Discovery walking tour of Lagrasse

Step 1: The old Consulate door

Walking route

Start your journey at the location of theold door of the Consulate and go down the street to the Ancoule square (Ancola in Occitan, the buttress).

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.

Step 2: the Heritage House and the Saint-Michel church

Walking route

Take rue Paul Vergnes which will take you to the Heritage House. Former village presbytery, it is today the tourist information office and the permanent exhibition “Forgotten images of the Middle Ages” dedicated to medieval painted ceilings from Languedoc-Roussillon. Reading these ceilings leaves no one indifferent and allows us to have a new look at the Middle Ages.

THE HERITAGE HOUSE

Museums, interpretation centers and collections

THE HERITAGE HOUSE

LAGRASSE

Then, push the doorGothic church of Saint-Michel, classified as a Historic Monument, where there is a sublime 18th century altarpiece and incredible organs.

Step 3: Place de la Halle

Walking route

Sneak into the androne, the smallest alley in the village. It is a vestige of the establishment of the church, at the time when its construction had sacrificed part of the houses located on its route. In summer, look up, a magnificent bougainvillea reveals its branches over the wall and offers its colorful flowers to the view of curious onlookers.

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 4: the Old Bridge

Walking route

By continuing along rue des deux ponts, you will quickly reach the Old Bridge, first bridge built between the Benedictine abbey and the medieval city. In the Middle Ages, it was a toll place remarkable for its two crenellated gate towers 18 meters high. They were eventually demolished because their weight caused the bridge to bend.

Now, this place offers a nice view of the river and the abbey. Turn towards the village, from here you can admire the remains of the old ramparts. It’s also an ideal spot to take a selfie or a souvenir photo!

Step 5: the medieval Abbey

There you are! The abbey stands at the end of the street, just after the cemetery in which the village was located until the 12th century.

The legend of Philomena, the founding charter, dates from the 8th century. The building evolved until the 18th century and then split in two during the French Revolution.

This division still remains, so the monument can be visited in two stages : the oldest part, essentially medieval, reveals the first stones of the monument, the dormitory and the storeroom. 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 6: 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 (and swimming is supervised in 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 7: the Walk

Walk along the Promenade, the main street lined with century-old plane trees and take a break from one of the cafe terraces or restaurants.

You will certainly hear the soft accent of the South and perhaps even a few words in Occitan…