Roujan is a town in the Herault in Occitan region, 20 km north of Beziers.
Halfway between Languedoc coast and the foothills of the Cevennes, the territory of the resort, large 17 km² consists of vineyards and scrublands encircling a hill where a castrum (fortified camp) was laid in antiquity. The village later developed in the Middle Ages on a circular plan, exterior walls of houses acting ramparts.
The implementation of the Abbey of Cassan and prosperity and the expansion of the vineyard contributed over the centuries to the vitality of the town, which now has nearly 2,100 inhabitants. A population boom due to the growth of the agglomeration of Beziers but has not tarnished the authenticity of the old center.
Heritage and preserved environment, close to the shore, so make Roujan a charming stage, let alone have for hikers and lovers of good wines...
The discovery of the locality of heritage can start with the village whose entrance we see the circular shape like the ancient alleys and picturesque.
If three of the four gateways to the once walled city are still visible, is the St. Lawrence church that reveals the town's jewel.
It dates from the thirteenth century, rebuilt on the foundations of a first building after the Abbey of Cassan became owner. His Southern Gothic is typical and results in great wealth in terms of sculptural decoration. Note however that its monumental gate, west, was walled in the eighteenth century (in favor of a new fitted south side entrance) and the church is also rich in a large square tower. The latter, as well as stained glass, should be soon a restoration campaign.
However, even protected as historical monuments, the church of the village is not the most famous site Roujan.
Indeed, the Abbey of Cassan, 2 km west from the center, holds this title with dignity... Its origin dates back to the eleventh century when a priory was founded to accommodate six canons who left the cathedral chapter of Béziers, then decline. From the twelfth century, a Romanesque church was built and a new monastery and finally a dedicated hospital including the many pilgrims passing. Enjoying the protection of the papacy as that of the King of France, particularly prosperous, the abbey is attached in 1670 to the Congregation of France, led by the powerful abbey of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris. Symbol of the power and wealth of the abbey, a new palace convent shaped castle was finally built in the eighteenth century, in the style of the time. It is therefore called the Versailles of the Languedoc! The Revolution brutally puts an end to this story: the estate was sold to a lawyer, becoming the castle Cassan and different owners succeed. After the Second War, bought by the state, the castle became a college and a rehabilitation center for overseas workers.
Since 1994, the whole is pressed in the private domain. Protected as historical monuments, the abbey (church) and the castle now host concerts, exhibitions and receptions and seminars. The castle also became the center of a major winery. Open to the public for free tours or guided every day from May to September and on weekends in October. Price: from 4.60 to 15 euros. Information +33 4 67 24 52 45.
In contrast Geographic, finally a detour imposed by the third Town history monument, the Saint-Nazaire is found surrounded by vineyards and scrubland on the road to Alignan, southeast of the territory. It dates from the IX and X centuries, and there is evidence that the pre-Romanesque chapel shows an architectural tradition evoking ancient Visigoth kingdom of Toulouse and Toledo.
For lovers of hiking, in addition to a circuit dedicated to the historical heritage of the town, many paths allow us to appreciate the environment and landscapes that punctuate the "pechs" (small hills), vineyards, scrubland or areas woodlots (pines, wild fruit trees, olive trees)... Maps and information on +33 4 67 36 67 13.
Along the way, breaks are possible among winemakers for a "tasting" or on the farm Auré, which are high llamas and goats and produces mohair (visit and exhibition shop). Information at +33 6 11 13 40 44.
The first Sunday in April, trade show, flea and musical entertainment.
The first weekend of August, Occitan music festival (concerts, dances).
Expo Photos
- From 6 to 27 may 2024
- Place de la Mairie
- Photo exhibition by the region's Assistantes Maternelles at Roujan Town Hall.
Nationale d'Élevage 2024 du Pointer Club Français
- On 11 may 2024
- Route de Gabian
- Pointing dog show at Château-Abbaye de Cassan from 9am to 5pm. All day entertainment, pointing dog demonstrations. Winegrowers' stalls and local products, accessories and other stalls. Refreshments and catering on site (reservation required).
Chasse au Trésor
- On 1 june 2024
- Treasure hunt from 2pm to 6pm organized by Dragons of the South Lotus. Departure from the boulodrome, rue Pré de Ban. Come and discover the village of Roujan on a treasure hunt for the Choupisson, with riddles for young and old. Free admission. Registration by phone or directly on http://www.roujantresor.fr
Memento, l'Expérience Immersive
- From 9 july to 27 august 2024
- Route de Gabian
- 40 minutes of total immersion ! "It was supposed to be a simple nocturnal visit, but the place decided otherwise." Come to Château-Abbaye de Cassan and take part in a fictional story inspired by real events in a Middle Ages infested by plague, war and pillage. From 6pm to 10:20pm, one departure every 20 minutes. Price : €20/reduced €12, children under 12 and jobseekers.
