Overlooking the Vidourle River, ideally situated in Languedoc Roussillon between Sea and Mountain, Nimes and Montpellier, this mediaeval town was first created by the Romans.
A wonderful Roman bridge built under Emperor Tiberius at the start of the 1st century still remains. The charming medieval streets, the town hall building, the clock tower and the medieval city gate are some of Sommieres’ many architectural treasures.
Only one tower remains from the town’s medieval castle but walking up to the castle ruins you will enjoy a beautiful 360° view of Sommieres roof tops, the Vaunage and the Cevennes mountains beyond. You can also take a stroll through the shady narrow streets and along the peaceful river banks.
The famous British author Lawrence Durrell lived in Sommieres from 1966 until the end of his life in 1990. About the town, he wrote “I have to admit that I have never seen anything quite as pretty as Sommieres”.
This town of 4500 inhabitants is ideally situated in the Gard, 22 Km West of Nimes, 28 Km East of Montpellier, half an hour from the local beaches and half an hour from the foot of the Cevennes mountains (Southern part of the Massif Central). You will find all the main facilities in Sommieres including nursery (3-5), primary (6-10) and secondary (11-14) schools as well as several good restaurants, cafés, local shops and boutiques. The town even has its own beer brewery (La Brasserie des Garrigues) that produces a large range of traditional beers.
Sommieres becomes particularly lively on Saturday mornings when its famous outdoor market takes place. This is a great moment for buying local products such as jams, herbs, olives and olive oil produced in the next door village. In July and August, when temperatures are high, you can also enjoy the night market on Wednesday evenings.
The town is the starting point of a 20 km long cycling path built where a railway used to be.
With its natural Southern charm, its out-door markets, its good offer of local products and its great cafes and restaurants, Sommieres is a symbol of Languedoc’s art of living (“Art de vivre”).
