The Château d’Aigremont represents medieval architectural history, while archaeological traces at the château point to Roman settlements. Vineyards, garrigue and cereal-growing fields shape the surrounding landscape; marked hiking trails and the Les Ravines d’Aigremont natural area add to the picture of the place.
Château and Historical Traces
The Château d’Aigremont was built in 1320 and completed in 1360. A Romanesque keep dating from the 12th or 13th century stands in the courtyard. At the southern entrance is a round-arched gateway for carts, bearing the dates 1360 and 1760. The dates have different roles: 1320 and 1360 mark the construction and completion of the château, while 1360 and 1760 appear on the gateway. The château’s walls form an almost perfect circle. This suggests that Aigremont originated as a circulade.
Archaeological remains at the château attest to rural settlements that were inhabited during the early and late Roman Empire. Aigremont is also located on the former Roman road from Uzès to Sauve. The Mémorial départemental in Aigremont is dedicated to soldiers from the Gard who died for France in North Africa. Medieval architectural history, traces of Roman settlements and the memorial’s dedication reflect the place’s different historical connections.
Getting Your Bearings and Local History
Four departmental roads pass through Aigremont: RD 8, RD 215, RD 907 and RD 6110. An orientation table was installed in 2010 next to the Foyer Francis PERRIGOT. From its location, the horizon stretches from Pic Saint Loup to the Monts d’Ardèche. The table also provides an overview of the Camisard Wars. Landscape orientation and a historical topic can thus be found side by side.
Vineyards, Garrigue and Nature
The area around Aigremont includes vineyards and cereal-growing fields. Marked hiking trails run alongside vineyards and garrigue; the surrounding countryside is also ideal for cycling. Check route conditions before setting out. Aigremont is crossed by three major waterways: La Courme, the ruisseau de Bay and the ruisseau des Trois Seigneurs.
Les Ravines d’Aigremont, a ZNIEFF, lies in the northeast of the commune. The area is home to the rare bird species Tawny Pipit and Woodlark. Both are protected in France and in the European Community. The landscape therefore includes both agricultural land and garrigue, as well as an area known for these protected species.
Local Services and Winegrowing
The Épicerie de la Circulade runs a bread counter in Aigremont. In summer, its terrace in the historic town centre is a place to enjoy a coffee. As availability may change, check the current offering before visiting.
The Domaine du Mas des Volques is a wine-producing estate in Aigremont; information about the estate may change. Its name refers to the remains of a small Gallic village of the Volques Arécomiques, discovered among the vines.
Discover more destinations: La Rouvière, Meynes, Marguerittes, Sauve, Codognan, Crespian, Quissac, Laudun-L'ardoise
For the wider travel overview: Gard.
