Sites of Exception in Languedoc

Ambrussum archaelogical site and museum
Situated on the Via Domitia, the archeological site of Ambrussum is where visitors can study the fascinating history of this very special area, where 2000 years ago, the Gallo-Romans co-existed. Here, you can discover the 1st century Roman bridge (pont Ambroix), the remains of Gallo-Roman houses (Oppidum), the paved main street of the town, the roadhouse, ramparts of the gallic period. In 2011, a museum was opened on the site which houses a magnificent collection of ancient relics.

Cassan castle-abbey
The sumptuous Château-Abbaye de Cassan rises from the midst of vineyards and olive groves. A modest monastic retreat which became a powerful royal priory then a sumptuous princely dwelling, the castle houses a vast Romanesque church (XIIth cen.) and an abbey palace (XVIIIth cen.), warranting the name of the little Versailles of Langue­doc. Here, the past breathes through the welcoming coolness a secular stonework. This historical site is a genuine showcase for a number of cultural events.

Clamouse cave
Classified Scientific and picturesque Site by the Ministry of Ecology of the Sustainable development and the sea, the Clamouse Cave is a major and unmissable tourist site in Languedoc. Real museum of the underground world, Clamouse conceals the biggest variety of concre­tions, eccentric, aragonites and fistulous abound and glisten in gigantic spaces magnificently revealed by environment-friendly LED lightings. New show in the room Cathedral of time and still, before the visit, an interesting movie will tell you the geologic History of Clamouse. Discover - Understand - Be amazed!

Engaran castle
Listed as a historical monument since 1926, the Engarran castle is one of the last 'Folies' from the 18th century. Located at the gates of Montpellier and surrounded by 3 hectares of 'à la française' park, it was built in 1730 by Jean Vassal. The architectural details underline with finesse the wine vocation of the domain but especially the unconditional love, that the one we call 'the builder', bore to the woman of his life.

Enserune archaelogical site and museum
The site of Ensérune is a gaulish village, one of the most important ci­tadels of the Mediterranean Midi. The excavations, which have been underway since 1915, have revealed the remains of a dwelling dating back to the middle of the 6th century BC and lasting until the start of the 1st century AD. All the archeological objects discovered on the site have been put on display in the museum which is home to a number of outstanding collections. Admire also the wonderful view over the Montady pond.

Fontcaude abbey
In the heart of a shelf of scrublands, the valley of Fontcaude shelters a sacred spring where canons established themselves in 1154. Perfectly restored, the abbey is a jewel of the Romanesque art in Languedoc. Abbey church, convent, museum of sculptures, foundry of bells (XIIth cen.), oil mill lead the visitor to contemplation. Stopping-off point on a road of Santiago de Compostela, the abbey welcomes concerts of Gregorian chants. The abbey and its accesses are classified sites.

Georges Brassens museum
Headphones with the voice of Georges Brassens guide you. He whispers some secrets in your ear about his life and his artistic career. His youth amongst friends in Sète, going to Paris, his early days as an artist, a poet, a music writer, poems to music, the women and the recalling of his 'Püppchen' campaign and other references to his songs and a public bench to listen to his songs. A private emotional meeting with the author of 'les copains d'abord' (friends first).

'Halle du Verre', glass museum
In the heart of Pic Saint Loup vineyards, the 'Halle du Verre' is an unique site in France which recounts the glass history and its techniques from Antiquity up to now, about 4 000 years of a singular know-how. An interactive course invites you to discover the glass blowing origins, the mediterranean glass trade during the Antiquity, and the local epic of the «glassblower gentlemen» from the middle ages to the Revolution. Temporary exhibitions, events, guided tours, demonstrations, glass art shop...

Les Demoiselles cave
A veritable underground cathedral, this immense, magical natural cave abounds with gigantic and strangely beautiful concretions, guardians of the secrets of geological time. This astounding voyage into the bowels of the earth leads one through narrow passages opening onto vast halls adorned with weirdly shaped and beautifully draped concretions. The site has been nominated for classification by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Maguelone cathedral
Ancient St Pierre and Paul of Maguelone cathedral ay about 4 kilometers from Palavas. On an island that is today linked to the continent by a strip of coastline lies the impressive Maguelone cathedral, one of the most important places for Christianty in Languedoc-Roussillon. This historic monument in the roman style was the seat of the diocese for a thousand years. The origins of Maguelone are very old: there was a port in the Roman empire, diocese from the VI° to the XVI° century. The Domain is located in an area of protected coastline with a broad variety of birds. At the heart of an island of greenery, in a park, surrounded by vines, between sea and pond.

'Maison des Consuls': Museum of arts and archaeology

Located in the 'Maison des Consuls' in the heart of the medieval village of Les Matelles , the new museum of arts and archaeology wants to create a lively dialogue between archeology and contemporary art in all its forms. The common characteristic is the know-how of man, his ability to change his environment.

Noilly Prat
The famous Noilly Prat has been produced on the Mediterranean coast for almost 200 years according to a mysterious and unaltered ritual. Thousands of barrels containing light and fruity wines are exposed to the elements, side by side, in an outdoor enclosure, to age slowly to the rythmn of the seasons before being transferred to the 'Room of Secrets' where the precious liquid will macerate, according to a well kept secret of proportioning, with twenty-odd aromatic herbs from around the world : camomile, coriander, nutmeg, quinquina, cloves...

Pézenas
Jacques Cœur chose this medieval market town to set up his business. Pézenas was also home to the Montmorency family who were the governors of Languedoc. Wander down the cobbled streets, lined with luxurious mansions. The tales of Molière’s stays here are the stuff of history and legend. The farces performed by Molière’s theatre company - L’Illustre Théâtre - can still be felt today in remembrance of the greatest ambassador for the French language.

Regional museum of contemprorary art of Sérignan
Situated in the town of Sérignan, close to the Mediterranean sea, the regional museum of contemporary art is a must-see cultural and tourist attraction in Languedoc. There are temporary exhibitions and permanent collections accommodated in some 3,200 m2 of floor space. The different areas of the museum offer visitors the chance to see a rich and varied range of exhibits in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Facilities include an exhibition room of graphic arts, a video room, a reading room, a gift and bookshop.

Saint Michel de Grandmont priory
Set amongst pines and evergreen oaks, this jewel of Medieval Ages architecture (XIIth cen.) is the only monastery of the friars of the Order of Grandmont that has been preserved in its entirety : church, cloister and convent buildings. Surrounded by a vast animal reserve, the priory buildings spirituality mingles with the mystery of prehistoric dolmens and megaliths. This site full of history is often the backdrop for cultural events.