Mauguio is a French commune located in the Hérault department, in the Occitanie region. Most of its territory is located in the wine-growing and market-gardening plain of Mauguio on the outskirts of Montpellier. The town also includes almost all of the Gold pond and part of the dune cordon between Palavas-les-Flots and La Grande-Motte (the latter was an integral part of the Melgorian territory until 1974). On this cordon is the seaside resort of Carnon.

In order to highlight its attachment to its seaside resort, Carnon, located on the edge of the Gulf of Lion, the official site of the town hall of Mauguio presents the town under the name of “Mauguio-Carnon”. The town is part of the urban area of Montpellier. Its inhabitants are the Melgoriens or Carnonais.

With more than a quarter of its population of Iberian origin, Mauguio has a strong Catalan culture. It is named Mauguòu in Catalan and Mauguiò in Occitan, and forms like a Catalan-speaking enclave in Occitan country.

The city of Mauguio Carnon, seventh city of the Herault department and chief town of the district, is located 11 km east of Montpellier. The altitude of the village is between 4 and 6 meters above sea level, the mont is a raised net peaking at more than 20 meters. This anomaly cannot receive any explanation from a geological point of view, because it is indeed a totally artificial relief created by the lords of the region, the Lords of Melgueil, to establish their castle.

Overview
The city covers 7500 hectares, of which nearly 2,500 are occupied by l’Etang de l’Or (a lagoon) and 3,500 hectares are occupied by fertile land, orchards and vineyards, as the city has expanded in the early twentieth century with viticulture.

L’Etang de l’Or covers about 30% of the territory. This site is recognized wetland of national importance. “Beautiful and typical residence for birds, it has a rich fauna and a really diverse flora. With Huts Salting and many other places to discover, it is part of an exceptional natural heritage. The territory offers outstanding farmland, preserved prodigal. He plays the role of Montpellier’s garden, its market gardens supplying the basin montpelliéran with asparagus, cantaloupes, strawberries…and many other crops.

The resort of Carnon, its coastal strip and the marina, make it a popular summer tourist destination. The six miles of protected dunes and beaches are renowned for the quality of their sand and water. The marina is growing in reputation. On its banks, every night, you can participate in summer activities that extend late into the season and start in the spring.

Another important asset of the city, the Montpellier-Méditerranée International Airport, which result on a vast network of communication and modernity.

North-east of the city, the BIA Louvade is another growing area. Many craft enterprises settled there and boost the economy. Carnon Mauguio, with its cultural and social life, its sports, its youth, diversified agriculture, its shops and typical markets, has many other resources.

History
The city of Mauguio has a rich history, since in the Middle Ages, it was the first Melgueil medieval city of Lower Languedoc, where the origin of the name of its inhabitants: the Melgoriens. Mauguio is also home to one of the largest Spanish communities in France.

Middle Ages
In the 2010s, archaeological excavations, including the site Lallemand, 2 km north of Mauguio, helped to better understand the life of the peasants of the Middle Ages on this site (about the VI th to IX th century Our era); In particular, a large silage area was discovered, with around 550 silos for the storage of cereals, in particular. Agricultural land was used for cultivation, breeding or silage; among the network of these, spaces accommodate burials. The dwellings of the High Middle Ages were grouped into hamlets. The decline of the hamlet located near the Lallemand site coincides with the development of the village of Mauguio, 10th century.

The town of Melgueil had, for several centuries, a significant political and economic importance, having a currency which was current in all Languedoc: the Melgorian denier.

Mauguio, which was first called Melgueil, was in the Middle Ages the capital of a powerful family of counts and was built on a castle mound (still visible in the city center today). The counts of Melgueil would begin with a Germanic man Malgeriu, they were suzerains of the territory of the region of Montpellier, of which the capital was originally Maguelone. They melted into the families of the Count of Provence by the marriage of Beatrix, Countess of Melgueil with Berenguer Raymond I.

