The hidden treasures of Cordes sur Ciel and the medieval cities
Set out to discover the best kept secrets behind the picturesque facades of our medieval cities and their little hidden corners, and escape for a moment in the Tarn region. Among these inescapable villages, the adventurers will choose their favorite one by paying attention to the small secrets they tell! We take you to meet these architectural treasures, sometimes fortified, often perched. Are you more of a village of character on its rocky outcrop, or a fortified city dominating the valley? In guided tour mode, meeting craftsmen, strolling or activities? With or without a castle, we have what you need!
A haven of coolness in Cordes sur Ciel
Perched above the Vallée du Cérou, this is one of the oldest bastides in Occitania. This enchanting village enjoyed much prosperity thanks to the cloth, silk and leather trade. In the 13th and 14th centuries, merchants and noblemen built luxurious homes: the Maison du Grand Ecuyer, Maison du Grand Veneur, Maison du Grand Fauconnier, and other Gothic palaces. Strolling through the steep streets of Cordes sur Ciel, you'll come across some strange architectural curiosities. On the ochre sandstones facades, dragons, animals and strange characters domiate the curious passers-by. These contribute to the legendary atmosphere that reigns here, at an altitude of 320m, where the roofs of the beautiful buildings and the church steeple often touch the clouds.
Rumor has it that the city was built over the body of a sleeping dragon... or was it defeated? The 100-metre-deep well at the heart of the city, beneath the Halles, is thought to be the place where Saint-Michel's spear was used to strike him down.
Paradise Garden
Not far from the heart of the medieval city, stronghold of craftsmen and artists, on the last fortified terraces is an oasis of freshness and greenery, the Jardin des Paradis, classified as a Remarkable Garden. A stroll here is a pleasure for the senses, an enchanted interlude with oriental influences. A pleasant detour to enhance the visit of the village.
A city of arts and crafts
As you plunge into history, discover the many craftsmen workshops and artists' galleries that open the door to ancestral know-how: ceramists, jewelers, glass blowers, leather; wood and enamel craftsmen. Cordes sur Ciel has 800 years of history and remains timeless.
The treasure of Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Although it resisted the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, the typical perched village overlooking the Vère valley has kept its soul. Here, there is no flamboyant abbey, no castle either, it disappeared a long time ago. But between the old half-timbered houses and the flowery and colorful medieval streets of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, its beautiful square with its arcades is a place that invites you to take the time to contemplate.
Forming a protective cocoon, the village was also a useful lookout site, and the fortress was said to be impregnable. Today, the surrounding area is a delight to explore thanks to a number of trails accessible on foot, by bike or even on horseback. Sometimes you can enjoy the view over the hillsides, or either cross them, with the rows of vines guiding your way.
Grésigne Forest
About ten kilometres from Castelnau-de-Montmiral is a peaceful place, the state forest of La Grésigne where the mystery of the glassmakers reigns. The largest oak forest in the south of France, it is a must for nature lovers. Several paths await you to explore it in complete serenity on foot, by bike and even on horseback.
Notre-Dame Church
The Grésigne state forest
Just ten kilometers from Castelnau-de-Montmiral lies the peaceful Grésigne state forest, where the mystery of the glassmakers reigns. The largest oak forest in the south of France, is a must for nature lovers. Several trails await you to explore it in complete serenity, on foot, by bike or even on horseback.
The medieval charm of Puycelsi
With its ramparts, narrow, almost secret passages, alleyways and fortified gates, the village, nicknamed "the Fortress of the Woods", has retained the mystery of medieval strongholds and takes you back in time. Built on an imposing rock, Puycelsi is encircled by a long walkway that offers superb views of the surrounding countryside, which includes vineyards, forests and hills. From this rocky spur, you can observe the changing colors of the trees as the seasons change. Just as fiery, the sunsets at Puycelsi have earned an exceptional reputation. A suspended moment... In the heart of the village, you'll feel a sense of calm with every step you take through its cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses and white stone. With each step, you keep your eyes peeled for the many small animals that adorn the typical alleyways.
Occupied since prehistoric times, the village and its surroundings also reveal vestiges of times gone by: chapels, walls, a Roman road and charcoal kilns.
Puycelsi's round path
Strolling through the narrow streets, you come to the entrance of the church of Saint-Corneille, whose bell tower dominates the valley. The portal features a sculpture of a pig, recalling a legend from the time of the English siege. The story goes that the Puycelsians used a spear to shout at their only pig every day, simulating an abundance of feasting. Discouraged by their success in starving them, the English lifted the siege.
Enter the 35 m-long nave and look up at the ceiling. It was created by the same artists as Albi Cathedral, the architectural gem of southwestern France: same colors, same motifs, same enchantment!
Puycelsi's Saint-Corneille church
Inside the church, the paintings are reminiscent of those in the cathedral of Sainte-Cécile in Albi, an architectural jewel in south-west France. Occupied since prehistoric times, the village and its surroundings also reveal vestiges of past times: chapels, walls, a Roman road and charcoal kilns.
Between the stones of the Château de Penne
Here is a charming village called the eagle's nest or the citadel of vertigo. At the top of its rocky peak, where the landscape of the nearby Gorges de l'Aveyron can be seen, the medieval fortress seems to take flight among the most remarkable perched villages. As you climb the winding streets of the medieval town of Penne, you will have a breathtaking view of the Grésigne forest and the river below. Its cobbled streets have kept the atmosphere of yesteryear and guide you to the castle, a magnificent building in ruins which has been partly rebuilt. Enter the inner courtyard where parties and banquets were once held. Higher up, the remains of the keep are ideal for daydreaming. You can imagine a thousand crusades and adventures in a journey back in time and enjoy this viewpoint of old stones. In the summer, an excavation site and a living medieval site allow you to discover the restoration work of the Château de Penne, with a team of archaeologists and motivated companions (the Medieval Builders) sharing their discoveries.
On the way down from the fortress, we stop in the village square. The 18th century church and the chapel of Sainte-Madelein des Albis make it look like a film set.... A treat for dreamers and lovers of history and medieval architecture alike!
Summer medieval festivals in Penne
Let lay siege to the fortress and discover the history of this unique place. Whether on your own or guided by a storyteller, we'll take you back to the Middle Ages with authentic armored wombat. Kids will love it!
At the bottom of the village, from where the castle imposes its impressive silhouette, we jump into a canoe and off we go for a ride on the Aveyron!
More information
Puycelsi is built at an average altitude of 280 metres, Cordes sur Ciel between 159 and 320 metres and Castelnau-de-Montmiral between 150 and 486 metres. These heights are nevertheless sufficient to enjoy 360° panoramic views and that little feeling of dominating one's world.
Extend your stay in the heart of the medieval cities of La Toscane Occitane
Only one day in these beautiful villages is a bit short, isn't it? The peacefulness of these small towns makes you want to stay longer to discover the surrounding area, taste the local products, and perhaps push open the door of one of their beautiful houses and spend the night there? Hotels, bed and breakfasts and gites welcome you in Cordes sur Ciel, Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Puycelsi and Penne. You can also enjoy a gourmet break in the shade of old houses whose flower-filled windows let sweet fragrances escape.
Charles Portal Museum
Cordes sur Ciel
Cordes sur Ciel Medieval Festival
Play at knights and princesses in the Penne Fortress
The Gorges de l’Aveyron
Sunset over Puycelsi
Castelnau-de-Montmiral’s medieval market square
Plunge into the heart of our perched cities
