St Thibery is steeped in history, over 4000 years old, this former Celtic village (once called "Cessero") today gives its old name to the local wine.
There is an ancient fort dating back to 5th century BC. It is situated on a volcano and overlooks the village of St Thibery and the Herault River valley.
St Thibery sits on the oldest Roman road built in France, the "Via Domitia" linking Italy with Spain. The road was built in 118 BC. The "Via Domitia" still runs through the village at the Grand Rue and continues on towards the Roman bridge.
The Roman bridge at St Thibery was the longest on the "Via Domitia" with nine arches. It is situated just outside the village and it crosses the River Herault. Hannibal would have crossed it with its elephants!
The Abbey Church was built, on an existing religious site, by Benedictines in the 8th century and has an unusual underground alter. The Church has also been a place of Pilgrimage for many en route to Santaigo de Compestilla in Spain (The Way of St James.)
In the 9th century, the village of Cessero changed it's name to Saint Thibéry in honour of its patron saint.
A mill (moulin à bled) was built in the 13th century and is one of the best preserved mills in the region. It has four wheels powered by water from the Herault river. A Romanesque tower was used to store the grain. The mill once belonged to the Benedictine abbots and is situated beside the Roman bridge.
Many of the village houses date back to the 15th century. The Medieval Bridge, called the "Pont Vieux,"was built in 1575. It was the only access from the village going towards Pézenas. It crosses the River Thongue just before it joins the River Herault.
From 1 July to 31 August, every Thursday the St Thibery historical association offers guided tours of the Abbey Church. Meet at the Church between 17 h and 19 h.