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ABOUT OLARGUES

A statue and trees in the heart of the village
The streets of Olargues offer a charming glimpse into the past.
A cat - one of many in Olargues!
Rated as one of 'les Beaux Villages de France' (the beautiful villages of France), Olargues extends over a hill on a bend of the Jaur river. It’s a medieval village, so many of the streets are only wide enough for pedestrians, but there's lots of free parking available.

The Pont du Diable (the Devil’s Bridge) dates from the 13th century and its iconic landmark tower – now a bell tower – greets you as you approach the village.

As you stroll through the village, you’re seeing a way of life which has changed little over the centuries.

The local shops and village bakery still rely on local products and ingredients, including the chestnut flour which was a staple of the area up until the 1920s. In fact, there’s a chestnut festival every October.

Surrounded by vineyards, Olargues is in the St Chinian AOC (a quality hallmark restricted to wine-growers in a particular area) and visiting the local ‘domaines’ for a tasting is recommended.

Local restaurants include the Fleurs d’Olargues and the Auberge de Madale (a 10-minute drive), where chef Stephane's inventiveness has earned him an enviable reputation. There's also a pharmacy, general store, butcher's, bank and cashpoint in the village.

​As a location to reach all the best bits of Languedoc, Olargues is hard to beat. It's far enough away from the hustle and bustle to relax, but near enough to make day trips easy.

Olargues is also on the ‘Voie Verte’ (Green Path), a converted railway line, now used by cyclists and walkers, running 75km along the valley.
Click on a picture of Olargues to enlarge it
The ancient bell tower is a striking landmark, visible from miles around
A sign of the village's name and the 'Voie Verte'
Flowers add a charming touch to the village's streets
The mairie is the village's administrative centre
Broc - short for 'Brocante' - is the sale of antiques and second hand goods
Olargues
Steps leading to the village church
Avenue de la gare - station road
The 'Pont type Eiffel' used similar construction methods to the Eiffel Tower
Street sign at the entrance to 'Rue des Tires'
Tree-lined avenues help everyone keep cool in summer
Characteristic rural architecture
The Mairie - the village town hall
Pont de Diable - Devil's Bridge
Farmhouse near Olargues
A mural of a mouflon - the  rarely spotted wild sheep which live in the mountains
The Fleur d'Olargues restaurant
Street scene near the holiday let in Olargues
A four-legged friend...unless you're a mouse
Village festival
Local produce at a village market
Shutters are vital under the dazzling Mediterranean sun

CHESTNUTS ROASTING...


The annual chestnut festival is one of a series of seasonal events and celebrations. Life is lived outdoors in Olargues and there's always something going on!
Villagers roasting chestnuts during a festival
  • Home
  • The house
  • Location
    • Olargues
    • Languedoc
  • Activities
  • Contact and rates
  • Getting here