1200 years of history
A historical mansion that has passed through the ages since the Middle Ages
Ancient priory built in the 9th century
The history of Domaine de Monteils
Archaeologists discovered fragments of Roman amphorae and roof tiles at the edge of the vineyards around the domaine. The place appears in the archives as Villa Montilius, in the valley of Arigae.
On the facing oppidum (hill) of Gailhan, grape seeds were unearthed—remnants of one of the oldest vineyards ever used to produce wine in France.
But the history of the Domaine de Monteils really begins in the Middle Ages...
Priory in the middle ages
The oldest part of Domaine de Monteils dates back to the 9th century, when it was founded as the priory of Saint Martin de Monteils by Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Cluny. At the time, saffron was cultivated here. While little documentation survives from this era, many secrets still lie hidden in the vaulted rooms and stone alcoves.
Repeated feudal conflicts caused the priory’s decline and partial destruction in the 12th century. A set of medieval stones from the former chapel of the priory was found in the grove behind the wine storehouse. The village of Carnas was created then and the first houses of the village were built with stones coming from the priory.
Glassmakers in the 13th an 14th century
In the following century, the population of Carnas having become numerous enough to build a church in the village, the priory was finally abandoned by the Catholic cult, and Protestant families settled at Monteils, producing pharmaceutical glass for the medical university of Montpellier. There was a forge but we only found an old pair of bellows coming from it.
A famous chemist has been living at that time in the nearby hamlet.
At Domaine de Monteils also took place the breeding of silkworms, quite common in the Cevennes until the 19th century, show of it its hundred-year-old mulberry trees
Lords and vassals
Over the centuries, noble families took possession of Monteils. Records from 1391 and 1415 mention Bernard Aguzon, Bertrand Peyregrosse and Martin Jean de Monteil making act of feudal allegiance and declared themselves vassals of noble Bringuier Azemar, damsel Léonor Bruguière and their son Urban.
In 1662, the Protestant De Cambis family from Florence (Italy) acquired the estate, before it passed in 1740 to Pierre de La Roque, appointed Lord of Monteils.
There is a long list of land Lords who lived there.
Wine estate since 1893
By the late 19th century, Domaine de Monteils entered a new era as a major wine estate, while the wine growing became an important activity in the Occitan economy.
A vast cellar was built with presses still preserved today, alongside seven tanks holding up to 3,500 hectoliters.
Stables and houses for the workers were also built, making the Domaine de Monteils looking like a small hamlet.
The tower was raised at that time: it was in fact a former dovecote from the 13th century, the roof of which was removed to add the upper level.
The entrance alley and the park that give Monteils its distinctive charm were laid out during this period by the architect Nestor Alaus, under the influence of Violet-le-duc.
Reconversion into luxury retreat
Wine production declined in the 1960s and the vineyards were sold off in 1975.
For a time, the estate belonged to Mme Rouquette, who was passionate of horse riding. She built the horses stalls.
In 2010 we discovered this place in a neglected state since decades.
We immediately began its restoration to give Domaine de Monteils a new life as a luxury holiday residence, blending heritage and contemporary elegance.
What seduced us the most:
✔ The exceptional architecture allowing a bold combination of heritage and contemporary design.
✔ The unique hamlet layout with secluded houses and private terraces.
✔ The soul and serenity of the place, enhanced by the tranquility of its centuries-old Mediterranean park.
✔ Its exceptional location, surrounded by many authentic villages, between Languedoc and Provence, only minutes from the Cévennes, the Camargue, and world-renowned sites.
Come and draw your own inspiration from this place — step into history, embrace serenity, and let it give something back to you.