LE VILLAGE GAULOIS - L'ARCHEOSITE

Travel to the heart of Antiquity at the Gaulish Village in Rieux-Volvestre, 50km from Toulouse. A unique archaeological site, with demonstrations by craftspeople, an immersive application and a daily guided tour of the Roman camp in summer. A lively, fun experience for all the family.

Just 50 km from Toulouse, in the heart of a vast 9-hectare wooded setting on the banks of the Garonne, the Gaulish Village of Rieux-Volvestre invites you to step back in time.

Here, you can't look at history, you have to experience it. Between Gallic houses, sanctuaries and craftsmen's workshops, discover the daily life of the Volques Tectosages, a Gallic people who settled in the Toulouse region over 2,000 years ago. Built using a rigorous experimental archaeological approach, this site, the only one of its kind in Europe, offers an authentic immersion into the heart of Antiquity.

As you explore the site, you'll be brought back to life by the techniques of yesteryear: blacksmithing, bronze working, pottery, weaving, leather, wood and basketry... Craftsmen and guides will be sharing their know-how and explaining ancient techniques through passionate demonstrations and discussions.

A major new feature is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the Roman legionaries, with daily guided tours of the Roman camp during the Ascension Bridge and throughout the summer. Defence towers, military organisation and conquest strategies reveal what went on behind the scenes of the confrontation between Rome and the Gallic peoples.

To explore the site in a different way, let yourself be guided by the Gaulish Village mobile application. Immersive tours, audio and video content, quizzes and challenges turn your visit into a truly interactive adventure. Become a Gallic architect's apprentice or help Copilos, chief of Tolosa, to prepare the city's defences against the Roman garrison. The application is free and multilingual (French, English, Spanish, Dutch, German), so it's perfect for all the family.

Designed for young and old alike, the Gaulish Village combines historical discovery with a fun experience. Games, puzzles and hands-on activities allow children to learn by doing, in a natural setting that encourages curiosity and escapism.

Throughout the season, the site hosts a number of special events:
- At Easter and during the spring school holidays: a great treasure hunt based on the legend of the Cursed Gold of Toulouse.
- The last weekend in July: "They're moving to the Gaulish Village", a lively gathering of craftsmen and history buffs.
- During the All Saints' holiday: the 16 days of Samonios, an immersion in Celtic traditions marking the start of the dark season.

A snack bar is available on site in July and August.