Valleraugue is nestled into a beautiful valley where the Hérault and Clarou rivers come together. The area has a difference of more than one thousand meters in altitude in different spots like Mont Aigoual (1567 m), the Bourg (357 m), and Mont Espérou (1 220 m).
There are thirty tiny villages scattered around this territory, they offer a bit of history that is both rich and preserved. Valleraugue also has a large area of natural beauty because it is partially situated in the Cévennes Natural Park.
Valleraugue first appears in written documents during the 13th century. The roman bridge, Pont de la Confrérie that allows people to cross the Hérault was a witness to this ancient epic. Over the centuries, little by little, the village grew and became a small city. By the 19th century it had a population of 4500. This mini metropolis was industrial; it produced silk with more than seventeen factories along the Hérault and the Clarou Rivers.
The traces of this period are visible on the architecture ; houses were adapted to house and breed silk worms, many chimneys stick out of roofs and beautiful large windows are ever-present on the sides of the structures.
In addition to the traces left by the silk industry, agriculture also left its mark on the architecture of this region in the Cévennes Mountains. Village ovens, ancient sheds for tools, little bridges ; the inhabitants knew how to use the river stones that give the village much of its charm. Stone paths and Shepard’s huts are evidence of the transhumance practice of changing grazing locations with the season. Small canals and drains are lasting remnants of old irrigation systems.
Today, Valleraugue is best known for its environment perfect for outdoor sports. Tourists come from afar to ski and snowshoe at the Prat-Peyrot Ski Area, fish in the Hérault River, hike, horseback ride, bike, and mountain bike. There is something for everyone during all of the seasons ! The 4000 Step Hike is one of the most famous trails, it starts in the valley and goes up to the top of the Aigoual Mountain. From start to finish the trail goes up over 1220 m in altitude.
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