The Buèges Valley
The Buèges Valley is situated to the northwest of the lively southern French city of Montpellier. Yet, despite it’s proximity to Montpellier, it is calm and sheltered within a truly stunning area of great natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of the Séranne Mountain, the Buèges valley stretches out beneath the southern limit of the Larzac limestone plateau. The vines and olive trees punctuate the landscape, while the neighbouring slopes of the Causses are covered in scrubland (garrigue), oak trees and aromatic plants. The Buèges Valley is orientated east to west and thus protected from the force of the main north-south winds of the Languedoc. Named after the small river which meanders through it, the valley is home to three small, medieval villages, of which the most visually striking is St. Jean de Buèges. St. Jean de Buèges is a village possessing a rare charm and tranquillity. Due to it’s relative isolation, it has preserved an air of authenticity that evokes former times. Framed beneath a steep rock, the village consists of high-stacked, stone houses, small shady squares and zigzagging lanes. It looks onto superb views of the rugged chain of hills above it. As you sit in the shade of the village square, the magnificent plane trees offer peaceful respite from the summer heat. St. Jean de Buèges is an idyllic place in which to create, to relax and to learn. Those who venture down the sinuous roads leading to St. Jean de Buèges will not fail to be enchanted by this small corner of paradise...
WEBSITE: Philipp Küchler | TEXT: Horizons Séranne | PHOTOS:
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