An Australian couple travelling in Europe (2013+) in a motorhome (Bluey), exploring Australia in a caravan (2009-22) and a self built Isuzu expedition 4 x 4 motorhome (Buster) 2023+
Travelled: 98km via Meyrueis, Jonte Gorge drive, Le Rozier, Tarn Gorge drive, Les Vignes, La Malene then to Mende (Lot River) free aire (44.5205, 3.4961).
We had another ‘wow’ day visiting some lovely villages and spectacular drives along the Jonte and Tarn Gorges.
After some rain last night we woke to sunny skies. We had a quick stroll through Lanuejols, serviced Bluey and set of to the next town.
Meyrueis was once an ancient walled city, it still retains some lovely features from its past following a numbers and map. It’s main function is tourism which is reflected in the numerous hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. It is conveniently located between Causses (large limestone plateaus at 800m plus altitude used for grazing and growing crops) and Cévennes (narrow ridges and profound valleys at 300-900m alt. where sheep and goats graze in amongst the forests).
We followed the Jonte Gorge for 20km to Le Rozier which offered very scenic vistas of cliffs rising dramatically up above us.
After a brief stop in Le Rozier we took the Gorges of the Tarn route (done in 2013). This is a longer road that had more spectacular scenery with cliffs closer to the road and small villages to explore.
Take note of the buildings at the base of the cliffs.
We managed to find some parking at Les Visgnes.
Then we walked through the lovely La Malene.
At Saint Enimie we took the road north to Mende in the Lot valley.
Once again with a map we were able to explore some of the notable historical aspects of the centre.
The Tour de France frequently bases through here.. and again this year..
The most impressive was the cathedral which had tapestries hanging up.
Travelled: 157km from Bedarieux to Villeneuvette, St.Jean de Fos, St Guilhem de Desert, La Couvertoirade (parking €4) and Lanuejols free aire (44.1299,3.3831)
After our coffee and pain au chocolate for breakfast whilst chatting with our daughter and grandson, we set off from Bedarieux. On the drive out we spotted a couple of the 7 arches of the old viaduct.
It wasn’t far along the road that we parked up in Villeneuvette, a village in Herault region of Occitania, with an interesting history. It was created in 1673 under Louis XIV, as a factory town to make Royal fabrics, which also provided housing. At the time employing 800 people , 300 of whom lived there. It continued to prosper during the First World War, specialising in military clothing. Eventually closing its manufacturing in 1954. Today 70 or so inhabitants remain and tourists can admire the ruins of the factory.
We continued along roads less travelled to St.Jean de Fos, situated in the Herault Valley famous for its wine, olives and pottery.
We navigated Bluey through the narrow streets, eventually finding a parking area big enough.
We wondered back into the village centre.
Unfortunately the Romanesque church with its 12thC tower, was closed.
As we left we got a look at the UNESCO classified 1000year old Devils Bridge, marking the end of the Herault Gorge.
We then drove along that gorge to St.Guilhem Le Desert, which was not motorhome friendly. We ended up driving to the dam wall 2km from the town and the doubling back to a small spot 1.2km from town along the Compostela walk.
The village was worth the effort.
It was founded in 804 as a Benedictine Abbey, but declined after the 100 year Religious War. In 1840 it was salvaged from total ruin and from 1960 brought back to its original appearance. In1998 it become a classified UNESCO site and has about 270 inhabitants. We enjoyed strolling through the narrow streets.
The main square was enhanced by the huge plane tree (1855).
We went inside the church and into the cloisters. We watched an interesting video regarding the history of the abbey.
Then slowly made our way back to Bluey. We got some distance and speed on the motorway heading to our next destination,
La Couvertoirade, a well preserved fortified medieval village (Classified most beautiful villages in France). It was founded by the knights Templar but enlarged by the knights Hospitaller, who also built the church and ramparts still seen today in the mid 1400’s. We entered via the north gate and then explored its narrow streets. It was much cooler here being at 800m alt. There were restaurants and shops selling a variety of goods scattered throughout the village.
From here there were many routes we could choose for our next destination. Due to the cloudy weather we decided against the Col de Minier (1264 alt). Instead we focused on getting to the Gorges de La Jonte, driving via Nant and then up into the Cévennes region stopping along the way in Lanuejols at the free aire.