One of the most eminent members of this family is Pons de Melgueil, seventh abbot of Cluny, successor of Saint Hugues de Semur. His abbatial (1109-1126) marks the height of Cluny’s power. He built the upper parts of the Cluny III abbey, developed intense diplomatic activity with the Popes Pascal II, Gélase II (died in Cluny) and Calixte II (elected in Cluny and Burgundy). In particular, he will play an important role in the conclusion of the Concordat de Worms, the establishment of the pilgrimage to Compostela.

From this medieval past, there remains only the castle mound, the largest South of France retained in the state, registered under the Historic Monuments and the house of the Galinière the xiv th century. The feudal castle and the ramparts were destroyed after 1622, during the wars of religion. The counts bishops of Montpellier rebuilt a new Renaissance- style castle on the ruins. The name of Melgueil passed gradually Mauguio early xvii th century.

French Revolution
Between 1790 and 1794, the town absorbed the neighboring towns of Saint-Marcel and Leyrargues. During the French Revolution, the town provisionally bears the name of Mont-Salaison and the citizens of the town meet within the revolutionary society, baptized “society of friends of the constitution”.

Contemporary period
In 1849 the tenement of Colombier was ceded to the municipality of Baillargues, it corresponds to the territory of Baillargues south of the national 113.

In 1850, the municipality of Palavas-les-Flots was created from portions of the municipal territories of Mauguio, Lattes, Pérols and Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone.

In 1873, the municipality ceded autonomy to the northern portion of its municipal territory which became the municipality of Saint-Aunès., which, according to the 1876 census, represented a loss of population of 363 inhabitants.

In 1974, Mauguio ceded municipal autonomy to the south-eastern portion of its territory for the creation of the municipality of La Grande-Motte., i.e., according to the 1976 census, a population loss of 2,165 inhabitants.

In the early 2000s, the town became part of the Montpellier Agglomeration community. However, in disagreement with this membership, the former first deputy Yvon Pradeille presented himself and won the 2001 municipal elections against the socialist mayor Michel Bacala. The new municipal council is in favor of leaving the agglomeration community, confirmed by the prefect and applied to the 1 st January 2004by application of an amendment by the senator of Lozère Jacques Blanc voted by the Parliament and allowing the refractory municipalities to leave a community of agglomeration if they join another, in this case the community of municipalities of the Pays de l’Or.

Historical heritage
Mauguio Carnon, Authentic city, thanks to the marked route in the heart of the city, discover the places and anecdotes of our heritage. At the bend of an alley, a square, let yourself be charmed by this stroll that delivers our history to you.

Melgueil Castle
At the foot of the Jardin de la Motte, hidden between the Plan Izard, rue Diderot and rue de la Monnaie… The castle of the Counts of Melgueil reveals precious remains. Bought by the City in 2007, its rehabilitation finalized in 2019 made it possible to unveil a tiny part of this castle whose influence was much larger. Indeed, built from the 16th century, the home of the Counts of Melgueil was the subject of many architectural stages until the 17th century.

This part of the residence of the Counts houses precious works: exceptional vaults, monumental fireplace, French ceilings, painted decorations… This now rehabilitated site has (re) given life and breadth to our history. It enriches the heritage route of our town which already displays remarkable places such as the Jardin de la Motte, the washhouses, the church.

La Motte is what remains of the motte erected in the Middle Ages (around 960), to serve as a base for the castle of the Counts of Melgueil. Its relief is totally artificial: it was created by man with the sediments of ponds. An old tradition, which continued until the beginning of xx th century, wanted the new arrivals in the city bring the land surrounding the lodge for this mound. This tradition had a strong social symbolism. This custom was also perpetuated during weddings or religious ceremonies.

The castle of the Bishops-Counts of Melgueil
The castle of the Bishops-Counts of Melgueil was built from the xv th and xvi th centuries. Today it is divided into several private houses and protected as historical monuments.

