Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues is a picturesque village nestled at the foot of Pic Saint-Loup. Surrounded by hills covered with garrigues and forested massifs, notably of pines, the municipality offers a peaceful and authentic living environment.
The village tells its story…
Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues is a village whose history is deeply rooted in rural and artisanal traditions. Its name, derived from the Gallo-Roman gentilice Quintillus and the suffix -anicum, testifies to its ancient origins. In the Middle Ages, the church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, built in the 12th century, illustrates the religious importance of the village.
In the 19th century, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues became a center for charcoal production. Charcoal burners, called bouscatiers, exploited the surrounding garrigue to produce this essential fuel. This activity shaped the landscape and life of the village.
Don't miss it!
The church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Romanesque building from the 12th century, fortified in the 16th century, with towers and defensive architecture.
Château de Laugères: Remnants of a 14th-century castle, offering a panoramic view of the region.
The dolmen of La Combe de la Bénovie : Megalithic monument dating from the late Chalcolithic, located in the surrounding garrigue.
The Charcoal Burners: The Charcoal Burners' Trail, a 7 km route, allows visitors to discover the remnants of ancestral know-how.
A vibrant terroir
Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues is located in the AOP Pic Saint-Loup appellation area, known for its powerful and aromatic red wines, produced from grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
The municipality is classified as a Natura 2000 zone due to its exceptional biodiversity, notably the presence of the Bénovie river, which originates in the municipality
Did you know?
Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues was once a center for charcoal production. The charcoal burners, or bouscatiers, mainly came from the Italian Piedmont, notably from the hamlets of the municipality of San Pellegrino near Bergamo. They left a lasting imprint on the village, both culturally and economically.
The locals
The inhabitants of the municipality of Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues are called Quintillarguois and Quintillarguoises.
