Nestled on a hill, in the department of Herault, Castries offers the view of the traveler an enchanting landscape between vineyards, scrubland, plain pond of Gold and Mediterranean Sea, just minutes Montpellier.
The Castries cultural heritage evokes a rich and prestigious past. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Castries owes its current name to an ancient Roman castrum that controlled the Domitian, changed to the eleventh century by a Gothic mansion.
After buying the lordship in 1495 by an advisor of Louis XI, the construction of the castle Castries, also called "small Versailles of the Languedoc", began in 1565. During the seventeenth century, the barony was erected in marquisate by King Louis XIV.
The city is full of monuments to visit, such as the aqueduct, domain Fondespierre or the Bridge of Tourilles. The old village and its streets full of charm amaze visitors.
Castries also invited to admire its heritage during walks or hikes through marked trails.
also enjoy local products during your stay, between olive oil, pélardons, truffles, AOC bull meat, Camargue rice and great wines of the Languedoc.
Castries has a unique and exceptional architecture, with its castle, its French garden designed by Le Nôtre, gardener of King Louis XIV, and its huge aqueduct from the fourteenth century. Renaissance style and built with the golden stone of the south, the castle is an architectural jewel that can be visited at certain times of the year.
The church of Saint-Etienne-nineteenth century, the historic center, the former oil mill dating from the fourteenth century, or the square Coste are so many beautiful sites to visit when staying at Castries.
The Green Network offers hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers of marked hiking trails, where you can admire the Cadoule particular, small Mediterranean river, Roman monuments and buildings of the eighteenth and nineteenth century.
For leisure, the city has a ranch offering carriage rides, and a stud farm. This family property offers spectacular hikes in the heart of the scrubland and vineyards.
The combination of draft horse Comtois Castries to present various activities around the draft horse and hitch, such as walks to discover the heritage, weddings, elegant parades, days old...
For dining, several restaurants, producers, wineries, wine shops and other owners of guest tables will be delighted to discover the delights of the Mediterranean soil.
These include the wine chateau Ellul-Ferrières to 5 hectares of vineyards, which offers tours of the area accompanied wine tasting throughout the year. The Saint-Jean area of Arbutus, exceptional and former property of the Templars dating from 1235, has become a family for 4 generations. It has a vineyard of 40 hectares surrounded by pine trees and strawberry trees, which can also visit with the possibility of wine tasting.
Castries the traditional market is held every Friday morning from 8am to 13h on the Place des Libertés, with fifteen exhibitors from selling their production.
In April, the city has the support of Ferrade - Departmental Council Award of Herault, with a run of arrival at the ranch Vitou Brothers. Free admission for the whole family, with drink and food available on site.
The city also organizes every year in October the regional market, with several local producers came to discover their specialties. The artisans in this market present their latest creations, where we can make the first Christmas shopping. This gourmet appointment delight young and old.
