Cessenon-sur-Orb

By browsing the AOC Saint Chinian vineyard or down the course of the Orb in canoe, the keep of Cessenon-sur-Orb attracts attention standing on its rock. Nestled between the Orb and the mountains, this village is both steeped in history and conducive to leisure activities. 

Cessenon-sur-Orb is one of the oldest cities in Languedoc. Prehistoric, Visigothic, Sarrazine and Romaine… here, eras intersect and atmospheres mingle on every street corner. You will appreciate its medieval heart with its fortifications, its 13th century church and the XNUMXm high dungeon ... Two heritage discovery circuits offer you to cross these eras. Among the key stages: the town hall, the oil mill, the sugar fountain, the jacquaire house, the medieval house, the sarcophagus and its many chapels (Notre Dame de la Barthe (or Capelanie) chapel, Saint Roch chapel , Sainte Anne chapel or the Capellette). 

Fancy a gourmet or refreshing break? The shaded terraces of cafes and restaurants await you with open arms.

The flow of the Orb gives rhythm to your walk. This 145 km river stretches along the ramparts to narrow downstream at Réals. Let yourself be guided to the suspension bridge which crosses its course in the direction of the municipal campsite, this is the occasion for a swim on the white-water beach located nearby. For more sensation, go to the Reals canoe kayak base to discover this river alternating rapids and small peaceful corners.

Away from the village, you will appreciate the hilly landscape, dominated by green hills between which the vineyard of the AOC Saint Chinian. Do not miss a visit to the Quarry of Coumiac : witness to the richness of the geological heritage. Did you know that not far from Cessenon there is a replica of the Statue of Liberty ? It was made in a resin-based material by the Bartholdi museum in Colmar. The replica of this statue adorned the bow of a luxury liner, the Maxim's of the Seas, which cruised the Atlantic Ocean. The ship's captain, Albert Abelanet from Lugné, recovered the 2-meter-high work in order to place it in his village, on a small plot in the shade of hundred-year-old hackberry trees. Meet in the charming hamlet of Lugné for an unusual photo break!

Followers of hikes, Cessenon has something for you! From the parking lot of the playground on the other side of the bridge, enjoy a 13km walk along the Orb towards the chaos of Réals or a route of 8km around the Coumiac quarry. The trail plunges you into the heart of the preserved vegetation that borders the Orb. 3,5 km north-west on the D14, you can reach a personalised tour CS towards Cessenon wood and its eucalyptus plantations.

With many shops, Cessenon-sur-Orb is the center of attraction for the surrounding villages. Many accommodation welcome for a passage or a stay. At least 20km away, stop at Capestang or Béziers, bordering the Canal du Midi before joining the Mediterranean beaches.