Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

Visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Midi-Pyrenees

Saint Bertrand de Comminges is one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', situated on a small hill 50 kilometres south-east of Tarbes in the Pyrenees. The village is in a lovely sleepy location, surrounded by the lush green valleys of the region and overlooked by the Pyrennean foothills.

Built on the site of a Roman city, it was once a large town called Lugdunum Convenarum, where Pompeii ruled over 10,000 inhabitants. Things have changed slightly and the village now has about 250 inhabitants!

Exploring Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

While it is the cathedral that dominates the village, there are several other interesting sights here that date back to the Roman era.

The village is entered through one of the medieval entrances through the ramparts (three of these entrances are still in existence, as are a substantial part of the fortified walls). Inside the walls the streets of the town contain a good number of medieval and half-timbered houses, reminding us that in the 15th century Saint Bertrand was again an important regional centre and pilgrimgae centre.

Among other interesting buildings in Saint Bertrand de Comminges you can see some very traditional barns of the region, with their impressive carpentry work clearly visible, and the house that is now the post office is a splendid 15th century town house known as Maison Bridaut.

There are also some excavated remains of the original Roman city to see, including the sites of the original temple, theatre, baths and forum, on the plains below the village, along with the foundations of a very early (5th century) church.

Saint Bertrand de Comminges cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint-Mary overlooks and overshadows the quiet centre of the village. Not exactly understated, it looks as much like a fortress as a cathedral and was built from the 12th century. The cathedral combines both roman and gothic styles, and is a highlight of a visit to St Bertrand de Comminges.

Note in particular the belltower, the cloister (one of the oldest parts of the cathedral), the entrance gate and renaissance period stained glass windows. Don't miss the carvings in the choir - a fine show by the best of Toulouse craftsmen in the early 16th century.

Attractions nearby

Enthusiasts of roman architecture will want to visit the basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère. Also just outside the village and dating from the 12th century this church has a particularly lovely entrance with statues of the saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Likewise, further evidence of the importance of the region to the Ancient Romans can be seen at the roman villa at Montmaurin.

Tourist classifications for Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Lizier 46km; Cazeres 46km; Tarbes 47km; Saint-Girons 47km; Lourdes 49km; Mont Perdu 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Gouffre d'Esparros - site of natural beauty (20km) : Jardin de la poterie Hillen - remarkable garden (30km) : Lac d'Oo - site of natural beauty (33km) : Grottes de Médous - site of natural beauty (34km) : Col du Tourmalet - site of natural beauty (37km) : Jardin Massey - remarkable garden (47km) : Cirque de Troumouse - site of natural beauty (50km) : Cirque d'Estaubés - site of natural beauty (55km) :

French version: see Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (Francais)