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The historic town of Lodève is dominated by its ancient cathedral of St
Fulcran, parts of which date from the thirteenth century. The cathedral has
some beautiful stained glass windows, statues and marble and wood
carving. The crystal chandelier, once owned by Queen Victoria, was given in
1860.
The town is the birthplace of Cardinal de Fleury, prime minister of Louis
XV, and of the sculptor Paul Dardé (1888 - 1963). The old covered market
hall has been refurbished as
an exhibition hall and renamed La Halle Dardé in his honour.
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The town's museum
and art gallery,
Musée Fleury, is gaining national recognition for its
major exhibitions staged annually. In the town centre, you will also find bars and restaurants as well as
plenty of shops selling a wide range of goods including ceramics,
antiques, handmade leather, jewellery, art and sculpture.
Once known as a centre for textiles, Lodève has become renowned for the
manufacture of large hand knotted carpets. These carpets, which are destined
for palaces and government buildings, are of the most intricate design
and may take up to a year to complete - the workshop is open to visitors.
Throughout the year but especially during the summer, the town hosts a varied programme
of festivities and events, both cultural and sporting, as well as all
sorts of markets which are always well worth a visit as a source of
holiday buys.
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