La Motte Garden
Let yourself be tempted by a visit to this remarkable garden: a place of history and nature in the heart of Mauguio. It will charm you with the natural species it displays but also with the panoramic view it reserves above the roofs of the City.

Castle motte at its origin, hosting a water tower in 1902, this culmination of the city is imposed over time in a public garden. Strolling along the paths, you can discover a wide variety of Mediterranean and exotic plant species, a rock cave built in the pure romantic style of the 19th century and enjoy panoramic terraces at the top with a belvedere in its center. Breathtaking 360 ° view, from Pic Saint Loup to the Mediterranean.

High rise from the early xx th century that served as a water tower is built on this Motte. Today, the Jardin de la Motte, which is located in the center of the city, recalls this distant time. Since 2008, the old feudal motte, the hydraulic installations with the reservoir, the belvedere and the entire garden have been listed as Historical Monuments.

Places and monuments
Place de la Liberation: the town hall built in 1902 and the church, rebuilt after the wars of religion which houses several listed paintings,
The Protestant Temple: built in 1583 and rebuilt in 1812 asserts itself with its sober and elegant facade,
The school for girls and boys: vestige of the 3rd Republic, built between 1881 and 1883 on the site of the old medieval ditches that surrounded the city,
The arenas: built in 1926, they host the bull races which previously took place on the Place de Liberation,
The Hôtel des monnaies: the workshop in which the Counts of Melgueil beat the Melgorian denier,
The wash houses: built between 1902 and 1903, were supplied with running water thanks to the water tower raised on the motte,
the Bassaget Theater: built in 1933, its facade reflects the post-classical architectural style,
The Castle of the Counts of Melgueil: built in the 12th century, destroyed in 1622 during the wars of religion,
The Jardin de la Motte: built on the remains of the castle motte,
The facades of rue Voltaire: one of the oldest streets in the village where inscriptions dating from the 13th century and vestiges from the 18th century are still displayed,
The Hospital: in the 15th century, it welcomed the sick, and in the 20th century, it was transformed into a Catholic school.

Traditions
Camargue and Spanish cultures coexist and make Mauguio Carnon, a city with a southern temperament. Its colorful and intense traditions bring together and nourish the soul and authenticity of the City.

Camargue
Mauguio Carnon is a town tinged with Camargue and bullfighting traditions. Indeed, at the gates of the little Camargue, in the heart of the marshes, nestle farmhouses and herds, where the herdsmen breed horses and bulls. They are the emblems of this culture.

The Arenas
The arenas perfectly illustrate the attachment and the place of Camargue traditions in our City. An enclosure dedicated in particular to the bouvine, the bull is in the spotlight. The arenas bring together, vibrate and get excited to the rhythms of our festive meetings.

Romeria
Do you like Spanish culture? Meet at the Romeria Del Encuentro, the “pilgrimage of the meeting”, a typical celebration with Andalusian accents. More than a celebration, the Romeria embroiders and underlines our identity. It illuminates our history, that of a culture carried by Spanish families came to settle in the nineteenth th century to help the wine work.

For 3 days, Mauguio lives in the Spanish way. Intense and exuberant the Romeria initiates and delivers with pride and generosity Andalusian delicacies. Flamenco mass, dancing, singing, Sevillana contests and bullfighting events: the weekend is punctuated by flamenco music. A tone that resonates in the streets and in hearts, because it is about sharing and meeting.

Votive Festival
A 10-day party, a succession of parades, street performances, toro-swimming pools, races and balls… This is how the Fête Votive à Mauguio Carnon is composed, one of the most famous in the world.

Originally the “Voto”, patronal feast in honor of Saint-Jacques, took place on July 25. Around 1834, the celebrations lasted several days, it was moved to August 15 so as not to thwart the harvests. Linked to the Camargue tradition, the “voto” cannot be conceived without “fa couri li bious”: a race of bulls. At the time, the races took place on the village square: “the map” marked out by entangled carts and joined together by large planks. The square was thus transformed into an arena where the most picturesque scenes were played. An atmosphere that we find today on the occasion of the encierros.

