The best road cycling routes around Caux

This medieval village, which appeared in the 11th century, had a strategic position, perched above the Hérault valley. Even today, its castle, fortifications, and towers give it a military appearance.

Neffiès appears in the middle of the wine-growing plain, with its Saint-Alban bell tower clearly visible and, behind the village, a string of puechs that form the northern boundary of the commune. From left to right, one can notably make out Piocal and Le Bousquet, to the west of the village. Higher up, behind Neffiès, stand the Louvières (340 m) and the Pioch Clergue (229 m). At the far right of the panorama is the Baumes massif, which culminates around 240 m: unlike the limestone puechs that directly overlook Neffiès, this is an ancient volcanic edifice.

The causse de Nizas offers a beautiful perspective on the basalt plateau called planèze. This environment is crossed by herds, the few limestone springs have been developed by lime kilns.

Le Prieuré Saint-Martial is a discreet but history-rich stop amidst the wine landscapes of Alignan-du-Vent. Behind its walls lies a site occupied since antiquity: the priory is said to have been built on the site of an ancient Roman villa, before evolving over the centuries under the religious and agricultural influence of the communities that occupied it. Associated with a Benedictine monastic presence, Saint-Martial bears witness to a time when priories were not only places of prayer but also centers for land exploitation. Around the religious building, a vibrant estate was organized, linked to cultivation, livestock farming, and probably viticulture, which profoundly shaped the landscape of Languedoc. The site subsequently experienced a new life: the former Le Prieuré Saint-Martial complex has been restored and transformed into a charming place to stay, with accommodations set up in the historic buildings, a tree-lined park, and relaxation areas. It indeed features about a dozen accommodations (apartments, lofts, cottages, and villas), blending the charm of the old (stone walls, exposed beams, vaulted volumes) with contemporary amenities. Guests have access to two swimming pools, one of which is heated in mid-season. This redevelopment now makes it possible to preserve a rural heritage that could have disappeared, by giving a new function to these centuries-old stones.

In the heart of the old village of Cazouls-d'Hérault, two major witnesses to local history stand side by side: the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the old castle stemming from the Templar presence. Built and remodeled over the centuries, the church recalls the religious life of a Languedoc rural community, while the neighboring castle bears witness to a more unique history. Established here in the Middle Ages, the Templars developed an agricultural estate before their assets were transferred to the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1312. Later becoming a commandery, this seigneurial residence long organized the economic life of the territory. Today transformed into guest rooms, the castle perpetuates the history of the place in a new form.

A few steps from the Saint-Saturnin church, this small sector between the place du Quai and the rue Venel reveals a more intimate face of Tourbes! Narrow alleys, old facades, exposed stones bear witness to a habitat built over the centuries.

A few steps from the Sans Souci park, this monument pays tribute to Louis Paulhan (1883-1963), a child of Pézenas who became one of the pioneers of French aviation. At a time when flying was still an achievement, he participated in the great moments of the beginnings of aeronautics and contributed to writing the history of the pioneers of the sky. Passionate about flying machines from a young age, he obtained the 10th French pilot's license in 1909 and was noticed at the first air shows. In April 1910, he entered legend by winning the famous Daily Mail prize for the London-Manchester flight, an aerial crossing of nearly 300 km completed in less than 24 hours. This earned him international fame. He later participated in the development of seaplanes and also became an aircraft manufacturer.

The cooperative winery of Alignan-du-Vent bears witness to wine history. Created in 1936 under the name "Les Vignerons d'Alignan-du-Vent", it was born in a difficult context for small producers, facing the wine market crisis and the need to unite to better promote their harvest.