Grands Causses Regional Natural Park
Cultural heritage Grands Causses Regional Natural Park
The history of the Grands Causses is as contrasting as the highland landscapes. A busy thoroughfare since ancient times, it was a vehicle for many foreign influences which upset the calm of the region on more than one occasion.
It is said that human history is written in stone. In the Grands Causses, human settlements can be dated to the dawn of time (around 200,000 years). In addition, there are plenty of menhirs and menhir-statues, as well as a record number of dolmens.
During the Gallo-Roman period, Millau, at that time called Condatomagus, drew its wealth from its famous clay potteries. A place blessed by the gods, since the potters could find plenty of water, top-quality clay and abundant wood on the limestone plateaus.
In the 9th century, a number of churches were built in the valleys, with various examples of Romanesque art.
Between the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, the Middle Ages was a hectic period. These centuries of conflicts have left us with impressive strongholds and fortified villages.
A commandery was built in the 12th century, at the instigation of the Templar order. Villages were built at strategic points on the Larzac. In the 15th century, the Hospitallers built a refuge tower and erected fortifications around the sites.
