The name is a contraction of "Vallée de Nages", the valley of Nages. The valley is a furrowed
combe at the edge of the
garrigues plateau, surrounded by 200m-high hills that isolate it from the surroundings. There are two natural entrances, one to east coming from
Nîmes, and one to the south towards
Vergèze. This geographical situation has led to a strong regional identity. Le
Camisard chief,
Jean Cavalier called it "petite Chanaan", little Canaan. This is an agricultural region, rich in history. There are hundreds of archaeological sites in this small area. These valleys have been populated for over 2,000 years. Six
oppida, dominated by that at Nages, were home to the
Volques, who built them in the 8th century BC and remained there till the 1st century AD : •
Oppidum de Nages-et-Solorgues; in the commune of the same name; •
Oppidum de Roque de Viou, in the commune of
Saint-Dionizy; •
Oppidum de la Liquière, above the hamlet of Sinsans, in the commune of
Calvisson; •
Oppidum de la Font du Coucou above Calvisson; •
Oppidum du Roc de Gachonne above Calvisson; •
Oppidum de Mauressip or "Mouressipe", in the commune of
Saint-Côme-et-Maruéjols. However it is the oppidum of Nages that has provided the richest archeological finds. This region has a strong
Protestant history, and is today predominantly Protestant.
Congénies is unique in France in having a
Quaker Meeting House and cemetery. One finds many recent chateaux, mas and bastides. The Camargue traditions such as the
running of the bulls happen in each village. The soil is argilo-calcaire so the flora is essentially that of the garrigue- and this leads to fine wines. However, the region is being targeted by the expanding housing needs of Nîmes. The former railway has been transformed into a cycle way,«voie verte» opening the Vaunage to Green Tourism. ==Literature ==