Two urban walking trails in the centre of Saint-Aunès lead to 18 points of interest that connect nature and history. For navigation, you can use an accompanying booklet with a map, available online and for printing, a ViewRanger track, and trail markers with flash codes on street furniture. If you like to plan on paper before your visit, you can use the booklet and map; the ViewRanger track offers a digital alternative. Check the online route links and markers before your trip.
Roman Traces and Local History
The Saint-Aunès milestone column has stood by the church since the 18th century, a surviving relic of the Via Domitia. Its inscription recalls repairs to the road in 30 AD. The present-day church also preserves an older building history: it was built using stones from a local church dating to the 10th century. Two layers of history meet at the church: the Roman road and the local 10th-century church, whose stones were reused in the present building.
The surviving washhouse recalls how laundry was done by the river in the past. People washed clothes on a sloping stone or a simple board, without a roof. Saint-Aunès also has five crosses or calvaries. The fountain opposite the church is attributed to Sieur de Barbeyrac. He also had a shell-shaped fountain and two wells built in the village, including the one in front of the presbytery. Together, the church, water sources and other local landmarks reveal different facets of village history.
Culture and Market
The A. Willaime media library is open to everyone and free to access. Its offerings include exhibitions and workshops, as well as cultural events such as performances, storytelling sessions, films and reading groups. Dates and programmes may change; if you are interested in a particular event, check the current listings in advance.
The Saturday market takes place in the centre of Saint-Aunès from 9 am to 1 pm. If you are planning a visit to the market, check the stated hours again before setting off.
Nature and Views
The banks of the Salaison are among the notable natural habitats in the municipality of Saint-Aunès. For a different view of the surrounding area, head to the village’s highest viewpoint on Avenue Bassaget. When the weather and visibility are suitable, the view stretches to Pic Saint-Loup, the cliffs of Hortus, Château de Castries, Étang de l’Or and the seaside resort of La Grande-Motte.
Two cypress trees stand on Pioch Pialat above the Ecoparc. The landowner planted them in the 19th century. They add a tangible historical trace in the landscape to the area’s natural features.
Discover more destinations: Montferrier-Sur-Lez, Poujols, Garrigues, Saint-Jean-De-Fos, Vendémian, Riols, Mons, Fos
For the broader travel overview: Hérault.
