Aniane is a commune in the Hérault department, in the Occitanie region, 16 km northeast of Clermont-l'Hérault.
Its territory of 30 km² oscillates from 36 to 367 m altitude, located at the exit of the Hérault gorges and dominated by some Corbières reliefs.
Between mountains and plains, half an hour from the coast, Aniane has varied landscapes, covered with forests (38% of its surface area) and agricultural areas mainly dedicated to viticulture and olive growing.
At the crossroads of several communication routes, the village developed around a Benedictine abbey founded at the end of the 8th century and which obtained the support of Emperor Charlemagne. Initially prosperous, it declined for a time after the Wars of Religion then found a new lease of life (and the village with it) in the 17th century, when it was rebuilt and brought to life by the monks of the congregation of Saint-Maur. After the Revolution, the site was transformed into a prison then a reformatory and educational center for juvenile delinquents…
At the same time, a small, renowned wine-producing capital, Aniane has a rich heritage. Nowadays, its economic and cultural dynamism in a preserved environment delight its nearly 3,000 residents and vacationers alike...
The town has preserved a rich heritage which can be discovered along a route which logically begins to the south-east of the center of the town, by the site of the old abbey. Convent buildings (including the cloister) rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Maurist monks now coexist there, as well as the developments carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries when penitentiary centers were established there. Now owned by the intercommunal community, the places (listed in the Inventory) have been the subject of archaeological excavations. These have uncovered treasures (like the entrance to the medieval cloister). A project to rehabilitate the whole will eventually be implemented. For now, visitors can observe part of the buildings from the outside.
Nearby is the Saint-Sauveur abbey church which became a parish during the Revolution (the rest of the monastery being seized as national property). The building dates from the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century. Listed in the Inventory, the church is made up of a central nave punctuated by side chapels. The crossing of the transept is topped by a dome. As for the bedside, it is polygonal. The furniture, altarpieces and paintings classified as objects are kept inside.
Other religious buildings are to be seen next. Also worth mentioning is the Chapel of the Penitents located on the old village wall. It has elements of pre-Romanesque and Romanesque style (12th century), as well as a high medieval bell tower-belfry. The church was rebuilt in a late Gothic style in the 15th century. The facade, on the other hand, was remodeled in a classic Louis XVI style in the 18th century. The building now regularly hosts exhibitions.
The cemetery chapel, that of Notre-Dame-de-Délivrance or Notre-Dame-des-Regagnas (18th and 19th centuries) but also several remains of oratories complete this list.
We can still see old wash houses (some dating from the Middle Ages), the Devil's Bridge (of a medieval basis, in the northwest of the territory, and which spans the Hérault towards Saint-Guilhem) or even the monument to the deaths of pacifist inspiration where these sentences are engraved in Occitan: "The war they wanted is war against war / Died for our land and for the whole Earth".
Other notable civil buildings to observe during this tour, the old covered market from 1780 which became the town hall, with sculpted decorations in the form of ribboned garlands, grooves adorning the consoles which support the balcony.
The vaults of the old monks' market (rue du Mazel), the statue of the fountain on the Place de l'Église (a bronze nymph installed in 1888), are also worth a look, the The entire center of the town is not lacking in charm, including certain bourgeois dwellings from the 19th and 20th centuries…
Please note that guided tours of the town and its emblematic sites are offered in summer and during Heritage Days. Inquire at +33 4 67 57 58 83.
On a cultural level, in addition to the exhibitions hosted at the Chapelle des Pénitents, shows and association events are scheduled throughout the year at the village hall. In both cases, information at the town hall on +33 4 67 57 01 40. Finally, the municipal library regularly offers activities (readings, meetings). Contact +33 4 67 54 46 34.
In another genre, for conferences followed by nocturnal observations, go to the Astronomical Observatory run by an association. Open every evening in July and August and the rest of the year for one-off events or sessions. Contact +33 6 99 98 74 74.
