- Olargues
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Olargues
View of 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
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.
See also
References
Categories:- Communes of Hérault
- Plus Beaux Villages de France
- Hérault geography stubs
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