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Pézènes-les-Mines
is a charming medieval village, winding around a Chateau of the 11th
and 12th century. The tall houses seem to rest upon each
other and rise over small and twisting lanes,with many open stairways and
roofed passages. Pézènes hides in a deep secluded wooded valley in
the hills bordering the famous wine region of Faugères. Undisturbed
nature, oak forests, whin, thyme, rosemary and wild mint can still be
found here.
The
area around Pézènes is a green jewel close to the “Lac du Salagou”,
and the “Cirque de Mourèze”, 200 m altitude and only half an hour by
car from the mountain range of the Caroux and Espinouse, from Béziers and
the Canal du Midi. Near the Mediterranean winters are bright and mild and
summers are very hot.
A true
paradise for visitors who prefer to spend their holiday away from the
touristy areas in order to discover the wildlife, flora and fauna and who
want to be in touch with locals who always enjoy passing on their
knowledge, their memories and the key to their extraordinary quality of
life. |
The dominating Chateau is located on the hill above
the village. The small river in the valley is named Peyne and
meets the Hérault in Pézenas after feeding the picturesque
reservoir lake of “Lac des Olivettes”, near Vailhan .
Those who were wandering the Peyne valley in the Middle Ages must
have felt a real shudder at the look of this site, where the hills
loom narrow. Before reaching the village you can see at a distance
and in perspective, the old fortified
Chateau,and also a good impression of the defensively built village
wrapped around it, which is typical of the era. |
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Les Montades is a hamlet
nestling beneath the basalt plateau. The houses are built from
black volcanic stones. The centre of the village dates back to
the Middle Ages and is still well preserved.You will find draw
wells, the village oven, the old pigeon tower and original
medieval narrow lanes under arches which are impassable for
vehicles.. Only a few new
buildings have been consructed. Les Montades offers manifold
views on the surrounding hills and the nearby “Pic de
Vissou.” In the valley below the village the medieval
“Chapelle” «Notre
Dame d'Ourgas» dating back to the
12thC treasures a remarkable statue
"Virgin with Child" from the 13thC. |
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The commune
of Pézènes and the hinterland is well known by geologists
who have found extremely interesting rock strata - The
complete range of geological periods and stone formations can
be found here in this colourful country, such as Devonian
limestone in Pézènes-les-Mines, and the basalt sills to the
west of Les Montades perfectly exposed in the road
cutting at the entrance to the village.
In
addition to this geological variety the mediterranean climate
results in good natural conditions and a great richness of
plants, which can be found here. Connoisseurs
say that 2/3 of all plants, found in France, are native to
this area. Wild peony, pine and many other rare species
blossom here at best.
The
breeding of cattle and geese is practised «with love» as
well as the production of honey, gingerbread and goose
liver. It is a must to taste the regional specialities! There
are numerous hiking trails, bridlepaths, and an exercise park
for the fitness enthusiast.Many traces of ancient history can
be found in the immediate vicinity.
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History
The
Dolmen of «Le Puech» bears witness
of the presence of humans since the Neolithic Era (8000-2000 BC.)
The
Romans left their traces in Pézènes (Roman
bridge behind the church and
even a Roman wine press, discovered in 1985 in Mas de Pommier).
According
to historical tradition Charlemagne chose Pézènes as the place
where he prepared his battle against the Sarazenes. The battle possibly
took place in the village of Fos, where today the site is marked «Battlefield».
Téjédor, the notorious bandit of the 20th
century was supposed to hide in this area,near to Mas de Pommier.
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200
inhabitants (les Pézénols)
altitude : 200 above sea level |
Origin of name:
Originating
from the name of the river Peyne and the former Bauxite mines, which have
long been abandoned . |
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Roman
chapel
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| Roman
bridge |
| Medieval
chateau (private owner) |
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Chapelle Notre
Dame d'Ourgas in Les Montades |
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Holiday homes and cottages of
all sizes and price ranges can be rented, and rooms taken in local homes, in
the village and in its neighbouring hamlets. A wonderful environment for a
relaxing holiday. |
