Visit Olargues - Hidden Treasures in the South of France

From time to time we have housesits published on HouseSit Match that offer an extraordinary glimpse into the treasures in the region. You can visit Olargues by housesitting in the Tarn region of France and you’ll discover some rare hidden treasures in the South of France.

Read on to learn more about this historic village of Olargues, considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of France, in an insightful article written by one of our expat homeowners in France.

Hidden Treasures to Discover when you Visit Olargues

the historic village of Olargues from a distance — The Medieval village of Olargues a hidden treasure in the Hérault

Driving along the verdant mountain roads and gorges of Hérault a beautiful surprise awaits you; the magnificent medieval village of Olargues.

From a distance with the distinctive view of these stone buildings built into the gorge, your eye is drawn to’ le Pont Diable‘ The Devil’s bridge, built in the 12th Century on the Higher route above to Santiago De Compostela and, I’ve since discovered is listed as a World Heritage Site. Many visit Olargues just for this structure and its setting.

Looking up you see the Bell tower, which remains from the original castle and below the clear water runs through the banks of the River Jaur. In fact the water pretty much surrounds the village as it flows through what once was the moat to a fortress.

I Am Drawn to Visit Olargues

I have now visited this place many times in recent years, during different seasons, and it is always a pleasure to return to like an old friend. There is always more to discover and enjoy. Despite its rich history this place is a hidden treasure because it has never felt tarnished by tourism. In fact, amongst the majestic views it feels so very friendly, peaceful and humble.

Scattered amongst the main road through the village are practical places to park your car or indeed campervan. There are parks with benches with beautiful views and a convenient tourist information hub.

Around Every Corner …

Nearing the centre you will pass discreet bars and restaurants ranging from inexpensive offering a quick snack and a drink to those offering a la Carte , ideal for a special occasion and definitely requiring advance reservation. As you continue you will pass the butchers, a lovely very well-stocked épicerie, a pharmacy and the boulangerie which, in my humble opinion, makes the lightest and most delicious coffee éclairs I have ever tasted!

Just be aware as with many villages in rural France, each place has its set of opening hours so not everywhere will be open at once.

chapel facade in Olargues — There are many chapels and churches tucked away in hidden places throughout the village

Narrow cobbled streets veer off in different directions like branches on a tree. It is a real treat to explore. If you walk up towards the centre and turn left you will discover a kind of ‘artistic quarter’ filled with many talented artisans, tucked away yet each one distinctive.

History Carved into the Fabric of the Village

carved wooden door — The craftsmanship is literally carved into the village

Along this unassuming path you discover more narrow streets where you wonder if they are more suited to mountain goats. There is a welcoming ambiance to this place and you cannot help but admire the variety of unusual, impressive front doors embellished with all the kinds of detail, each one possessing a distinctive and unique charm.

visit olargues and enjoy narrow cobbled streets and homes of artisans — Visit Olargues and enjoy narrow cobbled streets and homes of artisans

There are so many little hidden places monuments, Chapels, benches to sit and contemplate life, broaden one’s knowledge of the history or just simply soak up the natural beauty of the place.

Amongst this medieval wonder of stone buildings sits a far more modern building, the local Mairie, in all it glory. I have yet to uncover its actual age but I believe it to be rooted in the 19th century as it has a renaissance revival feel to it. Now, I’m not normally a fan of yellow houses but there is something about this that always makes me smile, like warm sunshine illuminating a dull day. It certainly stands out and wants to be noticed.

go to the Mairie the town hall if you visit Olargues — You should definitely go to the *Mairie* if you visit Olargues

Ancient elegance in every stone

There is a kind of understated elegance in its presence which by no means sits uncomfortably amongst its medieval neighbours. Just around the corner is a local hotel with its friendly bar /restaurant staff offering refreshments and sustenance.

It attracts an eclectic mix of customers from locals stopping off for their morning espresso, friends meeting over lunch with a glass of vino, families enjoying a refreshing glacé to enthusiastic walkers /hikers and cyclists; the latter making the most of the various walking trails and cycling routes along the Voit Verte, the old railway line. Ideal in that they are not steep so easier to enjoy.

woman walking down steep medieval village steps — Many of the steep village steps are more suited to mountain goats than adventurous tourists

Historic routes cross country

This route connects the town of Mazamet in the Tarn region to the Town of Bederiaux in Hérault. During April there is an emphasis on outdoor events here, in particular for mountain bikers.

Indeed the old Olargues rail station faces this relaxing spot and is now operating as the local post office .

Around these buildings you hear evidence of modern day life continuing as normal as the sound of children laughing and playing in the school playground carries across in the breeze. Yet this is by no means a spot resigned for tourists.

Practical village life

When you visit Olargues you’ll see that apart from the local artisans, shop windows display posters for all kinds of events and activities from small music evenings, Yoga classes, art groups and children’s judo to the various annual festivals celebrating music, art, fresh market produce and of course chestnuts which are an important local produce, or châtaignes as they are known here.

Here you will also find an English speaking community who relish this peaceful yet active little village in rural France.

plaque with local information — World War 2 is remembered in the village, because of the influence of the French Resistance

The Mark of the French Resistance

During World War 2 the French resistance were very active here (documented in the local museum). There are carefully chosen spaces respectfully dedicated to honouring those who fought and lost their lives. That spirit is still found here as one can periodically spot posters inviting you to gather to speak up for justice or protest about some current cause.

war grave in the village of Olargues, France — Community War grave in Olargues, France

If you housesit for me in the Tarn you can easily visit Olargues, and enjoy the rich tapestry of this beautiful village.

Visit Olargues – My Final Reflections

When you visit Olargues you realise that it really is a treasure set in the heart of the Regional National Park of Haut-Langedoc and is not surprisingly considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

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