Saint-Clément-De-Rivière offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: the Lez and its Natura 2000 site, forest landscapes, Pic Natura and the Saint-Clément Aqueduct. The themes range from nature and outdoor activities to historic hydraulic engineering. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on nature, architectural history or wine.
The Lez, protected area and forest
The Lez rises in Saint-Clément-De-Rivière. The Le Lez Natura 2000 site stretches 14 kilometres from its source and partly includes the municipality. Check the site boundaries before planning access to the protected area. The landscape combines garrigue, pine forests, vineyards and farmland. Aleppo pines, oaks and hilly woodland characterise the Bois de Saint-Sauveur. The network of trails offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Trail markings are currently being changed, so check route conditions before setting out.
Pic Natura: park and activities
The two areas differ considerably in size: Pic Natura covers 7 hectares, while the Bois de Saint-Sauveur spans almost 100 hectares. Pic Natura is an intermunicipal nature park in Saint-Clément-De-Rivière. Facilities include a children's playground, picnic tables and a fitness trail. There is also a street workout and outdoor fitness area, which is open to everyone. If a particular facility is important for your visit, check its current status in advance. The Bikers du Pic cycling school runs a trial cycling area with several training courses at Pic Natura. An intermunicipal tourist information office is currently located in the park's central building.
The aqueduct and local history
The Saint-Clément Aqueduct crosses the municipality and is a striking example of 18th-century hydraulic engineering. It was designed in the second half of the 18th century by engineer Henri Pitot and built by Jacques Nogaret. The aqueduct is protected as a historic monument; the protection listings date from 19 August 1994 and 22 July 2022.
The area's earlier history can also be dated: the existence of Saint-Clément has been documented since 1109. That year, the Bishop of Maguelone transferred his rights to the Church of Saint-Clément-de-Fontaine to the Abbot of Aniane. Fragments from the Grotte de Saint-Clément-de-Rivière are displayed in a cabinet outside the council chamber at the town hall. Before visiting, ask locally whether the display is currently accessible.
Wine in a historic cellar
The Domaine de Saint-Clément offers tastings in its historic cellar of wines made on site. The estate farms 9 hectares of vineyards, all of which are managed biodynamically. This offers a way to explore the wine theme through both a tasting and the size and farming practices of the estate.
Discover more destinations: Courniou, Causse-De-La-Selle, Gabian, Minerve, Vic-La-Gardiole, Castelnau-De-Guers, Castelnau-Le-Lez, Cournonterral
For the broader travel overview: Hérault.
