Fourteen traditional vegetable gardens, the remains of a 12th-century tower and a panorama over farmland and garrigue give Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers several distinct points of interest. When planning your trip, you can consider the village festival and gardens, local history, outdoor activities and regional produce as separate themes. Which of these matter to you may also influence when you choose to visit.
Fête du Pois Chiche and Petits Jardins
The Fête du Pois Chiche has been held in the village every year since 2008, between late May and early June, and attracts local, national and international visitors. Check the dates and programme for the relevant edition.
The Petits Jardins are fourteen traditional vegetable gardens near the Temple of Montaren, enclosed by dry-stone walls. During the Fête du Pois Chiche, they host the Musée International du Pois Chiche, as well as performances, activities, musical interludes, conferences, exhibitions and association stalls. The activities vary from one edition of the festival to the next. The gardens and their stone walls thus provide the setting for a festival programme that brings together a range of cultural formats.
Carcarie: Exercise and Views
There is a fitness trail among the pine trees on Carcarie Hill. A footpath on Carcarie leads to a panoramic view over farmland and the garrigue. The two options offer different experiences: one focuses on exercise, the other on views of the open landscape. If you would like to spend time outdoors, you can choose based on which appeals more to you.
Traces of Village History
Tour Sarrazine is a remnant of the former castle of Montaren, which dates back to the 12th century and has since disappeared. Today, it is incorporated into a private residential area. The association Les amis de la tour sarrazine brings the structure to life with cultural and artistic activities. Check the visiting arrangements in advance if you plan to visit.
The former communal bread oven is also a visible part of the village: it has been restored and can be seen from the main road, but is no longer in use. The Abri du Temps houses a collection of objects relating to the village’s history. Check the current visiting arrangements in advance if you are interested.
Another historical trace is the ancient Roman road of the Helvii. It ran along the D979 through the commune, from Nîmes to Viviers and the Rhône. This route places Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers in a broader historical context, without equating today’s attractions with the former road.
Regional Produce and Seasonal Offerings
In summer, La Ferme des Clos d’Uzès holds direct-sale markets on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, offering produce from local producers in the Uzège. Since these are seasonal market dates, check the current schedule before visiting. The farm restaurant is also seasonal: beneath olive trees, it serves dishes made with organic and local produce from the Uzège. Farm tours are available on request; check the visiting arrangements if you are interested.
The market, restaurant and tour offer different ways to discover the produce and the farm: the direct-sale market focuses on products from local producers, the restaurant serves them in dishes, and the tour is for visitors who would like to learn about the farm. The seasonal nature of these offerings and the need to book a tour on request are part of planning, not incidental details.
When to Visit and Finding Accommodation
Check the dates and festival programme before planning your stay around them.
Discover more destinations: Bonnevaux, Robiac, Montdardier, Aimargues, Valleraugue, Pougnadoresse, Saint-Privat-De-Champclos, Saint-Laurent-La-Vernède.
For the broader travel guide: Gard.