For athletes, tennis courts (on the Prés de la Ville site) can be reserved with the local club (contact +33 6 26 02 42 11) and other courts or municipal facilities are accessible for games of pétanque, football, volleyball, etc.
For a walk in a green… and heritage setting, the Parc de la Brèche offers a marked path and includes the start of a greenway.
In the surrounding countryside, between hillsides planted with vines or olive trees, the banks of the Hérault and other landscaped assets, a number of trails are popular with hiking enthusiasts. Some loops follow the routes once taken by pilgrims going to Saint-Jacques. Longer hikes allow walkers or mountain bikers to reach the Hérault gorges in the north, Lake Salagou in the west or even characterful villages like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Without counting for the most courageous the Mediterranean resorts which are only 30 km away…
Routes dedicated to wine tourism with tasting breaks are also possible to discover the richness of the estates of the commune, where a certain Gérard Depardieu owns its own plots! Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 67 57 58 83.
Every Thursday morning, the market on Place Etienne Sanier highlights the region's rich terroir...
In mid-July, over three days, feria d'Aniane with concerts, banda parades and bullfighting events.
The third week of July, wine festival with exhibitions, cultural and gourmet events around local wines.
The third weekend in August, “Aniane en scenes” festival with theater shows, readings, circus arts, outdoors or in heritage sites.
Les Rituels Endiablés - Brasserie du Pont du Diable
- From 5 to 30 june 2024
- D27
- Come and discover the boisterous guests at the Pont du diable brasserie throughout the month of September : - Le 8, Stand du coutelier Le petit jouteur - Oysters and beef ribs in the brazier - 15th, Beerfest evening with Brasserie Baudille and Brasserie de la Seranne - 22nd, Spanish evening : tapas and paella - 29th, Karaoke & cocktail evening
Atelier Parents/Enfants - Découvertes et Expérimentations Autour de l’Objet Artistique
- On 7 june 2024
- 3 Place Etienne Sanier
- Julien Martinez is a visual artist who likes to create singular objects that invite storytelling. - Discover his art through an object designed to appeal to all the senses and imagination of young children ! Discovery and experimentation around the object, guided by the artist, lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. - Ages 0 to 3, accompanied by parent (s) (big brothers and sisters welcome). - Reservations required at the libraries.
Des Animaux au fil de l’eau !
- On 8 june 2024
- Come and discover the emblematic natural habitats of the Gorges de l'Hérault during the Fête des Mares. Many animals, small insects, fish, birds and mammals are intimately linked to the river and its small waterholes. - Nature outing proposed by the Communauté de communes Vallée de l'Hérault and led by LPO Occitanie, as part of the Natura 2000 program. - There is no charge for booking via ticketweb. In recent years, however, we have noticed a large number of last-minute cancellations. Even if the activity is free of charge, your registration should not be taken lightly, as we are counting on your presence for organizational reasons (people on waiting list, few people on the day, equipment required…). Thank you for your understanding. - Free - Ages 6 and up.
Journees Europennes de l'Archeologie Aniane
- From 15 to 16 june 2024
- 50 Boulevard Félix Giraud
- Whether you are a history buff or just curious, come and discover the backstage of heritage and archaeological research. Fun workshops and guided tours await you to unravel the mysteries of this place with its long and fascinating history ! - Program - Little archaeologist workshop - Cour d'honneur - 10 am - In the manner of archaeologists, children are invited to discover the techniques of excavation and to investigate in order to reconstruct a part of the past of the ancient abbey… Please bring clothes that do not get dirty. Bottle of water, sneakers, hat and sun cream are recommended ! - Limited number of places. - Duration : between 45 min and 1 hour - Workshop - The medieval garden - Garden - 15h - Was food in the Middle Ages identical to that of today ? How were the crops grown in medieval monasteries organized ? Come and answer these questions in the garden of the old abbey of Aniane. - The workshop will be punctuated by plant recognition games and an activity to make a product like the monks of yesteryear ! - Limited number of participants. - Duration : 1h30 - Guided tours - An abbey through the centuries - Main courtyard - 10am and 3pm - Take part in a guided tour of the ancient abbey of Aniane and discover the complex and eventful past of this place full of history. You will be accompanied by a passionate guide-lecturer who will reveal the stages of the transformation of this old Benedictine abbey into a detention center for minors. The doors of this space with multiple lives are exceptionally open to you for free. Here is a unique opportunity to explore a place in perpetual evolution. - Duration : between 1h30 and 2h - Limited number of places.
