During a beautiful sunny day in January we took the road towards the village of Blauzac. Perched on a hill in the middle of the scrubland, many hikes are possible there throughout the year. We opted for the path of the capitelles with its cabins and dry stone walls, witnesses of the past agricultural life of Blauzac. A great 7km walk to do with family, friends or alone!
What is a capitelle?
A capitelle is a dry stone construction, built in the 18th and 19th centuries by farmers. Typical of the region, the capitelles served as shelter for tools, crops, and shepherds in case of bad weather. Dry stone walls demarcated the plots. Over time the crops were abandoned in favor of more fertile land, leading to the end of the use of the capitelles.
The path of the Blauzac capitelles
To see capitelles in Destination Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard, several possible options. Today we are taking you to Blauzac! You will find “The path of the capitelles”. A charming stroll on the scrubland paths to discover these dry stone shelters with the highlight the site of the 3 cabins.
In Blauzac, the olive tree cultivation was predominant. The harvests allowed each family to have supplies of olive oil for the whole year. Following several severe frosts damaging the olive trees, these plots were abandoned. Since 1995, the town of Blauzac has entrusted the restoration of the site to the association La Librotte. During the work days, volunteers focus on preserve, restore and maintain this site. Recently the association dedicated itself to the installation of a circular dry stone bench 5 meters in diameter, a menhir and a planter of Mediterranean plants.
The capitelles of Blauzac: a family stroll
Departing from the village of Blauzac, It will take you around 1h30 to complete it.. The walk is very well marked, no risk of getting lost! Find all the instructions in our dedicated hiking sheet.
When you walk around, be curious, there are many things to see on each side of the circuit! Remarkable elements of small heritage as well as a charming landscape of trees and shrubs of the scrubland await you.
To protect this unique site, we thank you for be careful when passing and not to climb dry stone structures.
And to discover the site during a festive moment, meet at the beginning of June with the Fête des Capitelles, a nighttime meal with musical entertainment. You can also take part in an April walking tour.
Visit to Blauzac
After this hike, a little visit to Blauzac is essential ! Typical of Uzège, the village was occupied since prehistoric times and has preserved many traces of its past. You can discover the remains of an old feudal castle from the 12th century, the parish church with three naves, the streets of the old village and its ancient residences.
To find out more about the La Librotte association and its restoration work, go to their website: www.lalibrotte.fr
Capitellae are also visible on the heights of Aramon or on the commune of Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac by borrowing the Conques interpretation trail.
All that remains for me to do is wish you a good stroll on our hiking trails!
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