Overlooking the Orb Valley, perched 400 meters above Lamalou-les-Bains and Hérépian, the Notre-Dame de Capimont, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a haven of peace and quiet in the midst of the old oak trees. A 12th century Roman chapel linked to a 17th century hermitage, this superb monument bears witness to the religious history of neighbouring villages.

Behind the building, a path leads to a small chapel at the top of a monumental stairway dedicated to Sainte Anne, the mother of Notre-Dame. From the esplanade in front of the church, take in the magnificent panoramic view that extends from Carlencas to Caroux and the Pic de la Coquillade à l’Orb. (Pilgrimage on 15th August).

Rebuilt in the 17th century on Roman remains, Notre-Dame de Villecelle saw the succession of St-Pierre de Rhèdes and in 1803 inherited the title of parish, which it was in its turn to bequeath to the new St-Pierre church and St-Paul of Lamalou-les-Bains in 1904. Thanks to the dedicated work of the local inhabitants of Villecelle and the assistance of the community, this sanctuary has been restored to its former glory. It is an exemplary restoration and the continuous renewal of the structure each century has revealed the eternal youth of this simple country parish. For visits, ask the local people in Villecelle.

At an altitude of 468 m, Saint-Michel's chapel rises above the ruins of Mercoirol Castle. This fort controlled the old Roman road connecting Béziers to Cahors through Mercoirol and Rhèdes. The castle, some of whose walls remain intact to this day, is referenced from 990 AD, appearing in the last will and testament of the Viscount of Béziers. There is a pilgrimage each year on 8th May. It is possible to get to the ramparts by car using a path that begins on the Les Aires road, 500m from the Vernière bridge, by the “Le Moulinas” signpost.

This church lies on the foundations of a 6th century Christian sanctuary at the Gallo-Roman site of Rhèdes. Dominating Lamalou's cemetery on the Poujol-on-Orb road, the Saint-Pierre de Rhèdes priory is a historic building and one of the finest jewels of rural Romanesque art in France. The architectural features and attractive sculptures of this parish date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Guided visites are free every Wednesday at 2:30pm from February to November in front of the building. Musical programmes available in season.
For more information, +33 (0)4 67 95 70 91

In 1914, writers swapped the pens for the sword and were promised that recognition of France and its people. These men returned in 1918 to discover that their livelihoods no longer existed. In 1930, a large flood devastated France. Claude Farrère, then president of the Association des Écrivains Combattants ("Association of Writer-Soliders"), decided to do something for the victims, who had already been compensated by the State. They took up the challenge of reforesting certain mountains. On the slopes of Mont Caroux between the Agout and Orb basins, 35 hectares of forests were planted by the association and the French Touring Club, to which foresters added 100 additional hectares. They used Atlas cedars, Corsican pines, woodland pines, Oregon fir trees and American red oaks. Today, large pathways named after a number of famous writers allow visitors to enjoy a delightful walk in the shade of these groves.

This rock formation comprises dolomite and limestone-like sedimentary rocks as well as calcium and magnesium. The carbon dioxide-rich waters dissolve the limestone and ice and heat create cracks to form strange shapes. Upon bursting through the stone, the erosion becomes a very fine sand called "grésou".