Le lau  

Region

SHOPPING There are no shops in Le Lau, but on Wednesdays and Fridays Mobil shops pass and stop in the village. They are hooting, when they arrive.

Smaller shopping can bee done in Mons (baker, grocer, butcher), Roquebrun (grocer, baker) or Olargues (several bakers, grocers and butchers). Be aware that they are typically closed between 12 and 16 o'clock (can vary).

Large purchases can be done in Lamalou-les-Bains (market, Lidl and more), Hérépian (InterMarche, Centre Commercial) and Bédarieux (several big supermarkets).

In Béziers you find huge shopping centres. For instance, Intersport and Decathlon has a wide range of sport equipments at reasonable prices.

ROQUEBRUN is situated 10 km from Le Lau and is called La Nice de l’Hérault (Nice of Herault) because the valley has it’s own micro-climate which for instance means that Roquebrun is able to hold Fête du Mimosa in February. Roquebrun is situated beautifully on the hillside with the Orb-river passing by.

OLARGUES (16 km) One of France's most beautiful villages. It has some beautiful old stone houses, many with an impressive entrance and with decorations. On top of the village is a bell tower as well as ruins from the church from the 13th centuries. From here you have a fantastic view over the landscape of Languedoc.

THE WINE AREA is called Saint-Chinian and is together with Fitou the 2 best appellations in Languedoc. You can taste wine in Roquebrun, Saint-Chinian and Berlou. The locals prefer Berlou. But there are also tastings and sales along the roads. Remember to bring a clean 5 litre plastic jug, if you want to buy cheap.

MONTPELLIER (110 km) ”Capital” of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. There are 250.000 inhabitants. It’s a university town and very popular amongst the young people with is close placement (10 km) from the Mediterranean and its warm climate. An incredibly exciting city with many small streets, cheerful squares and eating places.  Read more here.

CARCASSONNE (91 km) The city is most famous for its huge, well-preserved fortification, which can be seen from the highway. In the summer, there are performance of knight combats and other Middle Ages games. See more here.

AQUALAND In Cap d'Agde (67 km) you find Europe's most famous water complex, with challenges for the careful ones and for those who like it wild :-). See more here.

ANDORRA (Ca. 200 km) Between France and Spain, in the Pyrenees, is the state Andorra located. It is best known for it’s duty-free shops, but is also known for ski resorts and Tour de France.

INFO ENGLISH
Tourist bureau of Herault. Up-to-date info on activities, accommodations and brochure for the Herault departement.

INFO FRANSK
Info on Vieussan, where the mayor's office is located.
The nearby village Mons has both baker, butcher and grocer.
Touristside for Herault.
Hiking in the area.

Activities

 

SWIMMING You can swim in the Orb-river at Ceps (6 km) and Roquebrun (10 km). You can also go to the Mediterranean at Valras Plage (51 km). Valras plage has one of Southern France’s most beautiful sand beaches. See more here.



CYCLING The area is fantastic for cycling on the road. If it has to be more flat, then go towards Roquebrun. In this direction you reach the lower area and you can go right to the Mediterranean. It’s lovely and unspoiled French nature.
If it has to be a little hilly, then drive towards Vieussan and turn left over the Orb-river towards Berlou. Here you meet soft mountains with wine fields and terrific scenarios.
And for the big challenges, go towards Vieussan again and continue to Tarrassac.  Here you find one climb after the other, which lead you up over the mountain ridge Caroux-Espinouse.
In the house you find detailed maps and guides of cycling tours for the area. Have a nice trip :-)


GOLF Herault has a reasonable amount of golf courses. See this folder for the area. Visit e.g. the beautiful track at Lamalou-les-Bains. only 17 km from the house.


CANOEING is possible at the Orb-river. At Tarassac you can rent canoes and kayak’s at Atelier Rivière Randonnée. It’s possible to have a short trip on below 10 km or up to 3 days trips. No matter what length you choose, there is a great chance of have a fantastic trip in this exiting French nature.


WALKING The area is a paradise for hikers. Just beneath the house, there is a path, which leads you over the mountains down to Roquebrun. If you go up through the town, there are paths that climb up the hills, north of the house. The best paths are located when you go up to Tarrassac and then choose one of the numerous paths on the mountain ridge Caroux-Espinouse. It is green mountains with rocks and unbelievable  panorama views. In the house you can find maps and descriptions of the area. See also this homepage.


NAVIGATION ON CANAL MIDI Take a trip up the canal, 300 km with quite a few locks. Rent a boat for ½ day, a full day or several days and navigate with the quiet rhythm of the canal and experience the nature and fauna surrounding the canal. Berth at the small villages and take a hike in the surroundings. You can also take a hike- or bike tour along the canal.