Nestled in lush greenery on the banks of the River Dourdou, Conques deserves its place among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. This major stop on the Way of St James has everything to charm you, from its Romanesque architecture to its stained glass windows designed by Pierre Soulage. Be sure to visit during your camping holiday in Aveyron.
You arrive in Conques by following the winding road that runs alongside the River Dourdou. The village suddenly appears around a bend, clinging to the hillside. It is easy to imagine the admiration of the pilgrims who once followed the Way of St James when they first discovered this magnificent village built entirely of red stone. For a thousand years, Conques has attracted pilgrims on their way to Spain. Its Romanesque Abbey of Sainte-Foy was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. It can be found at the end of the long pedestrian street that runs through the village. It is at sunset that it takes on its full majesty, when the sun illuminates its western tympanum. This sculpture depicting the Last Judgement through 124 figures is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque art. When night falls, from May to October, it is highlighted by polychromy, reminding us that it was once enhanced with bright colours. Enjoy the spectacle during your camping holiday in Conques in Aveyron.
Trésor et vitraux de Pierre Soulages de l’abbaye Sainte-Foy à Conques
In addition to its sumptuous façade, the Abbey of Sainte-Foy in Conques conceals many treasures. It houses 250 capitals spread over two levels and beautiful stained glass windows by the painter Pierre Soulages. The painter was born in Rodez, a few kilometres from Conques, and he acknowledges that his love of art was born when he discovered the abbey. If you want to learn more about the painter during your camping holiday in Conques in Aveyron, you can also visit the museum dedicated to him in Rodez. After admiring Pierre Soulages’ stained glass windows, you can go and see the Trésor de Conques. This collection of religious gold and silverware is the most comprehensive in France. Its centrepiece is the reliquary statue of Sainte-Foy, which dates from the 9th century.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
Stroll through the medieval streets of Conques
While the abbey is the highlight of any visit to Conques, the rest of the village should not be overlooked. As you wander through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, the secrets of this little town are revealed: half-timbered houses with slate roofs, bread ovens, fountains, etc. Once fortified, Conques has retained several defensive features such as a tower and the Vinzelle gate. On the heights above the village, the Château d’Humières is a fine example of 15th- and 16th-century civil architecture.
Medieval bridge over the Dourdou River
Leaving the village centre and following the GR65, the route taken by pilgrims to reach Conques, you will arrive at the medieval bridge over the Dourdou. This bridge dates from the 14th century. It has five arches and is 40 metres long. It was an obligatory crossing point for pilgrims. On your way, you will come across the Sainte-Foy chapel. Tradition has it that pilgrims ring a bell here and wait for the monks of Conques to respond.
Leave a Review