The most beautiful villages
of the Hérault
Our campsite near Vias The Domaine Sainte Véziane is located in the heart of the Hérault department (34) in the south of France, a land particularly rich in history and culture. It’s home to a number of picturesque villages that are well worth a visit, both in the Hérault hinterland and on the Mediterranean coast. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Olargues and Minerve, to name but a few, are among the most beautiful villages in the Hérault region. Domaine Sainte Véziane, a year-round campsite in the Hérault region, is the perfect place to explore these medieval gems.
Hérault hinterland: between typical villages and regional parks
The Hérault department is often cited for its beautiful beaches and coastal walks, but its typical inland villages are also remarkable places to visit.
It would be a shame not to take the time to discover them. After a stroll through the historic center of Bessan, explore the surrounding area: between communes nestled among the garrigues and marine and terrestrial nature parks of great beauty, discover the region’s must-see stops without further ado!
regional parks
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is without doubt the most beautiful village in the Hérault and one of the most beautiful in France.
A popular tourist destination, this medieval village is located in the Hérault gorges. It has a wide range of places to visit. These include
- the devil’s bridge ;
- impressive cliffs;
- sublime historic buildings such as Gellone Abbey;
- picturesque alleyways for lovers of old stones and much more.
In addition, thrill-seekers can enjoy a wide range of activities in the Hérault region, from hiking to exceptional panoramas to canoeing and kayaking. Contrary to what its name might suggest,
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is no desert. It promises sporting leisure and strolling in a charming atmosphere.
Camping Domaine Sainte Véziane – St Guilhem le Désert : 45 min
Olargues
Olargues is well known for meeting the expectations of those in search of adventure and pure relaxation. It’s set in the Hérault mountains, encircled by the waters of the Jaur river and littered with cobbled streets, stone houses and impressive castles.
Its elevated position makes it an ideal place for cycling. Engravings, chapels and a railway bridge are just some of the rich heritage Olargues has to offer. It’s surrounded by a natural setting that’s perfect for early-morning birdsong and a magnificent sunset.
As night falls, the light shows in the bars and restaurants create a pleasant atmosphere that leaves you wanting more. Olargues is also listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Camping Domaine Sainte Véziane – Olargues : 1 h
to discover villages
Minerva
A charming village of 121 inhabitants, Minerve is also one of France’s most beautiful villages. Situated on a cliff in the Brian gorges, it offers a remarkable view over the Orb valley. Its greatest asset is undoubtedly the Roman bridge that spans the river.
Take advantage of the many cafés and bars to sample delicious wines and local specialties. The ancient ruins and picturesque alleys of this Cathar town date back to Roman times. Minerve also boasts a wealth of medieval remains, including castles, ramparts and the church of Saint-Étienne.
To enjoy the full splendor of Minerve, visit during the festive season. You’ll be able to take part in the various traditional festivals that abound at this time of year and that further enhance the village’s atmosphere.
Camping Domaine Sainte Véziane – Minerve : 1 h 10
minerve visit
La royale de Villeneuvette
The other name for this former industrial village is “la belle endormie”. It begins with a surprising avenue of centuries-old plane trees. This leads to a majestic gateway bearing the inscription “Honneur au Travail” (“Honor to Work”). This is a former royal cloth factory, whose production was exported to the Near East.
After the entrance, the first thing to admire is the magnificent Place de Louis XIV, an enchantment for the eyes. This shady, relaxing square features a central fountain and drinking trough, a major feature of the former factory.
Another building to visit is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin , which gives a rather simple image of Protestant temples. You also can’t miss the beautiful murals by painter J. Pauthe, an icon of religious painting in Languedoc.
Further west, near the Dourbie river, the town hall and a hotel-restaurant charm the area. To the north, you can admire the modest houses that once belonged to the factory workers. Today, these houses have been renovated.
Camping Domaine Sainte Véziane – Villeneuvette : 30 min
The Hérault department is packed with beautiful villages and must-see sites just waiting to be visited. Whether you’re a lover of history, culture or nature, these villages will provide you with unforgettable experiences. Don’t miss out on discovering the wines and gastronomy of the Hérault; the region’s culinary specialties will give you a gourmet experience full of Occitan flavors!
Last but not least, the beaches of the Hérault are waiting for you to take a dip or relax with family or friends on the Mediterranean seafront.
Gorges de l’Hérault and Etang de Thau,
remarkable natural sites
The Gorges de l’Hérault reveal many hidden treasures to those who take the time to explore them. Take advantage of the river’s calm waters to sail or swim in complete tranquillity, and you’ll quickly fall under the spell of these limestone and rocky landscapes.
As for the Etang de Thau, it’s a must-see, a soothing place to discover and enjoy long walks. Boat tours allow you to discover the shellfish beds and taste the local oysters, while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
You can also go scuba diving to explore the pond’s underwater flora and fauna. There are many seaside villages to discover around the Etang de Thau: Sète, a traditional fishing town, Bouzigues, Mèze, Marseillan…
The Grand Site du Salagou et du Cirque de Mourèze is a must-see in the Hérault region, dazzling visitors with its lunar red rock. Ideal for outdoor activities, stroll around the large lake, sail in its blue waters or take to the heights of the cirque de Mourèze amidst wild landscapes.
mourèze explore
Explore the Hérault hinterland on a camping trip
A stay at the Domaine Sainte Véziane campsite, near Vias, not far from Béziers and Pézenas, is an ideal location for exploring the seaside and the Hérault hinterland.
Beyond the borders of the Hérault region, you can also spend a day discovering other exceptional villages and sites from Bessan. Alternate between cultural visits and lazing on the beach to enjoy all the assets of Languedoc-Roussillon, in Occitanie.
Mediterranean coast
The Mediterranean coast
Near Béziers, discover the small family beach of Le Bosquet in Portiragnes, where the garrigue borders the beach. You can alternate between hiking and lounging on the beach.
Not far from there, the Grande Maïre in Sérignan is a beach, but above all a protected natural site where you can observe the surrounding flora and fauna. You can also swim in the pond.
Recharge your batteries inland
There’s plenty to do inland, especially in the Haut-Languedoc regional nature park , which boasts a rare diversity of landscapes.
Hiking, biking and wildlife watching are just some of the activities you can enjoy with family or friends.
For even more variety, you can also explore neighboring departments such as the Aude, easily accessible from the campsite.
90 km from the campsite, the medieval city of Carcassonne fortified medieval town an important staging post on the wine route between the Mediterranean basin and the rest of Gaul.
aude visit
Discover the most beautiful villages of the Hérault on a 4-star campsite
Domaine Sainte Véziane, a 4-star campsite in the Hérault region of France, offers many advantages to enable you to visit the most beautiful villages in the area and enjoy all the authenticity of the region. As accommodation, our mobile home rentals near Vias are an option to consider for holidaymakers who prefer an outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort, for a stay just like at home.
Between two trips to the surrounding area, our campsite with water park awaits you for a well-deserved swim; relax on our sun loungers or grab a bite to eat at Bessan’s restaurant.
Because conviviality is the key word, entertainment and themed evenings await you! Our campsite offers a wide range of activities for the whole family and sports facilities for your enjoyment.
You’ll also find 4-star services at Domaine Sainte Véziane, whose aim is nothing less than the satisfaction of its residents. Year after year, the team at our campsite strives to ensure that you have the best possible stay, and that you can visit the most beautiful villages in the Hérault region in the best possible conditions.