Discover Pic Saint-Loup and the region
If the name of Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles lends itself to a smile, the medieval origin of this toponym remains mysterious and uncertain. The Latin word "cucullus" means "cloak" or "hood" and in the Middle Ages, the cucullus was the coarse woolen garment that covered the head and body of travelers and members of certain religious orders. It would seem that our village takes its name from the hood worn by the monks who for centuries occupied the priory located in the center of the village.
Picturesque with its narrow streets, its church and its viewpoint, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles is ideally located in a natural environment close to the Cevennes and invites to very nice hikes, in particular on the GRP® Tours en Grand Pic Saint-Loup which has been elected "GR® preferred by the French in 2021".
The Grand Pic Saint-Loup, labeled "Territoire engagé pour la Nature" (Territory committed to Nature), gathers 36 communes united by the will to preserve an exceptional natural territory, a mosaic of landscapes dotted with high quality vineyards, where hills, garrigues, valleys and gorges carved by numerous rivers mingle.
Escape on the paths, enjoy at your own pace this renowned and preserved environment, classified Natura 2000, suitable for hiking or cycling.
You will not fail to climb to the summit of the Pic Saint-Loup, a famous landmark of the Hérault landscape culminating at an altitude of 658 m, whose characteristic silhouette was used as a landmark by the ships housing the Mediterranean coast.
All over the Grand Pic Saint-Loup territory, many activities are available to you. Don't hesitate to ask us, we will be happy to give you the right plans and advice.
The village of Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles
The Pic Saint-Loup vineyard
La Cazarelle welcomes visitors who are often attracted by the fame of the Pic Saint-Loup vineyard . This terroir is remarkable for its geographical location and its exposure, which offers dry and cool winds and varied and draining soils . The red wine produced here is renowned for its blackcurrant and spice aromas , and for its complexity from the garrigue . The Pic Saint-Loup Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is produced by 72 estates in 17 communes. There are many places to taste the wine (with moderation) and guides also organise wine tours .
Our Favourite Restaurants
Many restaurants are waiting for you around La Cazarelle :
- Restaurant Le Pic Saint Loup - Les Matelles - 04 67 84 35 18
- Le Bistrot Vinaigrette - Prades-le-Lez - 04 67 59 61 71
- Le Mélagais - Saint-Gély-du-Fesc - 06 70 14 43 33
- Restaurant du Domaine - Saint-Clément-de-Rivière - 04 67 57 58 12
- Le Cygory - Monferrier-sur-Lez - 04 67 59 94 15
- L'Accent du Soleil - Saint-Martin-de-Londres - 04 67 55 23 10
- Les Coulondrines - Saint-Gély-du-Fesc - 04 67 84 30 12
and many more...
Walks and Hikes
The Bois de Lèque walking circuit starts from La Cazarelle and links the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles to the medieval village of Les Matelles.
Climbing up to the ruins of the castle of Viviourès located on the ledge of the Hortus mountain at 300 meters altitude, will offer you a breathtaking view of the Pic Saint-Loup and the Castle of Montferrand.
The tour of the Pic Saint-Loup by bike is also a beautiful route starting from La Cazarelle. Many other cycling tours are amply detailed on several websites.
Medieval villages
From La Cazarelle, discover the constellation of medieval villages in the surrounding area in the heart of the garrigues and the Pic Saint-Loup AOC vineyard.
With their ramparts, medieval churches and even prehistoric sites, many of the surrounding villages are worth a visit : Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Les Matelles, Valflaunès, Ferrières-les-Verreries, Viols-Le-Fort... The site of Saint-Jean-de-Buèges with its castle of Baulx at the foot of the Roc de Trascastel is even classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO .
The local markets will make you appreciate the culinary specialities of the region.
During the summer period, each village organises its own festivities.
The essentials
- The Pic-Saint-Loup
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
- Cirque de Navacelles
- The gorges of Hérault
- The Grottes des Demoiselles and Clamouse
- Mount Aigoual
- The historic centre of Montpellier
- The Buèges Valley
The GRP of the Grand Pic Saint-Loup
Tour des villages du Pic - 49 km - Start: Les Matelles
Tour des vignes au causse - 73 km - Start: Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers
Tour des Londres to the Buèges - 55 km - Start: Saint-Jean-de-Buèges
Tour de la Séranne aux gorges de l'Hérault - 68 km - Start : Saint-Martin-de-Londres
Tennis
Guests at La Cazarelle have free access to a tennis court located nearby in the village.