Ancient and Roman Roots

Prehistoric Activity:

While direct evidence in Castelnau-de-Guers is limited, the region shows traces of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, with nearby Roman villas and trade routes like the Via Domitia influencing the area .

Roman Influence:

The village’s location overlooking the Hérault Valley suggests it was a strategic outpost, though the name "Castelnau" (meaning "new castle") hints at its later medieval significance.

Medieval Fortification (11th–17th Centuries)

Feudal Beginnings:

The village was first documented in 1069 as a fortified settlement under the Barons of Guers, who ruled from its castle. The fortress controlled key routes, including the chemin poissonnier (fish trade route) and Roman roads

Castle Construction:

The 12th-century feudal castle featured crenellated walls, a Romanesque chapel, and a drawbridge. Its terrace offered panoramic views of the valley—a defensive advantage.

The "Fairies’ Drying Rack" – A 50-Million-Year-Old Natural Wonder

Just outside the village lies a surreal geological formation called "Le Séchoir des Fées" (The Fairies’ Drying Rack). This 200-meter-long stretch of red sandstone, sculpted by erosion into smooth, undulating shapes, dates back to the Eocene epoch. Local legend claims that fairies used the rock’s natural depressions to wash and dry their clothes under the full moon. When rainwater collects in the hollows, the sunlight transforms the plateau into a shimmering mirror, creating an otherworldly spectacle

Click on any image for enlarged image and navigation views.