Sites of historical interest

Between the 9th and 12th centuries the Hérault Valley’s defensive system was set up. This involved the building of fortresses perched on high rocks. The castellas of Aumelas and Montpeyroux and also the Château de Verdun in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert are examples of this kind of medieval military architecture.

The same applies to the tower in Gignac, which was built on a promontory and formed part of the former fortifications of the town.

However, although they had once been seats of baronial power, a large number of these fortified towns in the valley were either destroyed or turned into living accommodation, as was the case with Jonquières, Popian and Arboras, where none of the remains date from earlier than the 16th century.