The Gallo-Roman villa of Montmaurin
Just twenty minutes from Saint-Gaudens, dive straight into Antiquity and discover one of the most beautiful Gallo-Roman villas! Wander through the many rooms of the residence to feel the lavish past of the site. Head to Montmaurin and its archaeological site to find out more!
Splendor and luxury: the decor of the Villa of Montmaurin
Welcome to the small village of Montmaurin and more specifically to the archaeological site of the Lassalle Gallo-Roman Villa. Dating from the 1st century, this incredible aristocratic residence covers more than a hectare: plenty for a lovely stroll while imagining yourself as a Roman notable!
The first step of your discovery: the reception desk to pick up a map—it’s essential for finding your way around the ruins of the Villa of Montmaurin.
Discover the secrets of the Villa of Montmaurin
Once on the archaeological site, you can wander at your leisure, trying to imagine the grandeur of this fabulous villa. With around fifty rooms (including the baths) and a wing entirely dedicated to thermal baths, you are in a true little ancient palace!
By listening carefully to the guide’s commentary, you will learn that there was an underfloor heating system, running water, and even toilets (a rare thing for the time!). By observing the details of the rooms, you will see that mosaics covered some of the floors…
You also have to imagine that all the walls were made of marble and that interior pools and gardens created little oases of freshness… A small paradise designed for the absolute well-being of its inhabitants!
Archaeological Museum and La Hillère site
Since 2020, the archaeological museum, located in the center of the village, has allowed visitors to understand the complexity of Montmaurin’s history and the richness of its heritage by presenting a selection of ancient and prehistoric objects found in the town and surrounding areas. Spread over 3 rooms, you can discover objects from the daily life of the Romans as well as reproductions of exceptional local prehistoric objects: the Venus of Lespugue, the pre-Neanderthal mandible of Montmaurin, or even a gigantic cave lion found below the village.
To complement your visit, discover the ancient site of La Hillère. The second villa of Montmaurin, La Hillère is a remarkable site built at the entrance to the Gorges de la Save around a resurgence of the river. While this villa is more fragmentary than the remarkable Lassalles villa, several mosaics have been unearthed at this site, including one measuring 34 m². They are now kept in the chapel of Notre-Dame, next to the archaeological site.
♥ Our favorites at the Gallo-Roman villa of Montmaurin ♥
- The Villa of Montmaurin is one of the largest Gallo-Roman villas known in France.
- The bucolic setting of the Villa of Montmaurin invites you to take lovely walks in the surrounding countryside.
- Don’t miss the themed days (Archaeology Day, Gallo-Roman Day) in Montmaurin; you can take part in workshops organized during these events.
copyright Gallo-Roman villa
Plan Your Visit
Opening periods:
From May 1 to August 31:
- Villa de Lassalles: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Archaeological Museum: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Villa de la Hillère: from July 2 to August 31 on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4:00 PM
Archaeological site permanently visible from an elevated parking lot.
From September 1:
- Villa de Lassalles: open Wednesday to Sunday by reservation (by phone at 05.61.88.39.94 or directly at the museum reception).
- Archaeological Museum: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Villa de la Hillère: open Wednesday to Sunday by reservation (by phone at 05.61.88.39.94 or directly at the museum reception).
Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Tours offered:
The guided tour lasts about 1 hour. For a self-guided tour, allow about 30 minutes (by reservation from September 1 to April 30) at the Villa de Lassalles and 30 minutes at the museum.
A map is provided at the entrance (in French, English, German, Spanish, and Dutch).
Prices
- Full price: €5
- Reduced price: €4
- Groups (from 20 people): €4
- Schools: from €20
- Free entry
- for those under 18 (with family and excluding school groups)
- 18-25 year olds (EU nationals and regular non-European residents in France)
- Disabled person and their companion
- Job seekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old)
- Education Pass (currently valid)
Practical Information
- Dogs are not allowed (except guide and assistance dogs)
- On site: picnic area
Gallo-Roman Villa / Archaeological Museum /
La Hillère Site
1 route de Blajan, 31350 Montmaurin
Tel: 05 61 88 39 94
website: www.montmaurin-archeo.fr – Facebook