The best road cycling routes around La Tour-Sur-Orb

Located in the Hauts Cantons of the Hérault, at the confluence of the Gravezon, Nize, and Dourdou rivers, Lunas is a charming village that combines history and a gentle way of life. Dominated by the Redondel rock, a former fortified site, it reveals pretty streets, a 17th-century castle, and the Saint-Pancrace church, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Don't miss the Notre-Dame-de-Nize chapel and its famous Fontaine des Yeux (Eyes Fountain), nestled in a peaceful natural setting.

The Saint-Martial church is unlike any other in Haut-Languedoc. Built in 1858-1859 to replace the village's old church, which had become too cramped, it occupies the north wing of the former castle of the viscounts of Narbonne, built in the 15th century. Even more surprisingly, this castle housed a black glass workshop until 1848, before being transformed into a place of worship. The bell tower, added in 1877, completes this original ensemble where religious heritage, seigneurial architecture, and industrial history blend. Observing the buildings surrounding the church, several elements of the original castle can still be distinguished. A few steps away is the old Saint-Martial church, now private property. Built on probably Romanesque foundations, it preserves parts dating back to the 15th century. Having become too dilapidated and too small to accommodate a growing population, it was replaced in 1859 by the new Saint-Martial church. Deconsecrated and then sold by the municipality in 1867, it remains a discreet but precious witness to the religious history of Hérépian.

The Saint-Majan church is the former abbey church of a powerful Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century, whose prosperity was based in particular on the silver-bearing lead mines that gave their name to Villemagne-l'Argentière. During the Hundred Years' War, the building was transformed into a veritable fortress: walled-up windows, a rampart walk, and machicolations allowed the monks to defend their abbey. Despite the looting of the Wars of Religion in 1562, this remarkable Gothic church has survived the centuries and still bears the traces of this turbulent past. A few steps away is the former Saint-Grégoire church, the first place of worship of the abbey. Its elegant Romanesque architecture contrasts with the Gothic style of Saint-Majan. Transformed into an archaeological museum, it presents collections dedicated to the history of the village, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, as well as to the exploitation of the ancient mines that shaped the wealth of Villemagne-l'Argentière. By visiting these two buildings, one travels through more than a millennium of history in just a few minutes.

Mentioned as early as the 12th century, the church of Saint-Alexandre has had a turbulent history. It was first destroyed in 1364 by English troops during the Hundred Years' War, then in 1563 during the Wars of Religion, when Bédarieux fell into the hands of the Protestants. A third destruction occurred in 1622, during the campaigns led by Louis XIII to retake the Protestant strongholds of Languedoc. Rebuilt in the 17th century, it features a surprising architectural detail: its choir is slightly off-center, a layout that would symbolize the head of Christ inclined on the Cross.

In the heart of Mélagues, the « Mother and Child » statue is a unique landmark in the village. Created in 2003 by sculptor Jacques Bourges, this work testifies to the link between artistic creation and the tradition of stone. Originally from the neighboring Sidobre region, the artist has dedicated a large part of his work to granite and to highlighting this material. Installed on a stone forecourt, this sculpture highlights a universal theme: the maternal bond.

In the heart of Mélagues, the statue ‘Mother and Child’ is a unique landmark in the village. Installed on a stone forecourt, this sculpture highlights a universal theme: the maternal bond.

From the D8E13 bridge, the viewpoint offers a beautiful postcard of Avène and the Orb.

Descent on a dirt road. Also a good spot for a picnic 👌