10ème Édition Aniane a la Page
- On 16 june 2024
- Place Etienne Sanier
- Around ten second-hand booksellers will be on hand with a wide selection of vintage and modern books, to suit all tastes and in all fields (novels, thrillers, comics, children's books, history, fine arts, regionalism, human sciences, etc.) - Organized by the commune of Aniane and the Association "La Mémoire du Livre".
Aniane en Musique
- On 29 june 2024
- Aniane en Musique is the opportunity to meet during a musical evening to celebrate the summer ! - On the program, three concerts that will make you dance : JOZ, a group with French song/rap/soul sounds, jam on & on in the rock style, and Borumba, a Congolese rumba group. - Both family and festive, this free event was born from the desire of the association "vivre à Aniane" to promote culture for all, to give visibility to local groups and to share a great moment of joy.
L’Abbaye à Travers Votre Regard : Construire, Choisir, Façonner vos Photos
- On 29 june 2024
- 50 Boulevard Félix Giraud
- Join photographer Sarah Desteuque and Iso photo festival host Sarah Desteuque for a photo Master Class at the ancient Abbey of Aniane. Through the prism of photography and the advice of a professional photographer, learn to see beyond the obvious, choose your angle of view with precision and weave a coherent visual narrative. Every stone, every shadow, every line becomes part of your photographic story. From shooting to computer embellishment, you'll learn how to make your photos unique and powerful. Aimed at experienced amateur photographers. Bring your own camera and, if possible, your own computer with Light Room software. Packed lunch in the Abbey garden. - In partnership with ISO Photo Festival.
Visite Guidée de l'Ancienne Abbaye d'Aniane
- From 10 july to 28 august 2024
- An exceptional exploration ! - Join us on a guided tour of Aniane Abbey and discover its eventful past. - Let us tell you all about the history of the abbey, from its foundation by Saint-Benoît d ? Aniane to its transformation into a Central House and then a home for juvenile delinquents. - The doors to this place of many lives are exceptionally open to you, so make the most of it ! - This is a unique opportunity to explore a place in transformation. - The tour is led by our qualified tour guide - follow her, she's passionate ! - Public : over 16 (site under construction) - Meeting point : communicated by e-mail upon reservation - Meeting point on site, 10 minutes before
Visites Guidées & Musicales de l’Abbaye d’Aniane
- On 11 july 2024
- 50 Boulevard Félix Giraud
- If you're looking for a feast for the eyes and ears - After our visit to the Grotte de Clamouse last April, we now invite you to discover another of the region ? S most emblematic sites : the ancient abbey of Aniane. Punctuated by surprise musical interludes, this unique guided tour will allow contemporary music to resonate in a place steeped in history. - An emblematic site in the Hérault Valley, the ancient Abbey of Aniane has changed its identity many times over the course of its history. Founded in 782 by Saint Benedict, it began life as a monastery, only to be partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Later, it housed a spinning mill, then a central prison, before becoming a penal colony for minors. - Bought by the Communauté de Communes Vallée de l'Hérault in 2010, it is now starting a new life thanks to a rehabilitation project. - Normally closed to the public, it now tells its own story, with music. - Duration : approx. 1h15. - Several tour departures : - 10:00 - 11:30 - 14:30 - 16:00
