Clermont-l'Hérault


Clermont-l'Hérault is a commune in the Hérault department in southern France.

Geography

, Clermont-l'Hérault is located about 40 km west of Montpellier, halfway between the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Cévennes National Park to the north.

Hydrography

La Lergue, Le Salagou, Ruisseau des Servières are the main rivers that cross the town.

Neighboring municipalities

Climate

The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The winter is mild despite the frosts that can sometimes occur. Summer is hot. In autumn, Mediterranean episodes occur with heavy rain showers.

History

The town of Clermont-l'Hérault has been occupied since Protohistory: during the Iron Age, Clermont constitutes one of the main Oppidum of the Mediterranean Celtic.
Recent archaeological excavations have demonstrated its importance during antiquity. There was then a main agglomeration of five to six hectares and a peripheral inhabited area of 12 hectares. The remains of a thermal establishment have been uncovered.
The town was several times taken and retaken in the religious wars of the 16th century.
The city was formerly known as Clermont-Lodève. Nearby, the manufacture of sheets Villeneuvette was created, or rather relaunched in 1667 by Colbert to develop the cloth industry in France, taking advantage of the waters of the Dourbie.

Politics and administration

Population

Sights

The town is built on the slope of a hill which is crowned by an ancient castle and skirted by the Rhonel, a tributary of the Lergue. It has an interesting chapel "Les Pénitents" recently restored, built in southern Gothic style. It is now a cultural centre. Also of interest is Saint Paul's church, begun in the 12th century, and finished in the 14th century.
Close by is the large man-made Lac du Salagou.

International relations

Clermont-l'Hérault is twinned with: