Montady combines medieval heritage with a distinctive waterscape. The Tour de Montady, the circular Étang and Cycle Route 22 bring building history, drainage and a specific cycling option to the fore. The local themes can be explored through different questions: What is historically protected, how was the landscape reshaped, and what more active perspective does a cycling tour offer?
Heritage with two dates
The Tour de Montady building has been listed as a historic monument since 21 March 1960. Its main construction phase dates to the 12th century. The two dates refer to different points: 1960 is the year it was listed, while the 12th century is its construction phase. By comparison, the Étang de Montady was drained in the mid-13th century. The construction history of the Tour and the transformation of the waterscape therefore belong to different historical periods.
The Étang as a drained landscape
In the circular Étang de Montady, straight drainage ditches run radially towards a central collector called the Redondel. When the area was drained in the mid-13th century, 60 drainage ditches were used. The hydro-agricultural drainage system is still in operation today. The term hydro-agricultural refers to the interplay between water management and agriculture. The circular shape, radial lines and central collector thus form a connected layout: the ditches lead to the centre rather than running independently of one another. To understand the Étang, it is therefore important to consider both its historical drainage and the system’s present-day function.
Cycle Route 22
The 27-kilometre Cycle Route 22 leads to a panoramic view over the drained Étang de Montady. For trip planning, it offers a specific activity with a clear connection to the landscape. The route length provides a useful guide to the scale of the cycling loop. This differs from the cultural and historical themes: the route focuses on cycling, while the construction phase and drainage put the history of the area into context.
Winegrowing and local produce
Domaine de Soustres lies on the hill of the Oppidum d’Ensérune and has a historic vineyard that has been cultivated since antiquity. A free guided tour of the wine cellar follows the process from grape harvest to bottle. The press room, barrel room and history of the estate are also presented. The tour connects specific cellar areas with the stages of winemaking. For travellers interested in winegrowing, this offers a different perspective from the building history of the Tour de Montady or the Étang’s water-management story.
Domaine de Roquefeuille lies in the heart of the Étang de Montady and produces sunflower oil. This brings two distinct producer themes into focus: at Soustres, the emphasis is on the historic vineyard and guided cellar tour; at Roquefeuille, on sunflower oil production. This distinction helps you consider winegrowing and oil as separate interests when choosing travel themes.
Discover more destinations: Montpeyroux, Babeau-Bouldoux, Siran, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, Montouliers, Plaissan, Moulès-Et-Baucels.
For the wider travel overview: Hérault.
