MEDIEVAL ROUTE AROUND PIC SAINT-LOUP

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Les Matelles: Staying in Montpellier? Set aside some time for an escape under the watchful eye of Pic Saint-Loup to discover some treasures of medieval architecture. So close to the beautiful city, you can't miss it! Start with the fortified village of Les Matelles nestled in the heart of the garrigue. Our little "political capital" in the Middle Ages! Yes, indeed. It was in 1276 that the bishop of Maguelone designated it as the bailiwick capital of the republic of Montferrand. A prominence still very visible today... Proofs? Enclosed within its 15th-century ramparts, moved three times over history, its cobbled streets lined with local stone houses, tall and narrow, sometimes clinging to the rock, reveal many vaulted passages, large external staircases, a 12th-century Romanesque church, magnificent gate doors, witnesses of the village’s defensive history... Not to mention, the House of Consuls characteristic of the 13th century, which now houses a museum of arts and archaeology preserving beautiful pieces of local prehistory, and more... In the coolness of its stones in summer, children enjoy an experience both educational and fun. Want to go further on foot? I suggest a round trip to the village of Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles by following the GR® de Pays Grand Pic Saint-Loup. Upon arrival, notice its old 13th-century gate and its Romanesque church fortified during the Hundred Years' War. By the way, did you know that the village’s name comes from the "cuculle," a hood worn in the Middle Ages by peasants and monks? Shade and freshness: During hot periods, the village and the Lèque wood just above are much appreciated by walkers and hikers. Small squares, narrow streets, stones, and abundant vegetation offer shade and freshness. At the source of the Lez: The Lez spring feeds the river that crosses Montpellier and flows into the Mediterranean. Located near Les Matelles village, be sure to discover it to combine heritage and nature. Equipped with picnic tables, the place is peaceful. Our cyclist friends especially enjoy the cycling loop that passes by.

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Viols-le-Fort: Back on board your faithful four-wheeled companion? Head to the Viols plateau! There, amid an arid and mineral landscape made of garrigue and oak thickets, lies the charming village of Viols-Le-Fort. Upon arrival, you immediately feel transported to medieval times... Ramparts surround stone houses with medieval bases rich in architectural details: mullioned windows, external staircases, lintels, sculpted door frames... Built during the Hundred Years' War, these ramparts then protected inhabitants from attacks by the Routiers, nomadic brigands serving the English who shamelessly pillaged villages. Your steps will likely lead you to the Fanabregol gate, the only possible entrance into the fortified enclosure in the 15th century. Another fabulous witness to medieval defensive architecture. Its three-story tower is in remarkable condition. Imagine, its wooden elements from the era have not moved a bit. It’s unique! Conclude the village visit with the Saint-Etienne Romanesque church. Despite its 19th-century reconstruction, it retains some traces of its medieval past. Shops, workshops, and meeting space in Viols-Le-Fort: Strolling through Viols-Le-Fort also means entering artisan shops eager to share their know-how. And, there is something for all tastes: pottery, sculpture, leather goods, clothing... Extend your discovery to La Bestiole bookstore-gallery-workshop. Here you find a wide selection of local books and niche works. You also meet artists around the arts of the moment. Workshops and events focusing on literature are organized there. Viols festival favorite: The CHAP! Festival, authentic and atypical, offers concerts, circus shows, brass bands, workshops, events for children… This festival stands out for its commitment to humanist, ethical, and ecological values. Did you know? Numerous prehistory remains (dolmens, tumuli, oval tombs...) cover the surroundings of Viols-Le-Fort. The Drailles hike starting at the village, or the visit to the Cambous site, the oldest prehistoric village in France located in Viols-en-Laval, will allow you to make a pleasant and surprising observation.

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Saint-Martin-de-Londres: Spirituality, purity, tranquility! A medieval village famous behind the ridge descending from Pic Saint-Loup? Saint-Martin-de-Londres, of course! People go there and hurry for its bucolic setting, its tranquility and the beauty of its medieval architectural works. The most elegant? The Saint-Martin church, a gem of early Romanesque art with Byzantine influences. Does it remind you of the Gellone Abbey in Saint Guilhem-Le-Désert? Naturally, it was built by its Benedictine monks. Porch, dome, pulpit, apses, chapels... linger before each piece, each detail, each sculpture. All around the trefoil-plan church, take time to admire the remains of the former cloister, barrel vaults, the old prior’s house... or lower down, the remains of its 14th and 15th-century ramparts, the clock tower, which, during the Revolution, served as a guardhouse and prison. A feast for the eyes. Alleys, small squares, stone houses, it’s so pleasant to stroll here that in the beautiful season, people like to sit, drink or have lunch at a terrace on the fountain square... Hear ye, hear ye, ladies and noble gentlemen: Want to immerse yourself in medieval life and customs? Spring sees the arrival in Saint-Martin-de-Londres of a major event: The Medieval Festivities of Grand Pic Saint-Loup. Medieval market, shops, knights' camp, troubadours, street performers, stilt walkers… set up for great festive moments. For food lovers: I recommend a stop at the Latour bakery-pastry shop, a local institution where everything is excellent! Two locations, one on the fountain square, the other at the Gloriette roundabout. Just next to the latter, take the opportunity to taste and buy local wines at the Vignerons de la Gravette shop.

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Notre-Dame-de-Londres: In the cradle of the tambourin! How about continuing your walk in a second London? Choose Notre-Dame-de-Londres! By the way, did you know that the terms Lundras, Lundrias, Doundras, which gave rise to London, were used in medieval writings to describe the once marshy and now dried valley where the village is located? Known for its rural environment, it is also known for its medieval historical heritage. Its ramparts pierced with doors and windows surround a charming small square where a very picturesque southern atmosphere reigns. A monument particularly catches the eye, its 16th-century castle. Its medieval military architectural elements are extremely well preserved: wall walk, fortifications, round protective towers... Private, it is not open to visitors, but you will surely enjoy admiring it from afar from the Pic Saint-Loup avenue! Overseen by the statue of a Virgin in a blue cloak, the 11th and 12th-century Notre-Dame church will complete your medieval getaway around Pic Saint-Loup. Did you know? In this village, tambourin matches are held, a local ball sport descending from the jeu de paume and listed in France's intangible cultural heritage inventory since 2012. The village's women's team crowned French Champions several times? A pride for the club and the Londrins!

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Tourist Office of Grand Pic Saint-Loup