Construction begins milieu XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Presumed period of the first foundations of the castle.
XIIIe siècle
Main construction phase
Main construction phase XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Visible vestiges date mostly from this time.
XVIe siècle
Partial dismantling
Partial dismantling XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Castle used as a stone quarry.
1809
Cadastre mention
Cadastre mention 1809 (≈ 1809)
Partially standing according to the archives.
22 février 2012
Protection of remains
Protection of remains 22 février 2012 (≈ 2012)
Registration as a Historic Monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The archaeological remains of the former castle of archbishops (cad. A 395, 538 to 542, 557 to 561): inscription by decree of 22 February 2012
Key figures
Clément V - Pope (1305–1314)
Stayed in Monttels in this castle.
Origin and history
The castle of the archbishops of Narbonne in Montels, located in the present department of Hérault in Occitanie region, dates mainly from the thirteenth century, although its construction began in the middle of the twelfth century. Remnants still visible today include portions of courtines, towers (notably north-east and north-west) and ditches, reflecting its strategic importance in medieval times. The monument, partially dismantled in the 16th century, later served as a stone quarry, but still remained in part at the beginning of the 19th century, as attested by the cadastre of 1809.
The castle welcomed notable personalities, including Pope Clement V, who stayed there. Archaeological remains, protected since 2012, include defensive elements characteristic of the castles of this period. The site, now a mixed property (common and private), retains a partial elevation of its east wall and clear traces of its old ditches. Its current state reflects both its turbulent history and its past role in the region.
Ranked a Historical Monument, the castle illustrates medieval military architecture and the influence of the archbishops of Narbonne in Languedoc. Legal protections cover archaeological remains, highlighting their heritage value. Despite successive destructions and reuses, the site offers a tangible overview of ecclesiastical power and local dynamics in the Middle Ages.
