Roquebrun

Roquebrun (French pronunciation: [ʁɔk.bʁœ̃]; Occitan: Ròcabrun) is a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie region in southern France.

Overall the pattern of weather is Mediterranean but Roquebrun is also affected by winds from the Massif Central to the north and the Pyrenees to the west.

The lower slopes of the hills are covered by the garrigue: cistus (rockrose), thyme, rosemary, arbousier (arbutus or strawberry tree) and other flowers and shrubs.

The origins of the village are about 3 km (2 mi) away in the Prieure of St Andre which includes a chapel of AD 600 and also the ruins of a Roman villa.

It is believed that the Tour de Guep, originally part of a larger fortified castle, was built around 900 AD by the Carolingian rulers to protect from barbarian and Saracen invaders from the south.

The main economy is based on the wine production of the cave cooperative, Les Vins de Roquebrun, and seven private producers.

There are resident artisans, artists, musicians and writers and a variety of professionals but the nearest doctor is 5 km (3.1 mi) away in the next and larger village.

It hosts several other festivals, special markets (for instance of regional food and of pottery), concerts, dances and feasts.

The bridge above the Orb
Chapel of Saint-Pontien
Orb Valley