What to do in Montbazin ? Five ideas for outings in this commune in the Thau basin

Découvrez nos cinq idées de sorties à Montbazin. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

Montbazin, with its thousand-year-old history, is one of the oldest communes in the Thau basin. In Roman times, the village was located on the Via Domitia, the A9 motorway of the time. Then, a medieval town center was built and has hardly changed since.

1. The Saint-Pierre church and its almost a thousand years of history

Saint-Pierre church. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

Arriving in Montbazin, it is impossible to miss its Saint-Pierre church. Its bell tower may not necessarily be very high but still dominates the neighboring roofs. This monument steeped in history is a must to visit. The Romanesque architectural building is almost a thousand years old. It was built in the 12th century and was at the time the chapel of the old village castle.

The church still contains various Gallo-Roman objects and frescoes of Italo-Byzantine inspiration within it. The latter, very rare in the region, are precious due to their well-preserved ocher colors. The chapel, classified as a historic monument since 1964, also hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

2. The Juffet mill and its quality flour which makes the good village bread

The Juffet mill. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

It was in the 15th century that the Juffet mill appeared. At the time, the building, which belonged to the bishops of Maguelone, was used to create flour using wheat harvested by local farmers. During the Second World War, the mill was destroyed during the German occupation.

But the story could not stop there for Pierre Benau, owner of the place selected by the Loto du Patrimoine in 2019. With the Forum de Montbazin association, they began a renovation lasting several years. Since 2022, milling activity has resumed and the flour is notably resold to the village bakers. A visit is planned for August 17.

3. Hike in the Moure hills

A capitelle visible during the hike in the Moure hills. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

Lovers of wide open spaces and beautiful landscapes, hiking in the Moure hills is made for you. This walk of 13 km and approximately 4 hours of walking does not present any major difficulty.

It begins at the Cami de la Trappe parking lot, then offers, over the kilometers, 360-degree views of Montbazin, the Etang de Thau, Sète and its Mont Saint-Clair , the Mediterranean or the Gardiole. During the escapade, you will discover capitelles, old dry stone huts which allowed the shepherds of yesteryear to take shelter. The walk ends with a passage through the medieval center.

4. Discovering the medieval center

The colonnade space. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

After having partially discovered the medieval center at the end of the Moure hills hike, it is better to stop there longer to learn more about the local heritage.

For this, a circuit “Montbazin History” was created in 2023. Through the 17 panels of the loop, you will discover the history of the village, its castle, its town hall, its colonnade space, its statue of the Belgian soldier, its Saint Mark's cross or the La Vène river.

For this short walk, start at the Cami de la Trappe car park, then follow the blue markers which will take you back to the starting point. It is also possible to wander freely in the center and read the signs as you wish.

5. A small multi-use arena

The Montbazin arena. Midi Libre – Kelman Marti

Slightly outside the historic center, at rue de Valfalis, is the Montbazin arena. Not very big, its small size nevertheless gives it its charm and is more than enough for the inhabitants of the village. Interestingly, unlike the arenas in neighboring villages, which are often temporary, that of Montbazin is permanent. Present all year round.

From bullfighting festivals to judo tournaments, it hosts numerous events and parties, particularly during the summer. It is a place of life, where we see the cows loading their friends and where young and old are amazed by the spectacle offered.