Les Matelles can be explored through two historical perspectives and a specific cycling option: the medieval village preserves its history of fortifications, while the Maison des Consuls presents the prehistory of the Garrigue north of Montpellier. A circular cycling route also starts and ends in the village. When planning your stay, you can choose to focus on architectural history, archaeology or an activity by bike. The Pic Saint-Loup appellation adds another regional dimension to the village’s profile.

Medieval Walls and Architectural History

The historic centre of Les Matelles has retained its medieval appearance. The village developed in three successive expansions, each surrounded by walls. The third fortification was built from 1425 onwards. This sequence makes the development of the village centre visible in its walls: the fortifications belong to several phases of growth, not just a single construction phase.

A notable part of this complex is the Porte du Pont-Levis. It belongs to the third fortification and is one of only two surviving gates in the medieval complex. Two successive gates remain at the Porte, separated by an assommoir. At the end of Rue Droite, the Tour-clocher rises above the fortified gate. Its oldest bell bears the year 1781 and was cast by Guillaume Poutingon. This single structure brings together the gateway, tower and a dated detail from the village’s history.

The present-day church is also integrated into the town walls. It is open only during services, so visits are limited to those times.

Archaeology at the Maison des Consuls

The Maison des Consuls offers a second historical perspective. Since 17 September 2003, it has held the official designation “Musée de France”. Its engaging, educational exhibition presents the everyday lives of people in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. The permanent collection is based on excavations carried out by archaeologist Pierre Pannoux in the immediate surroundings of Les Matelles.

Its chronological and geographical scope extends beyond the village: the collection provides a comprehensive overview of the prehistory of the Garrigue north of Montpellier, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Final Neolithic. The Museum of Art and Archaeology at the Maison des Consuls, in the heart of the medieval village, also aims to create a lively dialogue between archaeology and contemporary art in all its forms. The collection and this aim therefore offer different approaches: prehistoric finds and ways of life on the one hand, and the intended connection with contemporary art on the other.

Cycling Route, River Landscape and Wine Appellation

Those who would also like to explore Les Matelles by bike can include the “La source du Lez – Boucle Cyclo N°18” circular cycling route in their travel plans. It starts and ends in Les Matelles and runs between the village and the source of the Lez. The route is accessible year-round. Unlike the village’s history, which can be read in its walls, gate and tower, this circular route places greater emphasis on the link between Les Matelles and the source of the Lez.

The river landscape is also part of the regional context. The ZNIEFF “Rivières du Lirou et du Lez” includes the commune of Les Matelles, the two watercourses and their riverside woodland. The designated area includes about 3 kilometres of the Lirou and almost 15 kilometres of the Lez. These figures refer to the river courses and riverside woodland in the area, placing the commune within this broader landscape context.

Les Matelles is also at the heart of the Pic Saint-Loup wine appellation. This extends the regional context beyond medieval architectural history and the prehistory of the Garrigue. Visitors can therefore consider several documented perspectives when choosing a destination: the preserved village setting, the archaeological collection, the circular cycling route and the connection to the appellation.

Discover more destinations: Le Triadou, Beaufort, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Saint-Nazaire-De-Ladarez, Castelnau-Le-Lez, Cabrières, Cabrerolles, Le Bousquet-d'Orb.

For the broader travel overview: Hérault.