Discovery walking tour of Lagrasse

Step 1: the Heritage House and the Saint-Michel church

Walking route

Welcome to the Heritage House This former presbytery now houses the tourist information office You will find all the information you need for your stay in Corbières Minervois. The Heritage House also houses the permanent exhibition " Forgotten Images of the Middle Ages » dedicated to the medieval painted ceilings of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Far more than mere decorations, these masterpieces tell the story of the bourgeoisie of the time, a blend of ostentatious displays of wealth and hidden gardens. As you explore the exhibition, you will discover the techniques of medieval artisans, but above all, you will learn to "read" these extraordinary ceilings.

The highlight of the show? A fascinating system of double interpretation. Depending on the direction you cross the room, the scenery changes its appearance:

• On one hand, you admire the prestige of the coats of arms and knights.

• On the other hand, you plunge into an imaginary world populated byfantastic animals and humorous scenes.

The exhibition is free for self-guided visits. It is also included in the guided tour. Lagrasse and its medieval painted ceilings with Carlos, who beautifully recounts the rich history of this Most Beautiful Village in France.

THE HERITAGE HOUSE

Museums, interpretation centers and collections

THE HERITAGE HOUSE

LAGRASSE

Then, push the doorSaint-Michel church, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. This building is protected under the Historical Monuments It houses true treasures, including a remarkable organ and an exceptional altarpiece dating from the 18th century.

Step 2: Place de la Halle

Walking route

Slip into the androne, the smallest alleyway in the village, immediately to the right as you leave the church. It's a remnant of the church's original location, when its construction meant sacrificing some of the houses along its route. In summer, look up: a magnificent bougainvillea will unfurl its branches over the wall, offering its colorful flowers to the curious.

On the right, take rue du quai, it will reveal the walls of the old convent of the Sisters of Nevers (17th century), the Maison Lautier with its corbelled floor under which painted closoirs are visible. Then take a break under the hall, a precious witness to the architecture of the Middle Ages.

Place de la Halle offers a timeless interlude. You can easily imagine the excitement that reigned at the time when merchants had numerous stalls there. Even today, the Hall is the place where the market every Saturday morning. Also, music festivals and exhibitions also take place here.

Step 3: the Old Bridge

Walking route

Continuing along Rue des Deux Ponts, you will discover the Old BridgeThis pioneering structure once connected the abbey to the town. In the Middle Ages, this strategic crossing served as a checkpoint on major trade routes. Crossing the Orbieu River was not free: travelers had to pay a toll, watched over by an imposing structure.

The bridge was then flanked by two imposing 18-meter defensive towers, equipped with crenellations. Although they ensured security and the collection of taxes, their colossal mass eventually weakened the structure. To prevent a collapse, these towers were removed in the 18th century.

This spot now offers a lovely view of the river and the abbey. Turn towards the village: from here, you can admire the remains of the old ramparts. This is one of the most photogenic panoramas in the city, so get your cameras ready!

Step 4: the medieval Abbey

There you are! The abbey stands at the end of the streetimposing and solemn, marking the entry into more than a thousand years of history.

Indeed, the history of Lagrasse has its roots in the very dawn of the XNUMXth centuryHis official birth certificate dates back to the year 779, when a charter, signed by Charlemagnegrants privileged rights to Nimfridus, the first abbot whose name has come down to us.

The monument can be visited in two stages The oldest part, primarily medieval, reveals its earliest stones in the north transept. You can also see the courtyard, the dormitory, and the cellar. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year.

LAGRASSE ABBEY

Religious sites

LAGRASSE ABBEY

LAGRASSE

The other part offers a meeting with the canons regular, and the discovery of the cloister and the church.

CANONIAL ABBEY OF SAINT MARY

Religious sites

CANONIAL ABBEY OF SAINT MARY

LAGRASSE

Step 5: the Water Gate and the Pleasure Tower

Walking route

Return to the village via the ford, it will take you to the body of water Saint-Jean, a popular swimming spot on hot days (swimming is supervised in the summer).

Then, go back up the path to la Water Gate, another vestige of the ramparts, then go up the street towards the Pleasure Tour and admire the panorama of the abbey, the river and the surrounding area (photographers take note!).

PLAN D'EAU SAINT JEAN

PLAN D'EAU SAINT JEAN

LAGRASSE

Step 6: The Old Consulate Gate

Walking route

From the Water Gate, take Rue Lafayette and continue to Rue Paul Vergnes. From here, you can already see Rue du Consulat and the Ancoule square.

This square is a popular meeting place for locals. You will surely see them chatting on the bench in the shade of the olive tree.

Walk back up the street towards the Promenade Boulevard. You have just passed through the old Consulate Gate, one of the many original entrances that have now disappeared.

Step 7: the Walk

Your journey through time ends here, in the shade of the centuries-old plane trees of the Promenade BoulevardTreat yourself to a break at one of the cafe terraces or restaurants. Take advantage of this suspended moment to savor the Languedoc way of life before continuing your discoveries in our beautiful region.