SOME HISTORY IN SHORT

It was in 1349 that what is today our department was sold to the French crown by the King of Majorca. It was the Revolution which created the Herault department in 1790. In XIX century, wine growing was present everywhere. The quantity of wine produced was a priority for a long time, or rather a fatality. Today, and for a long time now, it’s quality which dominates and wines of character can be found in this whole sector.

prehistoric ruins 
Around 350 standing stones are listed in the department (Claret, Le Pouget, Soumont, etc.).

roman civilisation
It has left its traces too, in particular with the Domitian Way, the site of Enserune in Nissan, etc.

roman art
It is greatly represented, you only need to note the number of churches built all over Hérault territory.

gothic art
It remains very sober and powerful and only came to the region as from the XIII century.


GEOGRAPHY

The Herault department has a surface area of 6101 km2. It has 100 km of coastline bordering the Mediterranean sea. Its highest point is 1126 metres (Mont de l’Espinouse).

The population today stands at 896.000 inhabitants, spread over 343 towns and villages :
- 25 along the coast (19% of the population),
- 230 in the plains and foothills (75% of the population),
- 88 in the mountains (6% of the population).

5 developed stretches of water can be found hee (Salagou, Ravièges, Olivettes, Saut de Vesoles and Jouarres) and 11 lakes, one of which is the Etang de Thau (the 2nd largest in France).

As far as tourism is concerned, the Hérault has 33 million overnight stays per year.
Why is it so successful? 

Undoubtedly because of the region’s wealth due to its diverse nature, from beach to mountain, not forgetting the hinterland. Also, perhaps, thanks to its 300 days of sunshine a year.

Amongst all the strong points and multiple facets of the Herault, let’s not forget our wine growing with the various labels: Faugeres, Saint-Chinian, Pinet, etc.

Oyster farming in the Thau basin with the oyster from the Bouzigues oyster beds.
Discovering all the regional products (olive oil, honey, etc.) which is possible as you travel along the magnificent hinterland roads. The Canal du Midi offers “sailors” another extremely pleasant way of travelling through this land of history.

Culture has its place in Herault tourism and it is considerable.