At Nages-et-Solorgues, different archaeological periods meet traces of water supply systems. There are also two trails with distinct profiles: a 6.93-kilometre circular hike with views across the Vaunage plain, and a 4-kilometre interpretive trail through the undergrowth. Visitors choosing the area for a stay can focus on settlement history, structures or exploring the landscape.
Oppida and settlement history
The protected Oppidum de Roque de Viou also extends into the commune of Nages-et-Solorgues. Its history comprises several distinct phases: an early settlement existed from the 8th to the beginning of the 7th century BC; later, a fortified settlement was established there around 380–360 BC. Around 290–280 BC, the oppidum was abandoned in favour of the neighbouring site of Nages. It was partially resettled during the Gallo-Roman period, between 25 BC and AD 50. This sequence tells the story of settlement shifts and renewed use over several centuries. Under French heritage protection, the oppidum is partly listed and partly classified.
At the Oppidum des Castels, the focus is on its size and fortifications. The Gallic site covers 12 hectares and dates from the Late Iron Age. Four successive rings of fortifications, equipped with towers, protected a densely built, systematically planned settlement. The oppidum is one of the best-preserved pre-Roman sites in the south of France. While different phases of settlement can be traced at Roque de Viou, the scale and sequence of fortification rings define the site at Castels.
Spring and Roman cisterns
The Fontaine du Ranquet is a spring that flows year-round. It is sheltered by a building known as the « Fontaine romaine ». During the Gallic period, from the 4th to the 1st century BC, the spring first supplied water to the inhabitants of the Roque de Viou settlement in the commune of Saint-Dionisy, and later to those of Nages.
Traces of Roman waterworks also form part of this historical picture: the remains of two matching Roman cisterns lie 15 metres away, across the road from the Fontaine du Ranquet. Each cistern was 24.30 metres long and 4.60 metres wide. The spring and the cisterns offer different insights into the area's history of water: the historic supply of the settlements sits alongside precisely measured storage facilities.
Two trails, two different focuses
The Balade Oppidum de Nages is a 6.93-kilometre circular hike that starts and ends in Nages-et-Solorgues. Along the way, it offers views across the Vaunage plain. The route has local yellow waymarking and local signposting. Its circular format and landscape views define this trail.
The Sentier des Combes follows a different route: this 4-kilometre interpretive trail winds through the undergrowth and includes water-management structures. These include a large drainage wall that still controls excess water. The two trails can be compared by length and content: the Balade combines a circular route with scenic views, while the Sentier des Combes is defined by its interpretive character and water engineering. You can choose the focus of your outing based on either the landscape or water-management history, without treating the trails as a single route.
Churches with different architectural histories
The religious architecture also reflects different historical influences. The Catholic church of Saint-Saturnin is Neo-Gothic and was built around 1840. The Protestant temple was originally a Romanesque Catholic church and was converted into a temple in the early 19th century. Saint-Saturnin is notable for its architectural style and approximate construction date; the temple is distinguished by its Romanesque origins and later change of use. Along with the oppida and traces of waterworks, the histories of these two buildings broaden the picture of the different themes visitors can explore during a stay in Nages-et-Solorgues.
Discover more destinations: Le Vigan, Orthoux-SĂ©rignac-Quilhan, Logrian-Florian, Mus, Carsan, Issirac, Saint-Privat-Des-Vieux, Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie.
For the broader travel overview: Gard.
