The Vidourle rises in the hills around St Roman de Codières and flows into the sea near Le Grau du Roi. The river flows underground at times, and is prone to violent floods, vidourlades, after heavy rain, particularly in the autumn. It is c.85k in length.
The river near St Hippo in 2008, and then three days later at the same spot.
At Sauve part of the river flows under the town, bursting out from a hole to join the main river at a Mill. In 2008 it was in full flow for a few days, but usually there is just a ‘hole’. Sauve is a remarkable town, with a very ancient history.
Quissac is situated at the crossing of two important roads – Nîmes to the Larzac, and Montpellier to Alés – and the name is Roman in origin, Quintiacum or the domaine of Quintius. The town is badly affected by a Vidourlade.
Sommiere, on the Vidourle River, has ancient origins, and is subject to regular flooding.
You may be interested in
Sommieres in 2002, photograph from here
The Vidourle under Sauve, 2010, caught on YouTube
The Vidourle at Marsillargues, 2009, YouTube
The Vidourle and Vidourlades, book with fascinating photographs of Sommieres
The Vidourlade of 30 October 2010
A vidourlade in Quissac
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