Discover Nages-Et-Solorgues: Oppidum and Walking Trails

Nages-Et-Solorgues brings together several chapters of local history with trails through a varied landscape. Key themes include Gallic settlements and fortifications, Roman water supply, and churches with different building and usage histories. The two trails described also have different focuses: one is a circular hike offering views over the Vaunage plain, while the other winds through woodland and passes water-management structures. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether they lie more in archaeology, architectural history or the landscape.

Oppidum de Roque de Viou: Several Settlement Phases

The protected Oppidum de Roque de Viou also extends into the commune of Nages-Et-Solorgues. Its history spans clearly distinct phases. An early settlement existed from the 8th century to the beginning of the 7th century BC. Later, around 380–360 BC, a fortified settlement was built there. Around 290–280 BC, the oppidum was abandoned in favour of the neighbouring site of Nages. It was partially resettled between 25 BC and AD 50.

This sequence reveals changes over the centuries: an early settlement phase was followed by fortification, abandonment in favour of Nages and a partial return during the Gallo-Roman period. Its heritage protection is also divided: the oppidum is partly listed and partly classified. The dates help distinguish the different periods of use rather than viewing them as one continuous settlement.

The Oppidum of Castels

The Oppidum of Castels stands out for its size and fortifications. This Gallic site covers 12 hectares and dates from the late Iron Age. Four successive rings of fortifications with towers protected a densely built, carefully planned settlement. The oppidum is one of the best-preserved pre-Roman sites in southern France.

The description of the site brings the relationship between settlement planning and defence to life: its layout included not just a single rampart, but several successive rings. The Oppidum of Castels therefore offers a different perspective on the Gallic past from the chronological history of Roque de Viou.

Fontaine du Ranquet and Roman Cisterns

The Fontaine du Ranquet is a spring that flows year-round. The building protecting it is called « Fontaine romaine ». During the Gallic period, from the 4th to the 1st century BC, the spring first supplied water to the inhabitants of the Oppidum de Roque de Viou in Saint-Dionisy and later to those of Nages. This sequence links the spring to two successive settlement sites without conflating their periods of use.

Another archaeological feature lies across the road from the Fontaine du Ranquet: the remains of two twin Roman cisterns, 15 metres away. Each was 24.30 metres long and 4.60 metres wide. These measurements give a concrete sense of the structures' dimensions; together, the spring and cisterns also reveal different aspects of water use.

Churches with Different Building Histories

The Catholic Church of Saint-Saturnin is a neo-Gothic building constructed around 1840. The Protestant temple has a different history: originally a Romanesque Catholic church, it was converted into a temple at the beginning of the 19th century. The two buildings thus represent different periods of construction and use. Visitors interested in architecture can see both a 19th-century neo-Gothic church and the conversion of an older church building.

Two Trails, Different Experiences

The Balade Oppidum de Nages is a 6.93-kilometre circular hike that starts and ends in Nages-Et-Solorgues. Along the way, there are views over the Vaunage plain. Local yellow waymarkers and signposts are provided. The distance and circular route describe the trail, while the views give it a landscape-focused character.

The Sentier des Combes is shorter, at 4 kilometres, and is described as an educational trail that winds through woodland. Its water-management structures include a large drainage wall that continues to control excess water. The two trails can be compared using the features provided: the Balade Oppidum de Nages is longer, follows a circular route and offers views over the plain; the Sentier des Combes passes through woodland and features water-management structures. This gives you two different themes and landscapes to choose from when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Anastasie, Aubord, Vallabrègues, Goudargues, Saumane, Meynes, Aspères, Saint-Nazaire.

For the broader travel guide: Gard.