Parking for the Couvent

The Couvent in the narrow streets of HérépianThe centre of the small town of Hérépian is full of narrow streets so parking in these roads can be difficult.

On arrival at the Couvent Boutique Hotel (see above) in the rue du Couvent, we suggest you unload your car outside the hotel and then park your car in one of the following locations:

Square with parking spaces beside the Couvent– In the small square a few metres uphill from the Couvent, next to the Ocre Rouge restaurant (a dozen or so spaces available)

– Further down the rue du Couvent, away from the square (four or five parking spaces available)

– In the large car park in the Avenue René Cassin (D922). From The Avenue René Cassinthe Couvent continue uphill (square and Ocre Rouge to your left) on the Grand Rue. At the top turn right and immediately left into the Avenue René Cassin. (D922) The car park is on your right after 50 metres.

Early Morning at the Couvent

View from the Couvent in the early morning

One of View from the top floor apartment balcony at the Couventmy favourite times at the Couvent is the early morning. I’m sipping tea on the terrace or in the garden and taking in the gorgeous view. The light is perfect at this time of day. Continue reading

Shopping in Hérépian

Charcuterie Traiture HerepianHypermarket on outskirst of Hérépian

Hérépian is a small town of barely 1500 people. However, it has its full quota of specialist shops, a few restaurants and, on the approach to the town from the Bédariaux direction, a large Intermarché hypermarket. Continue reading

Dining at the Couvent

Dinning at Le Couvent Herepian

Dining Options at the Couvent

During your stay at the Couvent you can opt for breakfast and ‘table d’hôte’ or choose to self-cater – or a mix of the two.

The breakfasts are sumptuous – Continue reading

Pézanas

Pézanas only 33km from French Spa Breaks in HerepianAbout half an hour’s drive from Hérépian the pretty old town of Pézanas is well worth a visit. If possible go on a Saturday, which is market day: it’s a very colourful affair and you’ll find everything from fresh produce to clothing to arts and crafts. Look out for local honey, olives and a wide choice of Languedoc wines as well as ‘Les petits pâtés de Pézanas’ (small sweet/ savoury pies often eaten as an hors d’oeuvre – see below) and ‘Berlingots’ (boiled sweets). Continue reading

Les Gorges de Colombières

Map showing route of walk along the Gorges de ColombièresIf you are interested in more of a ramble than a gentle stroll you might want to try the 13 kilometre Gorges de Colombières walk. The path is rugged and parts are much more demanding than the easy broad track of the Gorges d’Héric. Continue reading

Lamalou-les-Bains golf club and La Capitelle restaurant

Lamalou-Les-Bains Golf Club and RestaurantA beautiful 9 hole Golf Course and a gourmet restaurant – within 15 minutes’ walk of the Couvent.

If you want to take in a round of golf during your stay at the Couvent – or if golf isn’t top of your list but fine dining is – try Lamalou-les-Bains golf club and/or its restaurant, La Capitelle. Situated just outside Hérépian on the D160 it’s just a few minutes’ drive or a 15 minute walk* from the Couvent. Continue reading

Walk from the Couvent to Notre Dame de Capimont

A walk from the Couvent up to Notre Dame de Capimont – a 12th century Romanesque chapel – offers lovely views over the valley and the town of Hérépian. After a short walk along roads you follow clearly marked footpaths. Continue reading

Olargues – one of France’s Prettiest Villages

Classed as one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’ Olargues is stunningly picturesque and well worth exploring. As you drive towards it from Hérépian* on the D908, the dominant bell tower appears high up to your right with the village of Olargues clinging to the rocky hillside below. In the valley the the 3-arched 12 century bridge (‘Le Pont du Diable’) straddles the river Jaur. Continue reading

Table d’Hôte at the Couvent

Table d'Hôte French Spa BreaksDuring our recent stay at the Couvent we sampled the ‘Table d’Hôte’ one evening and we weren’t disappointed. For 29 Euros a head we were served a delicious meal, dining al fresco in the Couvent’s pretty garden with its beautiful backdrop of fields and hills. Continue reading