Château des archevêques de Narbonne

To make a day of it

Château des archevêques de Narbonne stands in Montels (Hérault), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: milieu 12th century, 13th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Montels, in the Hérault department, stand the ruins of a castle that once belonged to the archbishops of Narbonne. The surviving structures, two towers, sections of curtain wall and moats, date mainly from the 13th century, though the site itself is older. Pope Clement V is said to have stayed there before the building was dismantled in the 16th century and later used as a stone quarry. What remains today is a ruined site listed as a historic monument.

What to know

• These are open-air archaeological remains, not a restored or furnished building.
• The site includes curtain walls, towers to the northeast and northwest, and moats that are still visible.
• The ground can be uneven because of the moats and ruins, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
• The site has been listed as a historic monument since the inscription order of 22 February 2012.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Not verified

Where this château is

Montels · Hérault · Occitanie

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

9 Pl. Gabriel Péri, 34310 Capestang

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 7 87 75 08 99

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

3.7 / 5from 10 Google reviews

Heritage status

Registered historic monument (inscrit)

Mérimée record PA34000087

Period of construction

milieu 12th century, 13th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

Frequently asked

Who built the château des archevêques de Narbonne at Montels?

The visible remains date mainly from the 13th century and are linked to the archbishops of Narbonne, though the site itself is likely older.

What remains of the castle today?

Sections of curtain wall survive, along with two towers in the northeast and northwest and moats that are still visible on the ground.

Is there a connection to a pope?

Pope Clement V is said to have stayed at Montels, according to historical records relating to the site.

What happened to the castle after the Middle Ages?

It was dismantled in the 16th century and later used as a stone quarry, while still partly standing in the early 19th century according to the 1809 land register.

Is the site protected?

Yes, the remains have been listed as a historic monument since an order of 22 February 2012.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q22976848
• Mérimée PA34000087
• Official website

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