A trip at the foot of the Oppidum d’Aumes offers a 180-degree view across the Hérault Valley. The archaeological heritage and landscape between vineyards and garrigue also give the village its own distinctive character. Aumes is therefore well suited to a discovery trip focused on culture and nature.

Between Vineyards and Garrigue

Aumes lies between vineyards and garrigue. In the area around Aumes, the wines of Château Saint-Martin de Graves combine the mild Mediterranean climate with the aromatic complexity of the garrigue. This offers a tangible insight into a regional product.

The garrigue is more than just part of the landscape: numerous hiking and mountain biking routes around Aumes pass through it. Those interested in outdoor activities can choose between a named hiking trail and other routes that also make it possible to discover the châteaux of Marennes and Saint Martin de Grave.

The Oppidum and Its Finds

The Oppidum d’Aumes was an important trading site, where numerous coins were found. Remains from the Iron Age and other objects tell the story of the village’s past. These include a statue of Hermes, a tufa-stone lion, a capital and a funerary stele. These objects can be viewed as different testimonies to the village’s history without assigning them all to the same period.

The small archaeological museum at the oppidum displays excavation finds, as well as everyday objects, jewellery and pots. Visits are available by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.

Chapel, Church and Fountains

The Chapelle Notre-Dame was built in 1220 in the Romanesque style from shell limestone. Today, it houses the media library and the small archaeological museum of the oppidum. The building thus combines Romanesque architecture with cultural facilities in the village. The Église Saint-Aubin is another example of Aumes’ architectural history: it was built in 1887 in the Neo-Gothic style. The years 1220 and 1887 mark two distinct periods and styles of construction.

Smaller architectural details also shape the village’s history. One covered fountain is protected by a polygonal shell-limestone structure with a stone roof; there are two other covered fountains in the village. Those interested in architecture can therefore find an example of a practical village amenity alongside the chapel and church.

Hikes and Excursions

The Sentier du Pas du Lièvre is a 3-kilometre hiking trail. The estimated walking time is around 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is marked in red and signposted with wooden posts bearing a hare symbol. This approximate time helps you gauge the length of the hike without implying a fixed duration for every visit.

Numerous hiking and mountain biking routes around Aumes pass through the garrigue. They also make it possible to discover the châteaux of Marennes and Saint Martin de Grave. This differs from the excursion at the foot of the oppidum, where the view across the Hérault Valley is the main attraction. The options described range from a hike with an indicated duration to routes in the surrounding area and an excursion with a wide valley view.

The archaeological theme can be combined with a visit to the chapel, which houses the small museum. For planning a hike, the Sentier du Pas du Lièvre offers a specific time frame; those who prefer mountain biking will also find routes around Aumes. The different options appeal to different interests without needing to be combined into a single excursion.

Plan Your Journey and Stay

Aumes is accessible by car and by bus or shuttle; parking is available, as is a motorhome stopover area. Check the current arrangements for these services before travelling. The archaeological museum also recommends booking an appointment in advance. This lets you coordinate your journey and visit to the cultural attractions with the excursions you would like to take in Aumes.

Discover more destinations: Aumelas, Valras-Plage, Saint-Gély-Du-Fesc, Villeveyrac, Nébian, Grabels, Fontanès, Vailhan.

For the main travel overview: Hérault.