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Pitkäniemi is a mental hospital area built by the government in the end of the 19th century. It was then one of the largest building projects in Finland and purposed to provide mental health services to entire Western Finland. Pitkäniemi buildings were designed by architects S. Gripenberg, M. Schjerfbeck and E.A. Kranck.
The common supposition in the 19th century was that dwelling in nature and working outdoors is the best way to cure mental illnesses. The beautiful park were also added soon after buildings to Pitkäniemi.
Pitkäniemi area is a well-preserved and solid sample of public architecture in the later 19th century. It’s still in hospital use, but the park and Pyhäjärvi beach is open to the public.
Olargues is a good example of a French medieval town and rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It was occupied by the Romans, the Vandals and the Visigoths. At the end of the 11th century the Jaur valley came under the authority of the Château of the Viscount of Minerve. The following centuries saw a succession of wars and epidemics, and it was not until the 18th century that Olargues became re-established. This was due to the prosperity of local agriculture and artisanal industry.
The Pont du Diable, 'Devil's Bridge', is said to date back to 1202 and is reputed to be the scene of transactions between the people of Olargues and the devil. The old village is clustered around the belltower, which was formerly the main tower of the castle (Romanesque construction). The old shops have marble frontages and overhanging upper storeys. A museum of popular traditions and art is to be found in the stairs of the Commanderie.