Meynes is a medieval village with a rich history. This is reflected in Roman and medieval traces, as well as in its historic pottery tradition. Vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable and fruit farming also shape its rural character. During your stay, you can explore both its cultural history and the village centre; for the latter, there is both a walking tour and a puzzle trail.

Roman and ecclesiastical heritage

One specific Roman artefact is the funerary cippus bearing the inscription of Rutilia Marcella. It is set into the wall facing the courtyard of a house on rue du Four. By decree of 14 March 1955, the funerary cippus was classified as a “Monument historique.” The year refers to this classification, not to the creation of the Roman tomb.

A life-size reproduction of Lucien Coutaud’s mural “Le Mythe de Proserpine” can be seen on the wall of his birthplace in Meynes. Meynes parish church houses an altar dating from the 5th or 6th century and is decorated with paintings. The cultural highlights therefore range from a large-scale mural to an altar whose date can be narrowed down to two possible centuries.

Templar traces and finding your way around the village centre

The “Grand Portail,” also known as the “Portail Est,” is a remnant of former Templar houses. Visible traces of the Templar occupation also include remnants of the fortification walls and two former gateways. These surviving structures bring different aspects of the village’s history to life: former houses, fortifications and entrances.

For finding your way around the village centre, the “Balade intra muros” is a clearly named option. The “Balade intra muros” takes you through the streets and lanes of Meynes and starts in the square beside the Salle des Fêtes.

Pottery tradition and rural character

Meynes was an important centre for pottery production in the lower Rhône Valley, particularly for items used to store food. In the past, the village had as many as 13 pottery and brick kilns. Pottery was therefore significant both regionally and in practical everyday life: food-storage vessels were among its products. The historically high number of kilns also gives an idea of the scale of production at the time.

Vineyards and olive groves, as well as vegetable and fruit farming, are part of Meynes’s rural character. These features broaden the picture beyond its architectural and ecclesiastical history. Anyone interested in Meynes can take account of both its historic craft and cultural heritage and the agricultural character of the village.

Puzzle trail and getting to the church

The Meynes puzzle trail comprises five puzzles in the village centre and is free to complete at your own pace. While the “Balade intra muros” is designed as a walk through the streets and lanes, the puzzle trail offers an exploration based on specific challenges. Check the latest details about the puzzle trail before your visit.

You can also reach Saint-Barthélemy Church on foot: from the “MEYNES – La Cantilène” bus stop, it is less than a ten-minute walk to the church. As bus stop and route information can change, check it before you travel.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vestric-Et-Candiac, Corbès, Bordezac, Lirac, Théziers, Saint-Martial, Sauve, La Calmette.

See the main travel overview: Gard.