Loupian

Loupian is a commune with 2128 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Hérault in the Languedoc- Roussillon region. It belongs to the canton of Meze and the Local Government Association, Nord du Bassin de Thau.

Geography

Loupian is located on the Thau lagoon ( Thausee ), a lagoon on the western Mediterranean coast of southern France, 28 kilometers southwest of Montpellier, between the cantonal capital of Meze in the southwest, the neighboring village of Bouzigues in the east and in the north Villeveyrac. The municipal area covers 2396 hectares.

History

The discovery of a Roman villa proves that loupian already in Gallo-Roman times was ( 52 BC to 486 ) populated. The Via Domitia was through the northern municipality.

Attractions

The Romanesque church of Saint -Hippolyte dates from the 12th century. In the 14th century the church was fortified. It was classified as a monument historique in 1923 ( historical monument ).

The ruins of a Roman villa with Gallo- Roman mosaics were discovered in the northern municipality. The villa was built in the 1st century BC and was inhabited until the 6th century. The mosaics date from the 2nd century. The villa had a large wine cellar. It viticulture was operated there and the 1st and 2nd century, wine was shipped in a small harbor in the north of Thausees. In 1970 the ruins were classified as a monument historique. On the site of the Musée Villa - loupian was established.

The Gothic church of Sainte -Cécile was built in the 14th century instead of a primitive church from the 4th century. In the 8th century, a necropolis was established in the primitive church. In 1949 the church was classified as a monument historique.

Economy

Major lines of business of Loupianais (residents ) are viticulture and shellfish. There is a wine cooperative site.