Take on our medieval cities to discover the best-kept secrets behind their picturesque facades, their little hidden corners and escape for a moment in the land of Tarn. Among these must-see villages, adventurers will choose their favorite by paying attention to the little secrets that are told! We take you to meet these architectural treasures, sometimes fortified, often perched. Are you more of a village of character on its rocky spur, a fortified city overlooking the valley? In guided tour mode, meeting artisans, strolling or activities? With or without a castle, we have what you need!
The haven of freshness of Cordes sur Ciel
Built in 1222 during the Albigensian Crusade, Cordes-sur-Ciel, perched above the Cérou Valley, is one of the oldest fortified towns in Occitania. This enchanting village, voted France's Favorite Village in 2014, enjoyed great prosperity thanks to the trade in cloth, silk, and leather. In the 13e and 14e For centuries, merchants and nobles built luxurious residences here: Maison du Grand Écuyer, Maison du Grand Veneur, Maison du Grand Fauconnier, and other Gothic palaces. While strolling along the cobblestones and steep streets of the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, you can admire strange architectural curiosities. On the ochre sandstone facades, dragons, animals, and characters come to life, dominating curious passersby. They have contributed 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. Since 2021, Cordes-sur-Ciel has been classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France©.
The Garden of Paradise, a Remarkable Garden
Not far from the heart of the medieval city, a contemporary stronghold of artisans and artists, on the last fortified terraces lies an oasis of freshness and greenery, the Garden of Paradise, classified as a Remarkable Garden. Strolling there is a pleasure for the senses, an enchanted interlude with oriental influences. A pleasant detour to enhance your visit to the village.
A city of arts and crafts
Throughout this dive into history, discover the many artisan workshops and artist galleries that open a door to ancestral know-how: ceramists, jewelers, glass blowers, leather, wood and enamel artisans.
For 800 years now, Cordes sur Ciel has remained timeless and steeped in history.
The treasure of Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Although it survived the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, this typical hilltop village overlooking the Vère Valley has retained its soul. There are no flamboyant abbeys or castles here. They disappeared long ago. But among the old half-timbered houses and the colorful, flower-filled medieval streets of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, its beautiful arcaded square is a place that invites you to take the time to contemplate. This preserved architecture has earned it the label "Plus Beaux Villages de France©" (Most Beautiful Villages of France) for over 10 years.
The village formed a protective cocoon. It was also a very useful lookout point, and the fortress was reputed to be impregnable. Today, it's a delightful escape to the surrounding area thanks to several trails accessible on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. Sometimes you enjoy the view of the hillsides, sometimes you cross them, the rows of vines guiding your path.
The City Treasure
The Reliquary Cross of the Counts of Armagnac
A few streets further on, you will discover that the Notre-Dame church houses a real treasure: the reliquary cross of the Counts of Armagnac. A source of pride for the villagers for several generations, it is said that it disappeared after the French Revolution before being found by a pig looking for food.
The Grésigne state forest
About ten kilometers from Castelnau-de-Montmiral lies a peaceful place, the Grésigne national forest, where the mystery of glassmakers reigns. The largest oak grove in the south of France, it's a must-see for outdoor recreation. Several trails await you to explore it in complete serenity on foot, by bike, and 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 preserved the mystery of medieval strongholds and takes you on a journey through time. Built on an imposing rock, Puycelsi is surrounded by a long rampart path that offers superb views of the surrounding landscapes depicted by vineyards, forests and hills. From this rocky spur, you can observe the changing colours of the trees throughout the seasons. Just as fiery, the sunsets of Puycelsi have acquired an exceptional reputation. A suspended moment... In the heart of the village, you feel the calm take over you with each step in the heart of its cobbled streets, dressed with half-timbered houses and white stone. With each step, you open your eyes to look for the many small animals that adorn the typical streets. This village has also been labeled Plus Beaux Villages de France© for over 10 years.
The patrol path at Puycelsi
Occupied since prehistoric times, the village and its surroundings also reveal vestiges of times gone by: chapels, walls, Roman road and charcoal kilns.
Saint-Corneille Church
Strolling through the narrow streets, you arrive at the entrance to the Saint-Corneille church, whose bell tower dominates the valley. On the portal is a sculpture of a pig, recalling a legend dating from the siege of the English. It is said that the people of Puycelsi made their only pig cry every day using a lance, thus simulating an abundance of feasting. Discouraged by succeeding in starving them, the English are said to have lifted the siege.
Step into the heart of the 35-meter-long nave and look up at the ceiling. It was created by the same artists as those of Albi Cathedral, an architectural gem in southwest France: same colors, same patterns, same enchantment!
Hilltop cities… but not too high!
- Puycelsi is built at an average altitude of 280 m
- Strings on Sky culminates at 320m from above
- Castelnau-de-Montmiral is at 486m from above
Sufficient heights to enjoy 360° panoramas and have that little feeling of dominating your world.
Between the stones of the Penne fortress
Here is a charming village nicknamed the eagle's nest or the citadel of vertigo. At the top of its rocky peak which rises 90 m above the valley, where the landscape of the nearby Aveyron gorges is outlined, the medieval fortress seems to take flight. From there, you have a breathtaking view of the Grésigne forest and the river flowing below.
Higher up, the remains of the dungeon are conducive to daydreaming. We invent a thousand crusades and adventures in a journey back in time and we enjoy this belvedere of old stones.
In the summer, an excavation site and a living medieval site allow visitors to discover the restoration work of the Château de Penne, with a team of motivated archaeologists and companions (the Medieval Builders) sharing their discoveries.
Coming down from the fortress, we stop at the central square of the village. The church of the 18the century and the Sainte-Madeleine des Albis chapel give it the appearance of a film set... A treat for dreamers as well as lovers of history and medieval architecture!
Medieval summer entertainment in Penne
Let's go lay siege to the fortress to discover the whole history of this unique place. Alone or guided by a storyteller who shares stories, military exploits or anecdotes, we dive back into the Middle Ages with authentic battles in armor, children love it!
Canoeing on the Aveyron
At the very bottom of the village, from where the castle imposes its impressive silhouette, we jump into a canoe and set off for a trip on the Aveyron!
