Valflaunès
The village of Valflaunès is home to the Hortus cave, which is known worldwide as a site of Neanderthal nomads.
Today, this commune of the Hérault is frequented by vineyard lovers and rock-climbers.
With a superb view of the Pic Saint-Loup and the Hortus, Valflaunès has a long history, appreciated by archaeologists.
From Neanderthal man, who visited the Hortus cave during hunting campaigns some 45,000 years ago, Henry de Lumley and his team unearthed human remains and a rich Mousterian industry.
The cave also provided a stratigraphy that allowed the study of the evolution of the climate and landscapes of the last ice age (Würm II) in the South of France.
Today, the site is classified as Natura 2000, and the cave is closed to the public in order to restore it to the bats.
In the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of the parish of Saint-Pierre belonged to the group of communities of the Republic of the Val de Montferrand, a possession of the bishop of Maguelone, who enjoyed privileges.
The church, which succeeded an older one that has disappeared and whose location has been lost, still has its Romanesque apse.
At the foot of the cliffs of the Hortus, frequented by climbing enthusiasts, grow vines whose wines, belonging to the AOP Pic Saint-Loup appellation, make the reputation of the region.
Mairie de Valflaunès
adresse : Place Gabriel Calmels
04 67 55 22 13
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Heritage and culture in Valflaunès
- Le Réseau Vert®, de Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers à Notre-Dame-de-Londres
- Climbing site with agreement
- Grotte de l'Hortus (Neanderthal) closed to the public
- Castle of Viviouères (XIIIᵉ century)
- Towers of Salles
- Partly Romanesque church (XIIᵉ century)
- Festa de la Vendemia (October)
- Glass tradition
- The municipality is classified Pic Saint-Loup (vins AOP)
The partners of the Tourist Office du Grand Pic Saint-Loup in Valflaunès :