Le Bousquet-d'Orb is a town in Hérault, in the Occitanie region, 16 km west of Lodève.
Ranging from 236 to 787 m above sea level, its territory of nearly 12 km² is bordered to the north and east by the course of the Orb, which constitutes the municipal limits, and which flows into the Mediterranean at Valras.
Composed of a town and various hamlets, Le Bousquet-d'Orb is three-quarters covered by forests and natural environments, the agricultural areas being mainly devoted to vineyards arranged in terraces producing red or white country wines, the winegrowers having joined together under the brand "L'Occitane".
Belonging to the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, with a natural area protected for its biodiversity, the Monts d'Orb, the locality became a municipality in 1884 when mining began alongside the establishment of a renowned glassworks. Until then, two villages (Le Bousquet de Grajau and Saint-Martin de Clémensan) had coexisted since the Middle Ages.
In the 1960s, industrial activity was stopped but its memory remains thanks to a museum and Le Bousquet-d'Orb (nearly 1600 inhabitants) highlights its heritage and its offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities, close to 'other popular sites (Lamalou spa, Bédarieux, etc.).
A discovery of the municipal heritage leads to travel to the old villages which "merged" in the 19th century.
On Saint-Martin, the eponymous church dates from the 12th century (Romanesque style) and then depends on the diocese of Béziers. It was rebuilt from 1851 to 1876, and in 1925, it was endowed with a magnificent stained-glass window by the glassworks of the town, precisely representing Saint Laurent, patron saint of glassmakers. The church is protected as a historical monument.
In the village of Bousquet, the parish church of Saint-Vincent-de-Saragosse dates from the 17th and 19th centuries, but it was at the beginning of the 20th century that its steeple wall was erected, which houses a carillon of four bells.
It is also advisable to linger, still in the village, at the monument to the dead erected in 1921: 5 meters high, work of Paul Dardé (sculptor from Hérault), it is a stone stele size (sandstone and Faugères stones) adorned with a medallion depicting a soldier's bust in profile. The names of the dead are engraved on marble plaques.
In the eponymous hamlet, the imposing castle of Cazilhac was erected in the 13th century by monks: it was then a strong house but which could not withstand the Hundred Years War. Rebuilt then redesigned, it consists of a main building with a low-pitched roof and two square towers. We note that an aqueduct supplies water to the park and the outbuildings operating the estate's farm. The exteriors of the site, listed in the Inventory and still private property, are open to visitors in summer and by appointment the rest of the year. For more information, call +33 4 67 95 01 07.
Finally, a testimony to the daily life of yesteryear, we must mention the bread oven recently restored by volunteers in the hamlet of Fontenilles. Residents can now use it as they wish.
On the cultural side, the "Lumières de la Mine" museum area, inaugurated twenty years ago, highlights the industrial past of the locality. A collection of lamps and objects from the mine from the 18th century to the present day are presented, along with panels with texts and photos relating the history of this Hérault mining basin, known as the "Bassin de Graissessac". Open every day in July and August except Tuesday and the rest of the year by reservation. Free entry. Guided tours are also possible, offered by the Maison Cévenole, by appointment. Information on +33 4 67 23 68 88.
In addition, the Michel Galabru media library (originally from the town where he lived as a child) programs exhibitions, readings and meetings throughout the year. Information on +33 4 67 23 80 72.
For athletes, a lot of equipment is freely accessible. This is the case of the city-stadium and the playground located in the Marcel Roux park, which is also suitable for pleasant shaded walks, the skate park and the fitness trail with apparatus and fitness equipment on avenue de l 'Orb, tennis courts located on rue de la Prade, the synthetic football field (Jacky Genieis stadium) or finally the outdoor bowling alley (avenue de l'Orb). All information on +33 4 67 23 80 89.
For lovers of hiking, the banks of the Orb, the forest summits or the vineyards are all pleasant landscapes to explore. Larger routes include incursions into neighboring towns or take up old pilgrimage routes. Maps and information on +33 4 67 23 43 38.
Finally, you will not forget to contact the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park which offers themed hikes, exhibitions and workshops all year round. Join +33 4 67 97 38 22.
