Renowned for its vegetable gardens, Hérépian started out in the 18th century producing roof tiles, glass works, black glass and basketwork. In 1970 ,Granier bells opened a foundry to continue an industry that sprung up in the village in the 1600s. The foundry was shut down in 2011.
Bell museum pays homage to the oldest foundry in France
The Musée de la Cloche et de la Sonnaille (The Bell and Cowbell Museum) (04 67 95 39 95) introduces the magical universe of sound forged by fire and revives all the glory of the foundry, which manufactured three different kinds of bells: Copper-plated brass cowbells, molten metal bells and cowbells and church bells. Within its thousand-square-metre site, you can learn about the economic importance and history of bells and see the different manufacturing techniques. An attractive display where one is free to touch, handle and ring all kinds of bells.
Through its typical narrow streets, you will come across old houses made of regional stones that will surely lead you to the ancient 15th century Saint Martial Church, nowadays the present-day Saint Martial church, built in 1858 on the ruins of an ancient château and with beautiful artistic stained-glass windows. Not too far down the road at Aires, peek into the chapel of Saint-Michel de Mourcairol, which stands on a rocky peak 468 metres above the ruins of the château and offers sweeping panoramic views.
Hérépian Tourist Office - www.ot-lamaloulesbains.fr 04 67 23 23 96
Bernard Chevalier, an architect working in the Hérault Hauts-Cantons since 1980, helps individuals and local communities with projects in all areas of the built environment (restoration, construction, development). Extensive experience in the field enables him to find relevant and imaginative architectural solutions, adapted to their context and staying within the budget. In his work for government projects and companies, he takes their plans from creation up through to completion, under the best conditions.
6, allées du Rieu Pourquier - Hérépian - Tel: 04 67 23 01 61 - www.chevalierarchitecte.com