Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, Lodeve is a picturesque town where the coastal plains of Occitanie rise to the Larzac plateau. It is located along the Arles Way of the Camino de Santiago and has been a centre for textile production since the 18th century. Under Louis XV’s rule, it was one of only two royal tapestry manufacturers in France.
Things to do in Lodève
In the heart of Lodeve is the Cathedrale Saint-Fulcran, a monumental Gothic church that dates back to the 6th century. Now classified as a Monument Historique, it features magnificent stained glass windows and wall hangings that date from the 17th century. In the bell tower are relief statues depicting four saints - Michael, Florus, Fulcran and Michael the Archangel.
You can delve into the local history at the Musee de Lodeve, which occupies an elegant townhouse constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries. It exhibits dinosaur fossils discovered in the area and Neolithic-era artefacts that reflect the evolution of humans. The museum is also renowned for its collection of sketches and sculptures by Paul Dardé, who was born in the nearby hamlet of Olmet.
If you’re interested in Lodeve’s textile manufacturing history, you can visit the Manufacture Nationale de la Savonnerie. It’s here that carpets have been woven for international embassies and national monuments, as well as the official residence of the French president, Elysée Palace. Guided tours offer an insight into the weaving process and the treasures that have been crafted here.
Getting around Lodève
Lodeve is around 45 minutes’ drive from Montpellier and just under an hour from Montpellier-Mediterranee Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular buses connect to Lodeve and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.