Ruines gallo-romaines des Cars

Ruines gallo-romaines des Cars is a large estate with residential buildings, water systems, and two stone mausoleums surrounded by granite blocks in the forest. The site displays remnants of thermal baths, mosaics, and painted wall plaster that once decorated the villa.

The estate rose during the second century CE as a luxury villa equipped with advanced infrastructure and fell around 275 CE. This destruction marks the end of the prosperous villa period in this part of Gaul.

The mausoleums in Les Cars held cremation urns of wealthy villa owners and show how important families marked their status in the community. Today they remind visitors of the distinction between ordinary and wealthy households in this region.

The site is open year-round at no cost, with guided tours available in summer months through the Museum of Archaeology and Heritage. Visitors should prepare for forest conditions and changeable weather on this plateau location.

A massive monolithic granite tank fed a network of pipes delivering water throughout the rooms and baths of this residence. This advanced water system reveals how wealthy and technically skilled the villa owners were.

Location: Saint-Merd-les-Oussines

Address: château des Cars

GPS coordinates: 45.60640,2.02944

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06