 |
 |
 
|
       |
|
  ACCESS : - Autoroute A9, Sortie Béziers-Ouest, D64 puis D11. - D11 direction Capestang, - Gare SNCF Béziers, bus. - Aéroport Béziers-Vias. CONTACT : (33) (0)4 67 90 50 87 ACCOMODATION Rural gîtes 3 épis NN : s'adresser à Mr Jean Luc PUJOL au (33) (0)4 67 90 66 02. HISTORY The pond at Montady was originally a brackish marsh of stagnant water, the cause of numerous epidemics. In 1247 the Archbishop of Narbonne gave all his backing to four landowners to undertake the works necessary to make the pond healthy. From 1270 a network of ditches in the original form of a sun was put in place, making the place healthy and releasing 420 hectares of land for use. Various crops followed each other on these triangular parcels called "pointes".  The network of channels allows water to drain from surroundings to the centre. From there a ditch cut against the stope, extended by the gallery excavated under the mountain of Enserune - at 1300 meters long, it's a master-piece of mediaeval craftsmanship - leads the water as far as the stream of Clavilongue.The phylloxera infection (around 1870) determined the viticultural calling of Montady. Its natural shape of a closed basin permits the flooding of vines, an effective method of combatting this pest. A system of gravitational irrigation has been installed, taking water from the Canal du Midi. The introduction of new crops, notably fodder and vegetables, needing more water necessitated the installation of a second irrigation system after 1960. This consists of pressurised underground waterpipes which allow spray watering. The construction of the chateau of Montady is attributed to the XIIth century although it was rumoured that the Saracens made it a place of refuge between the VIIth and IXth centuries. If the chateau of Montady suffered damage by Charles Martel, it is certain that it was not ruined, but in 1209 the old Montady was burned. Later on, the north part of the building was completely destroyed and the interieur given up to the flames. In 1210 the royal com-missioners who held the chateau for the king reconstructed the destroyed part in gothic style. In 1226 Pierre of Montady was owner of the chateau. Until 1600 it stayed in the Cabrières family, then fell back into the hands of the King. The Sire of Ricardelle later possessed the manor of Montady until 1660. In 1661 the chateau was sold to the chapter of St Nazaire, apart from the tower which was resold as communal property in 1792. The chateau was completely destroyed in 1846, leaving as present day remains only the very beautiful saracen tower, illuminated every night and seeming to watch over the village of Montady. PLACES OF INTEREST The Sarrasine Tower The pond at Montady LOCAL PRODUCE The wine cellar "Les Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune" invites you to discover the AOC wines, vins de pays and the grape variety wines. |
|||
 |
|||||
