Hortus, Archaeological site and mountain in Valflaunès, France
The limestone mountain of Hortus reaches 512 meters in elevation and extends over one kilometer with vertical cliffs rising 100 meters high.
The Grotte de l'Hortus cave contained Neanderthal settlements dating from 60,000 to 30,000 years ago, yielding numerous Mousterian artifacts and human remains.
The mountain slopes contribute to the production of AOC Pic-Saint-Loup wines, which received official recognition in January 2017.
The site features sixty different climbing routes across its limestone cliffs, with parking facilities and information points available for visitors.
The cave system houses seventeen species of bats throughout the year, including several endangered European species that inhabit both the caverns and cliffs.
Location: Hérault
Elevation above the sea: 512 m
Made from material: limestone
Part of: Cévennes
GPS coordinates: 43.79417,3.83519
Latest update: May 24, 2025 08:12
Pic Saint-Loup
2.6 km
Château de Montferrand
2.1 km
Prehistoric village of Cambous
9.3 km
Château de la Roquette
1.3 km
Château de Cambous
9.9 km
Église Saint-Martin de Saint-Martin-de-Londres
8.4 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame d'Aleyrac
6.2 km
Lamalou dolmen
4.4 km
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles
4.7 km
Église de Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues
6.4 km
Église Saint-Félix-de-Gérone de Claret
9.5 km
Église Saint-Martin de Sauteyrargues
8.3 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Valflaunès
3.2 km
Ô Vent d'Ange
7.9 km
Église Saint-Gérard de Mas-de-Londres
6.8 km
Grotte de l'Hortus
0 m
Église de l'Invention-de-Saint-Étienne de Cazevieille
4.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de Pic Saint-Loup
2.5 km
Source du Lirou
7.2 km
Source du Lez
8.5 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption des Matelles
7.3 km
Grotte du Suquet
7.3 km
Saint-Mathieu-de-Treviers war memorial
3.8 km
Grand Juyan de Roubiac
5.8 km
Château de Restinclières
8.9 km
Chapelle du couvent de Notre-Dame des Champs
6.6 km
Immeuble, place de l'Église
8.4 km
Saint-Martin-de-Londres Wayside Cross
8.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes