Castries

Located 15 km east of Montpellier, Castries is dominated by its castle and adorned with a beautiful aqueduct which you can discover on a hiking trail through vineyards and pine forests.

Castries takes its name from an ancient Roman Castrum located on the Via Domitia built to link Italy to the Spanish peninsula.

History of Castries

The château de Castries

The castle is mentioned from the end of the 11th century. Listed as a historic monument in 1966, it is adorned with a french garden designed by Louis XIV’s gardener, André Le Nôtre.

The aqueduct of Castries

An aqueduct was needed to bring water to the garden.

Built in 1676, it was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi engineer. It links the Fongrand sources to Guzargues over 7 kms, 1.8 km of which are elevated. Its elegant arches can be admired by following the public footpaths.

The old village of Castries

Take the Avenue de la Promenade from the arches of the old oil mill next to the Hôtel de Ville to the Place de l’Église, the old Halles and the medieval houses built over vaulted cellars.

Also not to be missed in Castries

The quarries listed as a historic monument
Castries stone is known as “blue” limestone and is made up of shells, coral, algae and shark tooth fossils.
Fondespierre
Dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, this old farmhouse is a great starting point for many walks and leisure activities (tennis, mountain biking, fitness trail…)
The Tourilles bridge
Originally made up of three arches, this bridge in Romanesque style spans the waters of the Cadoule river.