Olargues

Summary

Olargues (French pronunciation: [ɔlaʁɡ]) is a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie region in southern France. It is rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France.[3]

Olargues
A general view of Olargues
A general view of Olargues
Coat of arms of Olargues
Location of Olargues
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Olargues
Olargues
Olargues is located in Occitanie
Olargues
Olargues
Coordinates: 43°33′26″N 2°54′55″E / 43.5572°N 2.9153°E / 43.5572; 2.9153
CountryFrance
RegionOccitania
DepartmentHérault
ArrondissementBéziers
CantonSaint-Pons-de-Thomières
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Jean Arcas[1]
Area
1
18.6 km2 (7.2 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
550
 • Density30/km2 (77/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
34187 /34390
Elevation148–760 m (486–2,493 ft)
(avg. 183 m or 600 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Olargues is a good 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 was not until the 18th century that Olargues became re-established. This was due to the prosperity of local agriculture and artisanal industry.

Attractions edit

 
Devil's bridge and tower in Orlargues

Pont du Diable edit

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 frontages and overhanging upper storeys. A museum of popular traditions and art is to be found in the stairs of the Commanderie.

Population edit

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 590—    
1975 518−1.84%
1982 529+0.30%
1990 512−0.41%
1999 571+1.22%
2009 614+0.73%
2014 666+1.64%
2020 608−1.51%
Source: INSEE[4]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021". The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ Les plus beaux villages de France
  4. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE