Clermont L'Herault In The Languedoc
Situated just eight kilometres to the west of Gignac with Larzac to the south, Clermont l´Herault is a busy market town set in beautiful countryside surrounded by olive groves. It is just a thirty minute drive from Montpellier and forty kilometres from the sea. The swimmers and sunbathers do not miss out here as there is a beautiful lake in nearby Salagou.
Located in the heart of wine country, it is an important agricultural centre for grapes and the production of fruit juices, with one of the only two remaining olive oil refineries in the region. During the summer months you can visit L´huilerie where you can see how the oil is made and purchase some lucques, which are uniquely shaped olives grown in this area.
Clermont l´Herault has several delightful fountains dotted around the town, and in front of the charming twelfth century St Paul’s church which had fortresses added during the fourteenth century to protect it from the English invasion.
There is one of the best preserved feudal castles in the Languedoc here which sits on a plateau with the Donjon tower dominating one side of the Herault Valley. This was built by the Guilhem family who were the original Lords of Clermont. The recently restored gothic Penitents Chapel is used as a cultural centre to hold various exhibitions and events and is certainly worth a visit.
Clermont L'Herault
While the town feels as if it was specially designed for those with a penchant for the active life with fishing, hiking, horse-riding and all manner of watersports on offer, a plethora of more sedentary and relaxing options provide an alternative experience.
The town has a market every Wednesday morning selling fresh local produce and various arts and crafts, as well as many other fetes throughout the year including the Truffle Fair in January, Olivettes at the end of April and the Gastronomical Day in October.
For the evening, Clermont d´Herault boasts numerous great bars and restaurants serving local cuisine. Alternatively pay a visit to The Alain Resnais cinema or go to one of the dance, theatre and music shows which are produced at regular intervals in the town.