La Couvertoirade is a fortified village 20 kilometres north of Lodève in the Aveyron department, listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
The village has played an important role in this part of the Midi-Pyrenees since the 13th century when the castle was built by a chapter of the medieval Knights Templar, which played a key role in the development of the village.
By the 15th century La Couvertoirade was in the hands of the Hospitaliers who took over from the templars when they were banned in 1312. These hospitaliers built the ramparts, and La Couvertoirade continued to be an important local centre until the 17th century - hence most houses here date from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Explore La Couvertoirade
The remarkable feature of La Couvertoirade is the amount of the village that has preserved its original medieval character.
Much of the castle and the ramparts and towers of the fortified village still exist in very good condition, and it is one of the finest medieval fortified villages to be found in France. The ramparts and the incorporated towers, some square and some round, still encircle the village.
The castle was constructed by the templar knights at the end of the 12th century as a commanderie then reinforced as a castle in the 13th century - the fortified walls and a chapel were also built at this time.
The templars remained here until they were taken prisoner around 1307. Unusually for such an ancient castle the keep is still in good condition, and the ruins of the castle are very evocative.
The Church of Saint-Christol, adjacent to the castle, dates from the 14th century when the Knights of Saint John ruled the village: they rebuilt the original chapel. Take a look at the church cemetery which is cut in two by the fortifications that were built subsequently - part of the cemetery is inside the walls and part outside.
The remainder of La Couvertoirade and the fortifications were then built a few decades later. The walk around the top of the ramparts is unmissable for the views it provides both across the rooftops of the town and the countryside.
You can access the walk, called the 'Chemin de Ronde', via one of the grandest houses in the village. This is the 15th century Maison de la Scipione, built against the ramparts and once home to an important nobleman. In the house you can also see an exhibition about the history of the village.
Returning to the historic centre of La Couvertoirade you can see numerous very picturesque stone houses, with all streets eventually leading to the central square with cafes and in which musical events sometimes take place.
One particular feature you will notice as you explore the village within the walls is the number of houses that have an external stone staircase leading to the first floor. This floor was originally used for habitation while the ground floor was kept for livestock. This traditional layout has often been retained, although the ground floor is now more likely to be used as a gallery, restaurant or artisan workshop.
France This Way review: ideally to really get a feel for La Couvertoirade as it was in days gone by try and visit in the early morning or outside the summer peak months since the village is very popular with visitors during the summer.
Attractions nearby
La Couvertoirade is on the edge of the Regional Natural Park des Grands Causses, which has a great deal of scenic countryside and chances to enjoy the natural environment including the Cirque de Navacelles, and many small historic villages and towns such as Le Vigan and Lunas.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Aveyron guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
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Hotels in La Couvertoirade
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Map of La Couvertoirade and places nearby
Visit near La Couvertoirade with France This Way reviews
Lunas and area
Lunas is one of the villages in the attractive 'Land of Mountains and Springs' region of Herault
Lunas and area guide
Lodeve
It is undoubtedly the Saint-Fulcran cathedral that will form the centre of your visit to Lodeve
Lodeve guide
Avene
More famous for the beauty products produced here, the steep streets of the old village of Avene are also enjoyable to explore
Avene guide
La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite
The tiny village of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, in the Gorges de la Dourbie, is well worth a pause to explore
La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite guide
Le Vigan
Le Vigan is one of the most interesting towns to visit within the Cevennes National Park
Le Vigan guide
Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert
Even as you approach Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert along the Gorges de l'Herault you can see it is rather special - and you certainly aren't disappointed when you arrive!
Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aveyron
Tourist classifications for La Couvertoirade
La Couvertoirade is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Couvertoirade, Nant, Millau, Midi-Pyrenees, 12230, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.912, longitude 3.3161
Plan your visit to La Couvertoirade, Aveyron
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Le Caylar: village d'etape (5 km)
- Cirque de Vissec: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Cirque de Navacelles: grand site of france (16 km)
- Lodeve: recommended detour (20 km)
- Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Abîme de Bramabiau: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- St Guilhem le Desert ancienne abbaye (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (27 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert / Gorges de l'Herault: grand site of france (27 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert: most beautiful village (27 km)
- Valle du Salagou: grand site of france (29 km)
- Grands Causses: regional natural parc (30 km)
- Saint Jean de Fos pont du diable (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (30 km)
The French version of this page is at La Couvertoirade (Francais)