Montaren-Et-Saint-Médiers: Gardens, Garrigue and Village Life

Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers offers several points of interest for a stay: an annual village festival, historic traces, paths on the Carcarie and experiences featuring products from the Uzège. This also makes the timing of your trip important: festival dates, markets and visits by arrangement have different conditions.

Fête du Pois Chiche and Petits Jardins

Since 2008, the Fête du Pois Chiche has been held every year in the village of Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers between late May and early June, attracting local, national and international visitors. If the festival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific dates and programme for the relevant year. During the Fête, the Petits Jardins are used for the Musée International du Pois Chiche as well as performances, activities, musical interludes, conferences, exhibitions and association stalls. The fourteen Petits Jardins are located near the Temple of Montaren. They are traditional vegetable gardens enclosed by dry-stone walls. The gardens thus bring together a traditional layout and festival-related use.

Historic traces in the village

The Tour Sarrazine dates from the 12th century and is a remnant of Montaren’s former castle, which has since disappeared. Today, it is integrated into a private residential area; the Les amis de la tour sarrazine association brings the structure to life with cultural and artistic activities. Check the visiting arrangements in advance. The former communal bread oven has been restored, is visible from the main road and is no longer in use. Another historic trace is the ancient Roman road of the Helvii. It ran along the D979 through the commune and led from Nîmes to Viviers and the Rhône. L’Abri du Temps houses a collection of objects relating to the history of the village. Check the current opening arrangements before visiting. The road’s route, the castle remnant, the former oven and the collection reveal different aspects of local history; visiting arrangements are particularly important for the tower and the collection.

Carcarie: paths and panoramic views

On Carcarie Hill, there is a fitness trail beneath the pine trees. A footpath leads to a panoramic view over farmland and the Garrigue. This gives you two distinct options for your plans: exercise among the pines or views of the cultivated landscape and Garrigue. You can tailor your time outdoors according to whether the path itself or the panorama is your priority.

Seasonal offerings at Ferme des Clos d’Uzès

In summer, La Ferme des Clos d’Uzès hosts direct-sale markets featuring products from local producers in the Uzège on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Market times are seasonal; check the dates before your visit. The farm restaurant is also a seasonal offering. Beneath the olive trees, it serves dishes made with organic and local products from the Uzège. Farm tours are available by arrangement. The offerings have different schedules: the market takes place on set days and at set times in summer, the restaurant is seasonal, and tours are by arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Carsan, Rodilhan, Bernis, Vallabrix, Rousson, Vergèze, Milhaud, Remoulins

For the main travel overview: Gard.