Are you planning to visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges in the Pyrenees? So here are the 8 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!
Located in Haute-Garonne, in the heart of Pyrenees , Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is ranked among the "Best Villages of France". This commune is an ancient Roman city that has become a high place of pilgrimage on the way to Compostela. Because of its rich history, it houses many classified monuments, some of them at UNESCO World Heritage. Would you like to discover this beautiful village of Occitanie? Follow the guide, we take you to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges!
1. La Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Richard Semik
If there is a building to discover if you come to visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, it is the sumptuous and gigantic Cathedral of St. Mary. But why is such a big church for such a small village? For 13 centuries, Saint-Bertrand was the seat of the Bishop of the Comminges . It was then an important medieval city where pilgrims flocked by mass.
The present cathedral has undergone several transformations and several epochs under the impulse of three bishops. Inscribed to UNESCO’s World Heritage for the paths of Santiago de Compostela in France, it is worth visiting both for its exterior and interior architecture. His gothic nave, his sculpted portal, his cloister, his organ and his chapels are all elements to contemplate during your visit.
2. Medieval City
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fabrice Descamps
Overlooking the ancient site and the plain, the medieval High City of the village is full of historic wonders to discover. The cathedral is only one among others. Along the turbulent streets, you can imagine the medieval village of ancient times. At the time, he was full of activities, with shops, inns, forges, shops, special houses, gardens and vineyards. The pilgrims then rushed to this beautiful village.
Among the unmissable remains, you can admire the wall around Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. The Bridaut House and the Notre-Dame des Bénédictins-Olivétains Chapel are also worth a visit.
3. The ancient vestiges of Lugdunum Convenarum
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dan Shachar
Among the essentials to be made in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one cannot fail to mention its ancient vestiges. On the current village, the city of Lugdunum Convenarum, an important aquitano-Roman centre, was located in Antiquity. Located in the Lower City, ruins include thermal baths, a temple and a forum.
Take the time to walk among the remains. Also read the interpretation panels to learn more. But above all, let your imagination run to imagine the ancient site!
4. Departmental Archaeological Museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Christelle Molinié
Located in a historic monument, the departmental archaeological museum houses many objects and treasures found on the excavations of the village. The collection thus covers about four centuries of the life of this important, ancient prefecture of the Convènes. You can admire the Augustian trophy, an exceptional set of sculptures and marble statues of the country.
If you come to visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, don't miss this museum!
5. Saint-Julien Chapel and the Paleochretic Basilica
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Father Igor
Unesco has listed the ensemble consisting of the Paleochretian Basilica and the Saint-Julien Chapel to the World Heritage of Humanity.
The first is one of the oldest Christian churches in southern Gaul, although it is impossible to date the building precisely. The Basilica survived the destruction of the Upper City by Gontran troops in 585. Not covered by a building, as in the Cathedral of Saint-Just in Valcabree, it remains next to the Chapel Saint-Julien. The latter is a simple religious building, which deserves despite the detour.
6. Saint-Just-de-Valcabre Basilica
Photo credit: Flickr – PierreG_09
If you come to visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, think about passing through the sublime Basilica Saint-Just-de-Valcabrère. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a large site in Occitania, it takes place alongside its neighbour the Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Built on a pagan necropolis and a Paleochreian cemetery, it is a symbol in Saint-Betrand.
7. The Comminges Music Festival
Created in 1975, this festival is dedicated to sacred music, chamber music and the interpretation of ancient music. It takes place in the prestigious setting of Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. The interpretations are made from the historic organ built in 1550 in the building. But some events also take place in other neighbouring religious buildings.
The festival takes place every year in July and August. If you come to this period, do not miss to attend!
Updated 2020 edition : Due to the health crisis, organ concerts organized by the festival will not take place this year.
8. Surroundings
Photo credit: Facebook – Grottes de Gargas
Also enjoy your stay in this most beautiful village to launch you in beautiful hikes. After all, Chemin de Compostelle passes through Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, and thus the Course of GR 78.
Not far from the village, you can also visit Gargas Caves . Sometimes called the cave of mutilated hands, it is one of the most famous caves decorated with the Upper Paleolithic in Europe! In Gargas, you will see engravings, animal paintings, geometric signs, symbols and especially negative hands.
How to get to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges?
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is located in Haute-Garonne, in the French Pyrenees. The nearest big city is obviously Toulouse, which is only an hour and a half drive from the village. To reach and visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, you will ideally need your own vehicle, car or bike .
By plane or by train, you can thus land or arrive in Toulouse. From Toulouse or Lourdes, Intercity or TER trains will easily take you to the Gare de Montréjeau – Gourdan-Polignan. From this city you can then reach the village by taxi, bus or by bike.
If you have a car (you can especially by rent one from Toulouse ), going to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges will obviously be quite easy:
- Toulouse Follow the A64/E80 towards Bazert/N125 and then N125 and D26.
- Lourdes : take the N21 to Tarbes. Then follow the A64/E80 towards Bazert/N125.
- Bordeaux : follow the A62/E72, then the A65/E7 and finally the A64/E80 towards Bazert/N125.
- Biarritz or Bayonne : you will also have to take the A64/E80 towards Bazert/N125 in Occitania.
Where to stay in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges?
If you plan to visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, you will necessarily ask where to stay. Fortunately, you will not miss options of accommodation in this charming Pyrenean village and its surroundings.
For example, you can opt for one comfortable hotel or a charming cottage, but also a flowery campsite or a lodging with the inhabitant thanks to Airbnb .
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