LODÈVE, a town of S. France, capital of a cognominal arrondissement in the department of Herault, on the Ergue, near its junction with the Salouères, 110 miles W. by N. of Marseilles. It is encompassed by a wall, and its streets are narrow and irregular. The only building worthy of notice is the church of St. Etienne, formerly a cathedral, which contains some interesting and beautiful monuments; one of these being a white marble mausoleum inclosing the remains of a Bishop of Lodève. The principal manufactures of the place comprise woollen cloths, soap, and leather: the first being used extensively for army clothing. Dyeing is also carried on here, and a brisk trade in wines, brandy, and fruit. Lodève is the seat of chambers of commerce and manufactures, and a council of prud'hommes. Pop. (1851) 10,793.