Gabian ... The source

Close to the chateau of Cassan, between Pézenas and Faugères, Gabian is a small Occitan circulade
village nestled between the Mediterranean sea and the mountains at the meeting point of two rivers, la Thongue and la Lène.

This small rural but lively and working village of nearly 700 inhabitants boasts all the commodities: grocer, baker, newsagent, Post Office, café bar restaurant, pharmacy, doctor, co-operative and private wine caves and vignerons.

History

Coming from néolithique civilization (4500 BC), Gabian was first known for its ‘source’, la Resclauze, which under the Romans fed Béziers with water. This source was also exploited for feeding the windmills from which the Church also took part of the harvest. The mills are now privately owned but the local authority is trying to regain them in order to restore and secure their future and history for the public.

The oil deposits of Naphte, discovered in Gabian in the 17th century and exploited from the 18th century made the fortune of numerous sellers and bourgeoisie.

Property of Monseigneur Bruno de BAUSSET, Bishop of Béziers and Lord of Gabian, the oil was sold to the congregation, about three or four hundred kilos per year. The oil was supposed to heal several diverse sicknesses such as mange, colds, burns etc.!

After the French revolution the exploitation passed between the hands of several owners who tried to extract the best profit from it. The medical benefits were made the object of many studies and its industrial exploitation developed.

The Pechelbronn Company obtained the concession to mine from 1925 until the end of WW2. In total 24 000 tones of petrol were extracted from Gabian for which it is now renowned.

To see

The source of la Resclauze and the remains of the windmills.
The fountain of place vieille of 1760 with its sculptures.
The fountain of place neuve of 1850.
The stone mullioned medieval windows and Roman doors.
The church of Saint Julien and Saint Basilice.