The early 12th-century chapel, a Neolithic dolmen and a Roman funerary altar give Cavillargues several distinct historical points of interest. There are also two castles with their own architectural features and a circular route that starts and ends in the village. Cavillargues lies in a fertile valley irrigated by the Auzigues. When planning your stay, you can therefore choose to focus on the landscape, architectural history, a circular walk or a specific cultural event.

Chapel and events

The original chapel of the Ermitage Notre-Dame-du-Saint-Sépulcre dates from the early 12th century. The former chapel was classified as a historic monument by decree on 2 March 1981; the 19th-century section is excluded. This gives two dates referring to different things: the early 12th century marks the origin of the original chapel, while the 1981 decree marks its classification and the limited scope of that classification.

The Les Amis du Saint-Sépulcre association organizes concerts, guided tours and events at the chapel during the Journées du Patrimoine. If you are planning your trip around a guided tour or concert, check the specific dates before travelling. This lets you plan your stay around a suitable event day.

Castles with distinct architectural details

The Château de la Fare is attached to Cavillargues’ medieval town wall; its Renaissance façade is decorated with sculptures. The features described at Château Nicolay are different: two large, round towers flank the main façade, and two historic mullioned windows have been preserved on the second floor. In comparison, the Château de la Fare stands out for its connection to the town wall and its façade decorations, while Nicolay is notable for its towers and the preserved windows on the upper floor.

Traces of the Neolithic and Roman periods

The Dolmen de Peyre Pecoulade was erected at the end of the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. The ruined megalithic monument measures 4 m by 2.60 m. Its approximate dating places it in prehistoric times; its dimensions and described condition provide specific architectural details.

Another historical trace is set into the wall of the presbytery, where a Roman funerary altar can be seen. Together with the dolmen, it offers a comparison between a Neolithic megalithic monument and a Roman funerary altar. The two artefacts also differ in form: one is a ruined monument, while the other is an object set into a building wall.

Planning a circular walk and visit dates

The La Chapelle du Saint Sépulcre circular route starts and ends at Place Étienne Brunel in Cavillargues. If you include a circular walk in your stay, you can note the same place as both your starting point and your return point. A visit to the Château de la Fare requires different planning: the castle is privately owned and is open to visitors during the Journées du Patrimoine. If you are planning your stay around the château’s opening or a cultural event at the chapel, check the relevant dates before travelling. This will help you decide whether the circular walk or a specific event should be the focus of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Ribaute-Les-Tavernes, Villevieille, Saint-Christol-Lès-Alès, Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie, Conqueyrac, Sardan, Concoules, Redessan.

For the broader travel overview: Gard.