A village of Montpellierian garrigues
Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel has 1,246 inhabitants, over 21.5 square kilometres, in northeastern Herault. The landscape is typical of Montpellierian garrigues, drained by small streams : Benovia, Brau and the creek of Cecelés. The population has increased sharply since 1962. The village is part of Montpellier's attraction area, 18 km from the city by road, Sommières 12 km and Nîmes 38 km.
The municipality remains rural and agricultural : 19 farms had their headquarters in the 2020 census, for 1810 hectares of agricultural area used. We come there for relatives settled in the village, to walk, observe wildlife or simply taste the calm of a village surrounded by natural spaces.
Cross the agglomeration : 35 minutes, by the northeast
The village is in contrast to Montpellier. From Saint-Jean-de-Védas, the road is 35.4 kilometres long and takes about 35 minutes. Quick access to A709 and A9 allows you to bypass the city without crossing the centre.
It is an assumed base for who shares his stay between garrigue and city : a day of walking to the northeast, then an evening in Montpellier thanks to tram line 2, about 7 minutes walk from the accommodation. Upon return from hiking, the car is parked in the blue zone at 100 meters or free, with no time limit, 200 meters.
This organization fits several profiles:
- The walkers and naturalists who want to explore the garrigues of the northeast without abandoning the exits into the city.
- Visiting families with relatives of the village, who prefer independent accommodation with kitchen.
- Professionals in one of the municipality's 123 establishments, where specialized, scientific, technical and service activities weigh 26.8% of the establishments, and which appreciate the workspace and wifi of the dwellings.
The Puech des Mourgues, sentinel of the village
To the north, a high hill lined with cliffs dominates the roofs : the Puech des Mourgues. The plateau has been home to traces of habitat since prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages, a convent of Augustines settled there under the name of Saint-Leon, before being attached in 1435 to the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Félix-de-Montceau. His remains are still guessing on the site.
Puech has a biotope protection order covering 97 hectares and is one of the natural areas of ecological interest in the municipality, covering 248 hectares. On the relaxation side, the Clastre area is identified as a natural space.
Benovia, aven and eagles of Bonelli
The municipality concentrates rare natural environments. The Natura 2000 site of the "High-Garrigues du Montpelliérais" covers 45,444 hectares and hosts eagles from Bonelli, which account for 30% of the population of the region. Three natural areas of primary ecological interest are added : the Munmaou River, the Puech des Mourgues and the Benovia Valley, on 223 hectares. Finally, the "Platforms and Garrigues du Nord Montpelliérais" cover 13,097 hectares and 25 communes.
For a walker or a naturalist photographer, it is a playground to respect : binoculars, adapted shoes and discretion near cliffs.
Saint-Baudile church and bridge over Benovia
In the village, the Saint-Baudile church is of Romanesque origin, largely resumed in the 1870s. Its bell tower, with a dardian arrow, reaches 26.50 meters. It houses two bells, the smallest of which, melted in 1651 by a Montpellieran master fondeur, is classified as a historical monument. The village also has a Protestant temple, and the old bridge to a so-called "Roman" arch spans Benovia.
What accommodation for a getaway in the garrigues
On two, the studio offers a double bed, a kitchen equipped to prepare the next day's picnic and a work space. With family or walking friends, the duplex lodge 4 travelers in 2 bedrooms, with a washing machine welcome after dusty trails. Independent arrival by key box between 5pm and 11pm.
To link with a nearby garrigues village, the page dedicated to Montaud details the other side of this sector.
