Soubès is a commune in the Hérault department, in the Occitanie region, 6 km northeast of Lodève.
Its 12 km² territory oscillates from 190 to 733 meters above sea level, announcing the causses and the Larzac plateau to the north and overlooking the Languedoc plain to the south, it belongs to the southern foothills of the Massif Central.
The locality has retained a very green character, covered with forests (40% of its area), agricultural areas (31%) and other natural environments (21%).
The village itself developed in the Middle Ages around the castles of its co-lords, and today its picturesque aspect remains, perched and fortified. The proximity of Lodève has even somewhat boosted the municipal demography: there are now more than 900 inhabitants on Soubès.
The heritage and the charm of the village, the leisure offer and the singular landscapes of the territory dotted with vines justify a stopover before "descending" towards Lodève and the plain.
A discovery of the heritage of the town begins with the historic heart of the village of medieval origin. A circuit punctuated with didactic panels makes it possible to apprehend the history and its testimonies. Between the fortified ramparts of the 12th century, the narrow streets and the vaulted passages, the charm and the character of Soubès are coupled with a dive into its past, when its lands were shared between two co-lords. Each had a castle of which remains. One of them, called the Dungeon, listed in the Inventory, dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and stands on a rocky promontory. It has vaulted cellars and has a massive, rectangular shape. Its basic Romanesque architecture is noticeable at the level of the openings, in particular. Revamped several times, the building was embellished in the 18th century when the bays of the "south" facade were widened, which overlooks an arcaded terrace with a balustrade.
Additional buildings have also been added.
The property is still private and the site is not open to visitors.
Also worth seeing is the parish church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, built between 1780 and 1786. Note the square stone bell tower, the barrel vault and the tiles covering the whole, which is now protected under the historical monuments.
In another genre, at the level of the cemetery, at the entrance to the town, we must mention the war memorial built after the First World War. It is a work in Lens stone by the sculptor Paul Dardé (1888-1963) who was a pupil of Rodin and worked in Paris before returning to his native region.
Still in the cemetery, a Romanesque chapel from the 12th century has also been preserved, dedicated to Saint Cyprian, and whose beautiful cul-de-four apse can be admired.
Finally, this panorama of local heritage includes, in the north of the territory, the remains of a pre-Romanesque chapel (10th and 11th centuries), which served the Saint-Clément-de-Man priory. Founded by a disciple of Bishop Lodève, then dependent on the abbey of Vabres in Rouergue, the small monastery was finally attached to the parish of Soubès. Already abandoned before the Revolution, the site was excavated and restored somewhat.
This former priory is close to another destination for a walk: the botanical path of Font d'Amans, within the national forest. There are many species and essences typical of the region.
This part of the town with its very unique landscape can be the subject of a hike in itself: inquire on +33 4 67 44 05 79 or on +33 4 67 88 86 44.
Other routes allow you to apprehend the diversity of the countryside surrounding the town. Trails run along cultivated land (vineyards, production of fruit and vegetables) or are dedicated to the first reliefs and causses announcing the Larzac. It is also easy to reach Lodève via a secure route. For hikers, maps and information on +33 4 67 44 05 79 or +33 4 67 88 86 44.
Every Monday in July and August, from 7 p.m., local farmers' market.
The third Saturday in July, garage sales.
The first weekend of August, over three days, communal festival with fun activities, pétanque competition, convivial meals, concerts and balls.
In mid-August, over three days, poetry days.
The last Saturday of August, events to mark the end of summer, "L'Aire en fête", with an arts and crafts market, pétanque competition, concerts.
