Les Matelles: Medieval Village and Maison des Consuls

Les Matelles appeals to travelers who want to include a medieval setting and archaeological themes in their choice of destination. The historic center has preserved its medieval character. The village’s history unfolds through three successive expansions, each surrounded by walls. These building phases shape the view of the village and its fortifications.

Medieval Center and Fortifications

The third fortification of Les Matelles was built from 1425 onward. It includes the Porte du Pont-Levis, one of only two surviving gates in the medieval complex. The gate retains two successive passageways, separated by a murder hole. Those interested in historic buildings will find a tangible example of medieval defensive architecture here—not just a reference to the age of the village, but also the surviving structure of one of its gates.

Another distinctive feature of the village is the Tour-clocher: the imposing tower rises above the fortified gate at the end of Rue Droite. Its oldest bell bears the year 1781 and was cast by Guillaume Poutingon. The gate, tower and bell connect different periods in one specific place: the fortifications date back to the Middle Ages, while the oldest bell bears a later date.

Maison des Consuls and Prehistory

Since September 17, 2003, the Maison des Consuls has officially been designated a “Musée de France.” Its exhibition presents the everyday life of people in the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in an engaging and educational way. The permanent collection is based on excavations by archaeologist Pierre Pannoux in the immediate vicinity of Les Matelles. It provides an overview of the prehistory of the Garrigue north of Montpellier—from the Upper Paleolithic to the Late Neolithic.

A new museum of art and archaeology is also planned at the Maison des Consuls, in the heart of the medieval village. It is intended to create a lively dialogue between archaeology and contemporary art in all its forms. Les Matelles therefore brings both early human ways of life and a museum concept focused on contemporary art into view. This allows you to combine a specific cultural interest with the historic village setting when choosing your destination.

Church and Visit Planning

The present-day church of Les Matelles is integrated into the town wall. It is open only during services. Bear this limited opening schedule in mind if the church is part of your visit plans. Its incorporation into the fortifications adds another building connected with the medieval town wall to the village’s history.

Cycling Loop and Landscape

The “La source du Lez – Boucle Cyclo N°18” cycling loop starts and ends in Les Matelles and runs between the village and the source of the Lez. It is accessible year-round. If you want to include cycling in your travel plans alongside village history and archaeology, this year-round route is a practical option.

The ZNIEFF “Rivières du Lirou et du Lez” also includes the municipality of Les Matelles. Its natural area encompasses the two rivers and their riverside woodlands; the stretches cited include around three kilometers of the Lirou and almost 15 kilometers of the Lez. These figures describe the stretches of water covered and place the subject in a broader landscape context. Les Matelles is also at the center of the Pic Saint-Loup wine appellation. Medieval heritage, prehistory, a cycling route and a wine region give you a range of specific points of reference to help you choose a destination and a suitable hotel.

Discover more destinations: Alignan-Du-Vent, Castries, Saint-Just, Saint-André-De-Sangonis, Maraussan, Mérifons, Saussines, Pouzolles.

For the broader travel overview: Hérault.