Hérault

Département in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France; area 6,112 sq km/2,360 sq mi; population (1999 est) 896,400. Hérault is on the Mediterranean bay called the Golfe du Lion, and its coastline comprises a series of long lagoons separated from the land by narrow strips of land. The area is drained by the rivers Aude, Orb, and Hérault. Wine is produced extensively, cereals, fruit trees, and vegetables are grown, and silkworms are reared. Iron, bauxite, and salt are also found. The chief manufactures are chemicals and textiles. The main towns are Montpellier (the administrative centre), Béziers, and Lodève.

In the north and west of Hérault lie ridges of the Cévennes, while in the northeast are the forested limestone hills known as the Garrigues.

Hérault was formed from part of the old province of Languedoc.