First occupation Ve siècle av. J.-C. (≈ 451 av. J.-C.)
Initial Gaulish period on site.
Ier siècle av. J.-C.
Second occupation
Second occupation Ier siècle av. J.-C. (≈ 51 av. J.-C.)
A peak before abandonment about 30 B.C.
27 octobre 1980
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 27 octobre 1980 (≈ 1980)
Official site protection.
1840 et XXe siècle
Archaeological discoveries
Archaeological discoveries 1840 et XXe siècle (≈ 2007)
Roman vestiges identified as oppidum.
2025
Preventive searches
Preventive searches 2025 (≈ 2025)
Mosaic and habitat of the second century BC.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Oppidum (portion) (EC Case 198, 224, 225, 241, 409, 410): classification by order of 27 October 1980
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any named historical actor.
Origin and history
The Hermitage Oppidum is a major archaeological site located in the commune of Alès, in the department of Gard (Occitan region). Located on a hill west of the city, it overlooks Alès about 150 metres. This site, classified as Historical Monument since 1980, reveals two main phases of occupation: a first in the 5th century BC, followed by a second in the 1st century BC, before its abandonment around 30 BC. A chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Mines has been attested to since the 11th century, adding a medieval dimension to this historic place.
The first discoveries of Roman remains date back to 1840 and the early twentieth century, suggesting the hypothesis of an oppidum. Recent excavations (2025) revealed a semi-rupestrous habitat associated with a mosaic dating back to the 2nd century BC, as well as funeral structures from the 5th to the 6th centuries AD, revealing a late-antical occupation. These elements confirm the strategic and residential importance of the site throughout the ages.
The 1980 ranking of the puppy protects a portion of the site, including specific cadastral plots (EC 198, 224, 225, etc.). Its approximate address, 774 Chemin de Chaudebois, allows to locate it with a precision deemed very satisfactory (note 8/10). Although practical information on visits remains limited, its status as a Historic Monument makes it an essential heritage of regional archaeology.
