Condom cathedral visitor guide

Visit Condom cathedral, France

The cathedral Saint-Pierre is the principal historic monument in Condom, a market town in the Gers department (Occitanie region) of south-west France. It is in the centre of the town, and on one of the pilgrim routes that lead to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle.

Explore Condom cathedral

France This Way review: the cathedral in Condom has several interesting features and the interior has been well restored and is flooded with light, so is an interesting cathedral to visit

The current cathedral of Saint-Pierre is the second to be built in this location - the first was demolished in 1368, and a new cathedral built over the following 32 years. Because of subsequent transformations only small parts of this second cathedral can still be seen, the principal of these being the chevet (rear part) of the cathedral.

Most of the cathedral needed to be rebuilt 100 years later, after the belltower had collapsed and most of the cathedral was in a dilapidated state.

This rebuild was in a style of gothic architecture called 'gothic meridional' and was a variant of gothic architecture only seen in the south-central part of France. The cathedral we see today is largely unchanged from this 16th century cathedral.

The front of the cathedral is dominated by a large belltower, with a rose window and beautiful carvings above the door of Christ and four biblical animals. It is also from the front of the cathedral that you can see how substantial the buttresses are that support the cathedral, on either side of the tower.

The door on the south side of the cathedral, facing the Place Saint-Pierre, is the most impressive entrance with three gothic arches each containing a series of carvings of biblical figures and angels. Close to here you can also see the statues of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers, a symbol of the town.

On the north side of Condom cathedral you can explore the cloister of the cathedral. Ths is a very substantial construction in gothic style although it would be more impressive if it was restored to have grass or plants in the cloister, as with most cathedrals, instead of a large area of concrete...although I understand it is more lively and attractive during the summer when the cloister is used for various events.

Inside the cathedral there is a long nave that leads to the choir area. The nave has retained its 'keys' in vauted ribs of the ceiling, now restored and painted and very interesting but quite hard to see as they are so high up!

Around the choir area, the rood-screen is also very impressive with carvings and statues - perhaps the highlight of the cathedral - although this is a 19th century addition. There are also three stained glass windows in the choir of the church depicting scenes from the Bible.

Elsewhere inside Condom cathedral you can see various artworks and carved capital stones, as well as a rather modest 19th century organ and a statue of Saint Peter.

Attractions nearby

Although the cathedral is the main historic monument in the town there are other small sights to detain you: see the Condom guide for details or cathedrals in France for other cathedrals.

You can find more travel ideas in the Gers guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.