and Larzac.
Lodève is the starting point of a beautiful stage towards Lunas on the way to Saint James de Compostelle. The Saint-Fulcran Cathedral of Lodève, a jewel of southern Gothic, is a must for pilgrims taking the Lodève–Lunas stage of the way to Saint James de Compostelle. Its rich history and remarkable architecture make it a major spiritual and cultural stop.
Way of Saint Guilhem
This ancient sheep transhumance route connected the backcountry of Montpellier to the volcanic plateau of Aubrac. Shepherds would drive their flocks seasonally from the parched garrigues to the fresh and green pastures of Aubrac. But the way of Saint Guilhem is also a route used since the Middle Ages by pilgrims, who would make a detour by the abbey of Gellone to pray before the relics of the Holy Cross and Saint Guilhem, before continuing towards Saint James de Compostelle or Rome.
Due to land slips, the route of the way of Saint Guilhem is diverted in 2 places:
- just before Meyrueis (points 60-62 of the Topoguide)
- between the hamlet of Navacelles (at the bottom of the cirque) and the village of Saint-Maurice-Navacelles.
Be attentive to follow the temporary markings established on the ground
