Chemin du Castellan

The Castellan oppidum is a rocky promontory in the southern part of the Etang de l'Olivier. A place full of history that offers a magnificent view of the city and the pond. Its dimensions are about 250 meters wide and 500 meters long for a maximum height of 40 meters. To reach the top of the site (apart from the beaconing), it is necessary to borrow the path located on the Eastern face. This one has probably replaced an ancient staircase dug in the rock. Near the top, you can see a Gallic rock inscription engraved on a rock face. One can read there the word "MATPON" with ligature of the M and the A. It is an invocation to the mother goddess, according to the scientists. You can also discover the traces of a rutted road. The site was occupied from the 6th century B.C. until the High Middle Ages. The highest point of Castellan, housed the burial site and the skeleton of a man of great height for the time (1.80 meters). Today, the hill of Castellan hosts Dinosaur'Istres, a discovery trail of dinosaurs, with more than forty specimens represented. The landscape itinerary "Les jardins de l'étang" will allow you to discover this site full of history.