3.

4 points of interest

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  History and heritage

  The ramparts of La Cavalerie

  The fortifications of La Cavalerie, a centuries-old work against the test of time…
  Situated at the north of the Larzac plateau, La Cavalerie was created in the 12th century by the Templars of Sainte-Eulalie commandery, settled on the Larzac Causse since 1152.

  The Sainte-Marie church (1180) was included in the Knights Templars dwelling and included several buildings around a small courtyard. The village developed around this building, where the inhabitants found refuge in case of danger.

  However, this protection as well as that of the Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie was considered insufficient during the Hundred Years War, where the Larzac, a wide open plateau, badly defended but provided with cattle, attracted the people of war. The commander of Sainte-Eulalie, Bertrand d’Arpajon, fortified the important places of his commandery: Le Viala du Pas de Jaux in 1430, then La Cavalerie, La Couvertoirade in 1439 and finally Sainte-Eulalie in 1442.

  Source : Point accueil La Cavalerie.

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  History and heritage

  Ambouls

  The village of Ambouls, municipality of Nant, built on the right bank of the Dourbie River, would date from the installation of the Romans in the area of Nant.
  The hillock of Ambouls peak (641 m high) was fortified in the Iron Age from 700 or 600 BC., a clear sign of an older occupation.
  On the peak or “gallo-Roman oppidum”, pieces of pottery were discovered 40 years ago and are preserved at the Museum of Montrozier.
  On the east side we can still see todays the entrance of the “grotte des fées” (cave of the fairies), where Ernest André discovered in 1913 human bones dating from around 4500 BC.
  Ambouls is one of those agricultural hamlets, emptied by the rural exodus, but which recovers now a new soul, thanks to the city dwellers who come back and restore the houses.
  Some houses are typical with the external stone staircase, the porch and under the stable which opens on a wide arched porch.
  You can also discover an original fireplace above an old bread oven and a stone cross from 1710.

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  Architecture

  The old Bridge

  Located in the oldest area of the village, this roman bridge with a single arch spans the Dourbie River.

  Dating from the 13th century, it was the main bridge of the village until the 18th century. In the neighborhood of the old bridge, manholes still exist, hiding places dating from religion wars.

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  History and heritage

  Saint Pierre Parish Church

  Built in 1853, the neo-Gothic Saint-Pierre Church stands out for its colourful stained glass windows, sculptures and bell tower that proudly overlooks the village. Dedicated to the apostle Saint Pierre, it invites you to discover its ornate interior, revealing 19th-century religious art.