An approximately two-hour, very easy route and a mill with roots in the 13th century offer two distinct ways to experience Langlade. They are joined by the history of the former Romanesque church of Saint-Julien, paths with historical connections and winegrowing in the garrigue. This makes it possible to understand Langlade through specific themes: architectural history, landscape or winegrowing.
Church and mill: traces of history
The Temple de Langlade is housed in the former Romanesque church of Saint-Julien. The original church was fortified in the 15th century. A defensive walkway with machicolations along the upper part of the outer walls may have connected the nave to the choir. Its Romanesque origins and fortifications thus point to different aspects of its architectural history.
The history of the Moulin Cavalier dates back to the 13th century; the mill is also marked on the 1634 Tassin map. Its name recalls a stop made by the Camisard leader Jean Cavalier on 16 April 1704. These details provide different points of reference in time: its origins, its depiction on the map and the tradition recalled by its name. The authentically restored Moulin Cavalier can turn and grind grain when the wind is suitable.
Paths and landscape
The Voie Verte de la Vaunage passes through the commune of Langlade. It is very easy and about 19.2 kilometres long; the route takes approximately two hours. It crosses only a few roads and passes under the RD40 departmental road at two points. Its length and approximate duration provide a timeframe for planning your trip; details about road crossings and underpasses describe other specific features of the route.
The “Capitelles et Oppida” mountain-biking trail has a different focus. It follows paths once walked by Celts and Romans. Along the route are stone shepherds’ shelters known as capitelles. The details that help you choose between these routes differ: the Voie Verte is described in terms of length and duration, while the mountain-biking trail focuses on historic paths and capitelles.
Winegrowing and tastings
The Château Langlade wine estate covers about 22 hectares in the garrigue, particularly on the stony, clay-limestone soils of the terroir known as “Vieux Langlade.” Wines from the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc and Vins de Pays d’Oc are tasted and sold at Château Langlade. The connection between landscape, soil and the named terroir gives winegrowing here a specific local character.
Domaine Arnal produces, sells and offers tastings of wines from the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc and Vins de Pays de la Vaunage. Visitors can sometimes be taken into the vineyards to better understand the terroir. Both estates produce wines from the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc; Château Langlade also produces Vins de Pays d’Oc, while Domaine Arnal produces Vins de Pays de la Vaunage. As visitor arrangements can change, and a visit to the vineyards at Domaine Arnal is only sometimes possible, it is best to check current options in advance.
Discover more destinations: Fons-Sur-Lussan, Les Angles, Domazan, La Vernarède, Bréau-et-Salagosse, Saint-Geniès-De-Comolas, Cardet, Saint-Bauzély.
For the main travel overview: Gard.
