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La Capelle-Masmolène

The château and village are registered with the Picturesque Sites of the Department of the Gard since May 14, 1970. The two town centers merged to form one commune in 1814. These united towns owe their existence to the Brothers of Saint-Benoît who drained the Capelle pond in 1810. The coat of arms of la Capelle was awarded to the united communities in 1694. Armorial legend describes it as follows: «Of gold with a diamond-shaped face of sinople».
This magnificent coat of arms can be seen on the frescos of the Saint-Michel de la Capelle church.
La Capelle (Cappelca in 1255), with its feudal 12th century château admirably restored as a principle residence, was the summer home of the Bishops of Uzès until the Revolution.
Masmolène (Mommolena in 1121), little church and Germanic male namesake, Munmmolenus, with its dungeon, last vestige of Lord Adelard, and its Romanesque chapel (1044), in the process of being restored by a heritage conservation committee.
These two villages, only 800 m apart, are isolated on a wooded hill and separated by an aggregate of sandstone and quartzite, the wild beauty of which attracts numerous visitors.
Situated at 282 m above sea level, 3 leagues away from Uzès, Bagnols and Remoulins, this charming little village offers, on a plateau flanked by a delightful hill, an authentic piece of Petite Camargue: the Capelle pond (42 ha) with its horses, young bulls… a birdwatcher, fisherman and hunter's paradise, enough to start even the most experienced tourists dreaming.

photo by Aline Perier

To see :
 • Château of la Capelle (12th century)
 • Ruins of the Roman dungeon and chapel (11th century) in Masmolène
 • Quartzitic sandstone rock site
 • Pond

Visit of la Capelle et Masmolène in summer.

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