The Castles

Take a stroll through the centuries to discover Villevieille's rich past: castles, old farmhouses, fountains and wash-houses are all part of this route steeped in history.

Itinerary :
Depart from Villevieille, near the Château.
Follow signs for Château de Villevieille, then Mas de Mestre. Then follow signs for Mas Carrier, Château de Pondres and Tourille.
Return to Villevieille via Mas de Mestre and Château de Villevieille.

SIGHTSEEING
-The medieval Château de Villevieille, remodeled during the Renaissance. The covered wash-house with its three basins where washerwomen used to wash their clothes.
-Fontronde, a carved stone structure that channels water to the washhouse.
- Gallo-Roman remains dating from the 1st century BC, near the cemetery.
- The 12th-century Château de Pondres, set in a large wooded park, with its dovecote.

WORTH KNOWING:
Situated on a strategic site overlooking the Vidourle plain and blessed with an abundance of water, Château de Villevieille dates back to the 11th century, as attested by a deed from Bernard III in 1041. Two hundred years later, the château became royal property. Baron Bermond, having sided against the King of France during the Albigensian War, saw his castle razed to the ground. Part of it was rebuilt in the 13th century, and another part during the Renaissance. Private castle open to the public (Tourist Office information).

The Castles Rampe des aires - Château
30250 Villevieille

Means of communication

  • Pedestrian sports
  • Hiking itinerary

Itinerary

  • Distance : 6,9 km
  • Type : BOUCLE
  • Signposted itinerary (Yellow markings.)
  • Height difference : 99 m.
  • Positive difference in elevation : 99 m.
  • Duration : 2h10

Equipement

  • Parking nearby

Documents

Open

All year round daily.

Rates

Free access.

Environment

  • 30 - 40 min from a train station by bike
  • 30 - 40 min from an SNCF station by electric bike
  • 10 - 20 min from a train station by car
  • Less than 10 minutes from a bus stop on foot