In the south of Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrenees, the department of Hérault has its feet in the Mediterranean.Between flourishing nature and cities full of history, a multitude of adventures await you there.

The Hérault is first and foremost exceptional natural landscapes. Whether you are a fan of the outdoors or simply contemplative, the Circus de Navacelles will surprise you. In the center of this splendid 300-meter deep canyon is the Virgin Rock and its verdant flora. Accessible by shuttle, hiking trails also take you closer to this geographical wonder. Another natural feature of the department : the famous Grotte des Demoiselles, in the depths of the plateau of Thaurac. Nicknamed "the Grotto of the Fairies" following a legend reported by a Languedoc shepherd, it was discovered by the speleologist Edouard Alfred Martel in 1884. Since 1931, the cave is open to the public and arranged for tourism. The tour begins aboard an underground funicular, the first to be built in Europe, and takes you deep into this grand cavity. Let yourself be carried away by the immensity of this "underground cathedral" !

For history buffs, the must-see stage is at Oppidum d'Ensérune, the archaeological site of a Gallic city located between Adge and Béziers. Perched on a rocky promontory, this site was continually populated from the Bronze Age to the Roman conquest. The nearby museum houses an astonishing collection of treasures from nearby archaeological excavations.

The Hérault is also modern and dynamic cities of which Montpellier, capital of the department, is the proud standard. Very lively student city, it is the ideal place for holidays between relaxation and leisure. The large square of the Comédie, the heart of the city's animations, was built in 1881 on ancient fortifications. It owes its elegance to its buildings of the 19th century, its charming cafes and restaurants and the fountain of the Three Graces, marble work realized by the architect Etienne Dantoine. Paced by the musicians who perform there spontaneously day and night, it is the ideal place to relax with family or friends. At the end of the square stands the Opéra Comédie, a magnificent Italian-style theater inaugurated in 1888, succeeding the former buildings reduced to ashes following multiple fires. As for art lovers, they will meet instead at the Musée Fabre. Since 1828, this one exhibits in a mansion of the 18th century a collection of more than 800 works, where one finds big names of the painting such as Delacroix, Poussin, Véronèse, Rubens...

If you are staying with family, rest assured, the Hérault does not lack leisure ! Discover the world at the Galilee Planetarium in Montpellier or return to the dinosaur times at the Musee-Parc d'Europe in Mèze. Animal friends will not be left behind either. Special mention for the Amazonian Greenhouse of Montpellier, which includes many species and raises awareness of the danger of the disappearance of the Amazon.