Hérault

Hérault is a department in southern France, named after the Hérault River. It lies in the Occitanie region. The prefecture is Montpellier, which is the largest city; the department also includes the subprefectures of Béziers and Lodève. Hérault was created on March 4, 1790 during the French Revolution as part of the division of the former Languedoc province.

Geography and landscape: It occupies part of the Mediterranean coast and inland territory ranging from the Étang de Thau and sandy beaches to the uplands of Haut-Languedoc. The Canal du Midi passes through the department, connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters.

Administration and towns: The department is divided into three arrondissements: Montpellier, Béziers, and Lodève. Major towns include Montpellier, Sète, Béziers, Agde, Frontignan, Pézenas, and Lodève.

Economy and culture: The economy combines tourism, wine production and agriculture. Hérault is part of the Languedoc wine region, with AOC zones such as Saint-Chinian and Faugères. The coast and historic towns attract visitors, as do the vineyards and canal routes. Culturally, it features a mix of Occitan heritage and a strong maritime tradition centered on the port of Sète.

Transport and demographics: The department is served by road, rail and Montpellier–Méditerranée airport, and is linked by the high-speed TGV network. The population is concentrated mainly in the coastal city of Montpellier and along the coast and urban centers, with a growing tourist influx.