France > France regions > Midi-Pyrenees > Aveyron > (Massif Central) > Conques
Conques
Conques ('most beautiful villages of France') is about 30 kilometres east of Figeac, 35 kilometres north of Rodez, in the Massif Central
Tourist Information and places to visit
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are on holiday in this region of France DO NOT MISS CONQUES!!! I use a lot of superlatives throughout the 'most beautiful villages of France' section - but Conques is really something else. An awesome place.
Conques sits on the edge of the gorge of the River Dourdou, in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains and forests - the approach from the south is along an especially attractive stretch of river. In the village itself, parts of the original town walls and gates survive, sealing in the narrow village streets (many are cobbled) and many fine medieval houses spread out across the hillside - almost all sem to have great views into the valley below. It really is one of the 'not to be missed' villages of France.
When you have finished looking around Conques, and the abbey, walk down to the river (there is a bridge), and along the road on the other side of the valley for good views of the whole ensemble.
Conques has its origins, like many of the beautiful villages of France, in pilgrims. A hermit called Dadon settled here in the 8th century, and soon attracted a group of Benedictine monks to his side. One of those 'obtained' the relics of St Foy (pronounced 'fwa') from Agen and brought them to the monastery, where they soon attracted pilgrims due to their apparent ability to cure blindness. Soon Conques was a major stop-off point on the route to Santiago de Compostela.
Conques abbey itself was built in the 10th - 12th centuries, and the church and cloisters have an international and deserved reputation for their artistic merit. See for example the 'Last Judgement' above the western entrance of the abbey.
The monastery was in part destroyed in the 16th century during Protestant uprisings, and has been subject to extensive renovations during the past 125 years. Within the abbey there is a famous and extensive collection of treasure including a renowned, golden statue of St Foy herself. The Saint Foy abbey is officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearby: don't miss Belcastel and Figeac
Visit Conques, France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels
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Places to visit - Conques
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Conques.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Conques are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Conques
- Most beautiful villages in France
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Conques when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
