A heritage trail exploring the historic landmarks of Villevieille, including castles, old farmhouses, fountains and traditional washhouses…
Route: Start in Villevieille, near the Castle. Head towards the Château de Villevieille, then continue to the Mas de Mestre. Next, make your way to the Mas Carrier, then the Château de Pondres, before continuing towards Tourille. From there, return to Villevieille via the Mas de Mestre and the Château de Villevieille.
Points of interest
- The medieval Château de Villevieille, renovated during the Renaissance. The covered washhouse with its three basins, where women once came to wash their laundry.
- Fontronde, a cut-stone structure that channels water to the washhouse
- The Gallo-Roman remains dating from the 1st century BC, located near the cemetery.
- The 12th-century Château de Pondres, set in a large wooded park with its dovecote.
Additional information: Château de Villevieille stands on a strategic site overlooking the Vidourle plain and benefiting from an abundant water supply. It dates back to the 11th century, as confirmed by a charter of Bernard III in 1041. Two centuries later, the castle became a royal property. Baron Bermond, who opposed the King of France during the Albigensian Crusade, saw his castle destroyed. It was later rebuilt, partly in the 13th century and partly during the Renaissance. Today, the château is privately owned and open to visitors.