Estimated construction of the villa Ve siècle (≈ 550)
Period of construction according to excavations.
1969-1971
Main archaeological searches
Main archaeological searches 1969-1971 (≈ 1970)
Campaigns having revealed mosaics and structures.
28 mai 2025
Legal protection of the site
Legal protection of the site 28 mai 2025 (≈ 2025)
Order of inscription of archaeological plots.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Palat Archaeological Site, for its parts located on the following parcels, located on the AS section of the cadastre: Parcel 190, in whole with its basement; the northwest point of Parcel 198, with its basement; parcel 310 in whole with its basement, with the exception of the right-of-way occupied by a vessel: registration by order of 28 May 2025
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Gallo-Roman villa of Palat, located in Saint-Émilion, was discovered thanks to archaeological excavations carried out between 1969 and 1971, supplemented by subsequent campaigns. This site is distinguished by its atypical architecture in Gironde, with a facade gallery and prominent parts, more common in the Rhine and Moselle valleys. Discoveries include more than 200 m2 of mosaics, a facade with a peristyle gallery, living rooms and a large pond.
The excavations allowed to estimate the construction of the villa around the fifth century. This architectural model, rare in the region, suggests external influences or a local adaptation of more widespread styles in Northern Europe. The site was partially protected by a decree in 2025, covering several plots and their basement, with the exception of a modern building on one of them.
The location of the site, although documented (10 Impasse de la Côte, Saint-Émilion), is considered to be of poor accuracy (note 5/10). The protected elements include significant archaeological remains, testifying to the historical importance of this villa in the Gallo-Roman context of the Gironde.
The excavations revealed domestic and decorative structures, such as mosaics, which offer an overview of the aristocratic or affluent life of the time. These discoveries highlight the role of Saint-Émilion as a place of residence for a local elite, integrated into the cultural and economic networks of late Roman Gaul.
The site is not explicitly mentioned as open to the public in available sources, but its legal protection makes it a major archaeological heritage of New Aquitaine. The data comes mainly from the Monumentum database and the internal archives related to its protection.
The Palat villa illustrates the adaptation of Gallo-Roman architectural models in southwestern France, while highlighting cultural exchanges between the late Roman Empire regions. His study contributes to a better understanding of the social and economic dynamics of the Gironde at this time.
