Olargues

Olargues
View of Olargues
Olargues
Administration
Country	France
Region	Languedoc-Roussillon
Department	Hérault
Arrondissement	Arrondissement of Béziers
Canton	chef-lieu du canton d'Olargues
Intercommunality	Communauté de communes Orb et Jaur
Mayor	Jean Arcas (2008–2014)
Statistics
Elevation	148–760 m (486–2,490 ft) (avg. 183 m/600 ft)
Land area1	18.6 km2 (7.2 sq mi)
Population2	592  (2006)
- Density	32 /km2 (83 /sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code	34187/ 34390
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Coordinates: 43°33′26″N 2°54′55″E / 43.5572222222°N 2.91527777778°E / 43.5572222222; 2.91527777778

Olargues is a commune in the Hérault department in Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France.

Olargues is a beautiful example of a French Medieval town. It was occupied by the Romans, the Vandals and the Visigoths. At the end of the 11th century the Jaur valley came under the authority of the Château of the Viscount of Minerve. The following centuries saw a succession of wars and epidemics, and it wasn't until the 18th century that Olargues became reestablished. This was due to the prosperity of local agriculture and artisanal industry.

The "Devil's Bridge" is said to date back to 1202 and is reputed to be the scene of transactions between the people of Olargues and the "devil". The old village is clustered around the belltower, which was formerly the main tower of the castle (Romanesque construction). The old shops have marble frontage and overhanging upper storeys. -Not to be missed are the museum of popular traditions and art, in the stairs of the Commanderie, and the lovely walkway across the river.

Devil's bridge and tower in Orlargues

See also

• Communes of the Hérault department

References