Predatory

The village of Montady is perched on a rocky headland, overlooked by a Romanesque tower, the only remains of the ancient castle.

The situation of the "old town" had been well chosen because a public road connecting Béziers and Toulouse, a small Roman road known as the "chemin du roi" (path of the king) ran alongside it.

In the 1209th century, the village was open and defenseless. The legate of Pope Innocent III decides to launch a crusade against the Cathars and in XNUMX it is the siege of Béziers, a milestone military operation of the crusade against the Cathars. The arsonists of the Saint-Nazaire cathedral in Béziers passing by there set fire to the village. The criminals have certainly not forgiven this small village for belonging to the castle located at the top of its peak and whose master is known as the friend and supporter of Trencavel. A tragic time for Montady.

The name of the village was given to one of the most fantastic agrarian landscapes designed by man: thedry pond of Montady. It was drained in the 1247th century by four owners, with the agreement of the Archbishop of Narbonne owner of all the waters of his diocese, with the aim of practicing culture there. With a size of more than four hundred hectares, it is, without question, one of the most admired sites in Occitania. Its geometric cut-out challenges the eye. The drainage system is very ingenious and a charter of February XNUMX lets you know that it is its history. The Maison du Malpas will tell you about the construction of the dewatering tunnel, the ingenuity of the functioning of this "heart".

This village with narrow streets, ancient ramparts and steep slopes seems to invite you to come and take a relaxing and peaceful stroll.