What if you followed in the footsteps of an authentic archaeologist for a day? The archaeological site of the Ensérune oppidum, a veritable open-air museum which has revealed many secrets since its discovery in the 1840s, invites you to live an extraordinary experience: going back in time to the age of iron and admire the remains of this Gallic city, one of the most important in the South. Lean over the sections of Cyclopean walls and the remains of silos dug into the ground, stroll the paths adjoining the ruins of Roman villas, then once you return to the adjacent museum, linger on the approximately 1,200 masterpieces on display . Observe these extremely rare pieces dating from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD illustrating all the opulence of Ensérune in History, before stopping at an important set of Celtic weapons of immense value history making the museum's collection one of the most beautiful in Europe. Throughout the rooms, let yourself be guided by an immersive scenography and discover the funeral rites of the 500 tombs exhumed in the region. Finally, take the time to contemplate the exceptional series of antique vases, the sumptuous bronze ornaments and the sublime coins of the institution. To celebrate the reopening of the site after long works and the reunion with its public, Ensérune is hosting for the rest of the year an exhibition highlighting the work of Jean-Claude Martinez, a humanist photographer who followed, for two years, the redevelopment site of the oppidum, from the first demolitions to the final finishes, immortalizing behind the scenes of this extraordinary restoration behind its lens.

Did you know?
Recognizable among thousands, the archaeological site of Ensérune owes its fame both to its exceptional panoramic view of Béziers and Narbonne but, even more surprisingly, to its landscape riddled with countless silos. The oppidum has no less than 300 pits, these storage spaces dug into the rock, on the hill and its surroundings. A particularity which makes the site a unique place in France.

Focus on...
Water and wine
This Attic red-figure bell krater is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful pieces in the museum. Particularly well preserved, this large vase without a neck was used in Antiquity to mix water and wine during sumptuous banquets. The craters thus fulfilled a useful function, that of diluting the alcohol with another liquid in order to make it less powerful, but above all served as a ceremonial object. The vases, used during luxurious receptions, were richly decorated on both sides. On the main face of this crater, a red-figure painted decoration, typical of the early 5th century BC, shows a scene of struggle between the mythical Amazons and the formidable griffins.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF ENSERUNE
Reopening on July 6, 2022
34440 Nissan-lez-Enserune