If you consult your map, you will see that you are within striking distance of places of extreme interest. The city, of Carcassone - the largest medieval town in Europe. Other cities which include Beziers, Narbonne, Nimes and Sete which is the second largest fishing port in France. All around you may visit ancient castles and abbeys - there really is a wealth of historical and beautiful places to visit. There are spectacular gorges, grottos and prehistoric caves, and just a ten minute Drive from Marseillan you will arrive at the town of Meze, which has some fantastic restaurants, one which we especially enjoyed called 'Fady' which you must try.
The bustling port of
Sete
A short trip in the car, to one of the most beautiful and oldest cities of southern France - Nimes.The origins of Nimes may be traced back to the 'Mas du Mayan' which dates from between 5000 - 10000 BC . The Christian Era dates from 1800 BC.
From 600 - 49 BC . The Warrior of Grezan is the oldest sculpture in southern Gaul . In the third or second century BC a surrounding wall was built, closed at the top by a dry stone tower, which was later incorporated into the masonry of The Tour Magne. The Wars of Gaul and the fall of Marseilles ( 49 BC ) allowed Nimes to regain it's autonomy under Rome.
Nimes can be reached by car, you travel on the A 9 in the direction of Montpellier, as you reach the city you follow the signs to the town centre ( centre ville ), and in a very short time you will turn a corner and come face to face with the Roman Amphitheatre (below), which is quite spectacular, I do not exaggerate this point, in my opinion it is quite on a par with it's famous counterpart in Rome.
The Emperor Augustus encircled the town with a wall which had fourteen towers and gates, two of these remain today, the Porte Auguste and the Porte de France.
The Maison Carre (above) is a magnificant example of Roman archtecture. As you can see its shear size and beauty is something that shouldn't be missed by anyone visiting this fascinating place.
A short drive from Marseillan you go up into the Mountains to a Most Beautiful little Medieval Village Saint Guilhem le Desert, with Wonderful Examples of Roman Architecture, the Imposing Abbaye de Gellone, retrace in History the steps du Compte Guilhem, parent de Charlemagne who founded the Abbaye in 804.
Nearby La Grotte de Clamouse , an Enormous Pre-Historic Cave, explore it's depths with a guide, see wonderful Stalamites and Stalactites, Masses of Crystals illuminated by various coloured lights, with Organ Music in the background to give the place a sense of being in an enormous Cathedral.
The Pont du Diable (above), this Bridge spans a river,legend has it that the Devil said he would build it for the Town, but would claim the soul of the first to cross it, so the townsfolk in order to cheat the Devil, sent a dog to cross the Bridge.
The Pont du Gard (above) was built at the beginning of the christian era to supply Nimes with over 125,000 cubic metres of water a day from Uzes over a distance of more than fifty kilometres. This must surely be one of the most magnificant masterpieces of Roman engineering still standing, and must be included in any tour of the area.
The visitor to Nimes will be hard pressed to know which ancient site or monument to visit during their stay in the city, for there are so many wonders there to choose from, The Maison Carree, The Temple of Diana, The Fountain Gardens, The Tour Magne, and of course the famous Pont du Gard.
We also found this lovely old Roman bridge, at St Thibery just 15 minutes from the house.
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