About
Our property belongs to the Hameau de Riols, which is a quarter of Graissessac. This village is situated in the Haute Vallee de l'Orb, in the middle of the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, in the Departement de l'Herault. The region is characterized by its location between the sea and the mountains, with climatic influences from both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic.These conditions have allowed for an amazing variety of geological formations and landscapes to emerge within the region, along with an incredible spectrum of plant species. VOIX DU RUISSEAU is situated at a place where the nature alone rules, far away from the usual disturbances in more populated areas. The narrow village street ends before the property where one can find a small footpath leading further through the valley. Cascading creeks, ferns and stone terraces reveal themselves within a majestic forest of oak, chestnut and other trees. On the hiking trails directly from our house, you can access a Romanesque chapel, St. Sauveur and les sechoirs, old stone structures that where used to dry chestnuts, an important source of food in former times. With a bicycle, one can ascend the Col du Layrac via a small, not so frequented mountain pass road where magnificant panoramic views all the way to the sea await. Within a circumference of 40km you will find many natural and cultural sites, such as the medieval village of St. Gervais-sur-Mare, a station on the pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela; the imposing Massif de Caroux (1091m) and de L'Espinouse (1124m); the village of Faugeres with its highly acclaimed wines; the Lac-du-Salagou; the thermal baths and health resorts of Avene and Lamalou-les-Bains and much more. The next small town is Bedarieux (20min), where you can find an organic foodstore, cafes, a wine bar, etc. The small grocer in Graissessac also has some organic food products for sale. The bigger cities are fortunately further away, but not unreachable: Beziers in a distance of 60km, Montpellier 100km. And to go to the Mediterranean Sea it takes around an hour by car.