Montels combines a distinctive natural landscape with a history of winegrowing and archaeological traces. The village lies on the Étang de Capestang, amid the vineyards of the plain and close to the Canal du Midi. This gives you different perspectives to consider when planning your trip: the seasonally changing landscape of the Étang and tangible historical landmarks in Montels. Which aspect appeals to you more can help guide your choice.

Landscape around the Étang de Capestang

The Étang de Capestang near Montels is designated a Natura 2000 site and provides a habitat for a rich variety of species. Birds found there include herons, great egrets, garganeys, spoonbills and flamingos. The birdlife is as much a part of the village’s character as the vineyards of the plain, among which Montels lies. The village’s proximity to the Canal du Midi is another defining feature of its landscape.

Over the course of the year, the landscape of the Étang shifts between wide expanses of water and marshland teeming with wildlife. This change gives the nature theme a seasonal dimension: alongside the bird species found there, the changing appearance of the wetland is also part of the landscape’s character. If you are interested in nature, the Étang is a distinctive starting point for exploring Montels; the vineyards and nearby Canal du Midi add further aspects to this landscape.

Wine-growing heritage and history

At the entrance to Montels stands the Chai Garros, built in 1895 by the Garros architects from Bordeaux. It is considered a notable feature of the local wine-growing heritage. Its construction date, architects and status as part of the wine-growing heritage give the building a clear historical connection. This named building is a particular highlight, linking Montels to its local history of winegrowing.

Another historical trace is the archaeological remains of the former Château des archevêques de Narbonne in Montels. They were added to the list of protected historic monuments by a decree dated February 22, 2012. This site is about archaeological remains and their protected status, rather than the building history of the Chai Garros. Together, the two landmarks offer different perspectives on Montels’ history: wine-growing heritage on the one hand, and a former château and its remains on the other.

The Via Domitia also provides a historical connection to a route. During a guided walk in 2023, the route in Montels followed a preserved section of the Via Domitia to the presumed remains of Pontserme. The destination should therefore be understood as a presumed archaeological site. Together with the château’s remains, this route adds another perspective to the historical themes, without implying that the two sites are the same.

The distinction between these themes can be summed up briefly to help you make your choice: the Chai Garros represents a building that is part of the local wine-growing heritage; for the former château, the key points are its archaeological remains and its dated protected status. The route along a preserved section of the Via Domitia complements this architectural and local history with a historical route connection. This lets you explore Montels according to your interests in the landscape, wine-growing history or archaeological traces.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christol, Saussines, Thézan-Lès-Béziers, Saint-Étienne-D'albagnan, Fontès, Félines-Minervois, Tourbes, Montagnac

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.