Aujargues: Hiking, Garrigue and Heritage
Accommodation in Aujargues
Aujargues combines the landscape typical of the garrigue with marked trails and historic buildings. Vineyards and olive trees shape the village’s character, alongside routes of varying lengths and sights from different eras. If you’re looking for a hotel in Aujargues, these themes can help you decide whether hiking, scenery or heritage should be the focus of your stay.
Garrigue, Vineyards and Olive Groves
The landscape around Aujargues is typical of the garrigue and lies among vineyards and olive trees. The Les Olivettes cycling loop also passes through vineyards and olive groves lined with dry-stone walls. Along the way, it passes beneath the Château d’Aujargues before continuing into the village. This lets you appreciate the area’s characteristic landscapes while exploring its heritage.
The commune is also home to two natural areas of ecological, faunal and floristic interest, known as ZNIEFFs. In addition to its built heritage, Aujargues is therefore shaped by designated natural areas. La Rascasse is a small water reservoir on the Font Gaillarde stream.
Hiking Trails of Different Lengths
For a shorter circular walk, try La Rascasse, which is 5.0 kilometres long. The yellow-marked route starts at Aujargues town hall. The Balade sur le terroir de l’AOP Languedoc-Sommières is longer, at 7.3 kilometres; this marked circular route starts and ends in the village. It passes through the appellation’s wine-growing area and the garrigue. An audio guide is available for smartphones.
A much longer option is Le chemin des oliviers: this marked circular hike is 16.6 kilometres long and starts and ends in Aujargues. The options range from the shorter La Rascasse loop to the mid-length Balade and the longer Le chemin des oliviers route. For La Rascasse and Le chemin des oliviers, it is advisable to check the signage and access before setting out.
Church, Château and Traces of Village Life
The Église Saint-Martin is documented as far back as 1119 and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1984. It was probably rebuilt in the late 17th century, after the Wars of Religion. Its distinctive architectural feature is an example of opus monspelliensis surviving into the 18th century. The building’s history and masonry thus reflect different phases in the church’s development.
The Château d’Aujargues dates back to the Middle Ages and is partly listed as a Monument historique. It includes an arcaded dovecote dating from the 17th century, which is also listed as a Monument historique and can be seen from a hiking trail. The Le Bois de Clapisse route passes by this tower. The Château can therefore be encountered not only as a historic building but also as part of a hiking route.
The La Rascasse walk takes in further traces of village life: the route passes a covered 19th-century washhouse with three basins. An old bridge is also part of the walk. It is associated with the village priest’s route between the presbytery and the garden. A 19th-century Temple is another part of Aujargues’ built heritage.
FĂŞte votive and Local Traditions
Cultural and festive events are held regularly in Aujargues, including the FĂŞte votive. This village festival celebrates Camargue traditions. The programme includes Abrivados, Bandidos, dances and other events. Dates and the specific programme vary, so check the latest dates if an event is important to your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Colognac, Caissargues, Générac, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Valleraugue, Laval-Saint-Roman, Carnas, Calvisson.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Gard.