Natural space
Between sea, pond and green lungs, Mauguio Carnon, Ville nature offers you a privileged environment. Beaches, landscaped parks, discovery trails, nature is the scene of your desires.

The Steps
Here flowers, vegetables, fruits, cheeses… clothes, crafts are on display in all seasons. Sea side or land side, our markets support a certain art of living. In Mauguio, as in Carnon, on market days, the atmosphere is warm, lively and picturesque. It’s time for meetings, time to stroll and extend the walk with a break in the square or in the Port。

Landscaped Parks and Play Areas
The Jardin de la Motte is a comfortable, secure space in the great outdoors, have the beach, but in a greener spirit, playgrounds and landscaped parks also await you. The landscaped park, route des cabannes is undoubtedly the excellence for a car-free outing, easy to access and suitable for all ages. Facing the Plaine des Sports, you can enjoy a 3.5 hectare park. A true green lung of the City, it is equipped with benches and picnic tables for your little gourmet breaks. You will also find play structures specially designed so that children aged 3 to 6 can have fun in peace. Nearby is the Etang de l’Or for a naturalistic stroll.

Walking and Cycling
Leave the car and take advantage of the cycle paths and the many paths to discover, on foot or by bike, all the assets of the City. Daily trips, strolls or sports, in Mauguio Carnon. In summer, head for the beach and its 6 kilometers of lido, or if you prefer to stroll in a more urban setting, discover the some 60 kilometers of municipal roads that crisscross the city. For fans of the little queen, more than 17 kilometers of cycle paths await.

Cabanier Path
Explore unspoiled nature where history is told at the bend of each path, we invite you to take the Chemin du Cabanier. Around the Etang de l’Or, this course of nearly 5 kilometers, passable on foot, by bike or on horseback is an exceptional ride to meet the historical and natural heritage of the town. Follow the bay of Capouliere starting from the Salaison cabins. First stop at the Tamaris hut, vestige of the first fishermen’s huts 3,000 years ago. You will then take a break at the Marius hut from where you can admire fish such as gambusie or muge. Further on, the Cabane au Wagonnet acts as a natural barrier between the marshes and farmland. It is here that you will be able to see the manadiers and their bulls. And to finish, head to the cabin at the Portal, which houses a wide variety of birds: the little egret, the gray heron, the pink flamingo…

If the Cabanier path is the symbol of respect for flora and fauna, it is also a witness to the history of the Etang de l’Or. Over the millennia, swamps have been developed and cultivated. And now the Etang de l’Or is recognized as a natural site classified Natura 2000. On one side the agricultural plains, on the other the marshes, it is on the edge of this area that Mauguio Carnon has been built over time. Each year, this is where thousands of migrating or sedentary birds hibernate and breed. To appreciate these exceptional landscapes, follow the old towpath of Capouliere to the banks of the Etang de l’Or.

Nature Festival
Sensitive to environmental issues, curious about biodiversity, this Feast is your date. Fun and educational, for young and old alike, the environment and Nature are in the spotlight. Games, shows, entertainment, stands, organic vegetable markets, Food trucks… An outdoor day not to be missed!

Market gardens, orchards, pond, marshes, beaches… landscaped parks, Mauguio Carnon benefits from an exceptional natural environment. Created in 2016, at the Mauguio Carnon landscaped park, this event, open to all, displays the ambition of a City attentive to the quality of its environment.

Learn good practices, learn about eco-responsible approaches, play, observe, test, eat healthy… the Fête de la Nature is a concentrate of activities. Treasure hunts, giant wooden games, workshops made from recycled materials… Kayak rides on the Etang de l’Or, marsh observation, night outings to observe amphibians, readings, shows, DIY workshops, gardening tips…