La Ruée des Fadas - Domaine st Jean de l'Arbousier
- On 28 april 2024
- La Ruée des Fadas returns to the metropolis on Sunday April 28 ! France ? S craziest obstacle course will celebrate its 10th edition (no longer in Le Crès) at the Domaine Saint-Jean de l ? Arbousier, in Castries. - More than 6,000 participants will set off through the park and its mud to overcome some thirty obstacles. The atmosphere will be just as good as ever ! - On the program : costumes, slippery challenges and fun activities to occupy your time when you're there in support mode. Don't panic, though : contestants will also be able to grab a bite to eat at the Fadas Village stands and enjoy live music. - L ? Arbousier in castries - Halfway between Nîmes and Montpellier, the Saint Jean de l ? Arbousier estate is located in the hills above the village of Castries. This former Templar property, dating back to 1235, has belonged to the Viguier family for 4 generations. The 110-hectare estate includes a 40-hectare vineyard surrounded by arbutus and umbrella pines. The site offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Pic Saint-Loup. - Registration on the event website
Trophée Taurin 2024 - Castries
- On 11 may 2024
- In partnership with the Fédération Française de la Course Camarguaise and the bullfighting clubs of the Petite Camargue, the 10th edition of the "Trophée Taurin Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole" will take place between March 17 and September 15,2024, with 10 races, all of which will be part of the Trophées des As and Avenir calendars. - At the end of each race, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole will award a prize money to the best race leader and the best bull, depending on the performance of the bull racer. - For the 2024 edition, a prize money will also be awarded to bullfighting clubs, who will be judged at the end of their race on the quality of the capelado and the plate presented to the public. - At the end of the Trophée 3 m, a general ranking by points will be established. This will determine the three best raseteurs and the three best manadiers, who will be rewarded at the prize-giving ceremony. - On the program - Capelado : 3:30pm - Race : 4pm
Les Femmes Musiciennes Sont Dangereuses
- On 17 may 2024
- 15 Avenue de la Coopérative
- As part of the Comédie du Livre festival, the town and media library welcome author Annie Coste for an evening devoted to her latest book, "Les femmes musiciennes sont dangereuses", published by Flammarion in late 2023. - Spanning the centuries and musical genres, this book puts the spotlight back on women musicians and their works, too often invisible and unheard since antiquity. - This will be followed by a mini-concert with Takumi Fukushima, violinist emeritus and teacher at the music school, followed by a convivial time with the audience and a book-signing session.
La Fête du Conte
- On 25 may 2024
- Rue du Château
- The Aural association celebrates storytelling in all its forms for all ages, and is bringing its storytelling festival to Castries for the second year running ! - 10:30 am - Storytelling for children aged 0/4 and 4/8. - 2.30pm - Storytelling walks start in the Château courtyard. Approx. 2.5 km, 1 ? hours walk. Don't forget your cushion or folding seat ! Ages 8 and up. - 5:15pm - Open stage, theater, improvisation, reading, poetry, singing… solo or in teams. - Info and registration : auralconte34@gmail.com - 6pm - Aperitif offered by the town. - 7pm - Meal in the courtyard of the Château (refreshment bar, foodtruck, picnic available) - 8:30pm - Storytelling evening for children aged 8 and over. - In case of rain, retreat to the Orangerie du Château, storytelling walks cancelled. - As a prelude to the Storytelling Festival, two free events at the Château ! - Friday, March 29 8.30pm - Storytelling evening - Saturday, May 4 10am - Storytelling walk
La Nordique de Castries
- On 2 june 2024
- In a magnificent organic wine estate in the commune of Castries 34160, we offer two types of 100% natural courses : - - A 11.6 km timed Nordic Walking with judges who will be there to enforce the basic rules of this sport in competition, this race will be registered for the Championships of the Herault : 4 loops of 2.9 km. - - A 6 km non-timed Nordic Walking event to benefit the fight against cancer. - An event that highlights our beautiful sport of Nordic Walking, an aperitif with music will be offered to participants after the awarding of prizes, tables will be arranged under the trees to enjoy a moment of conviviality all together.
Apocalypse z- Domaine st Jean de l'Arbousier
- On 8 june 2024
- L'Antre des Ombres by Apocalypse Z, a unique life-size immersion event in France, organized and produced by The Kmeleon Association. (Forbidden for children under 16, please check ID cards on the evening of the event) - wARNING, this is not an Escape Game but a Grandeur Nature immersion. - do you like adrenalin ? Challenges ? This is the event for you ! Book now to try and solve the mystery of "L'Antre des Ombres" - Adrenalin, mutual aid and resourcefulness come together to reach the finish. - This concept is fiction. The adrenalin won't be ! - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - No time limit to finish your adventure… - Puzzles and missions to keep you on track. - adrenalin, teamwork, fitness and resourcefulness all combine to get you to the finish line. - nEW and different scenarios for each edition, created by the organizing team. - a UNIQUE concept ! - so don't wait any longer and come and experience a crazy moment ! - Are you ready to push your limits ? Are you a team player or a solo act ? - choose your camp : survivor (38.50 €) or volunteer (free) - Places limited