Cordes Sur Ciel, what to see in this beautiful medieval village in the South of France

One of the most pleasant surprises on my most recent trip through the South of France has been, without a doubt, Ropes on Sky.

The objective of this trip was to continue discovering more pretty towns of those that abound so much in the ancient Midi-Pyrénées region, now integrated into Occitania. which recovers the historical name of these lands.

Until this trip I had not had the opportunity to visit any place in the department of Tarn, starting with its capital, the highly recommended Albi with its imposing cathedral built with bricks.

Just 25 kilometers northwest of Albi is Ropes on Sky, which I can tell you must be a totally essential visit if you like them like I do. medieval walled towns.

Ropes on Sky, in front of others beautiful towns in the region that due to their size are more like villages, as would be the case of Conques o The Couvertoirade, has a certain dimension because about 1.000 inhabitants currently reside there.

Curiosities about the history of Cordes sur Ciel

But you should know that in this town past times were even better, when between the 5.000th and XNUMXth centuries it had great commercial strength and once housed up to XNUMX inhabitants.

It was a time in which there was a very important commercial activity in fabrics, silks and furs, and during it the merchants built large mansions of Gothic architecture that are now part of the attraction of your visit.

The origin of Ropes on Sky It was a little earlier, since this fortified town was founded in 1222 by Ramon II, Count of Toulouse with the purpose of becoming a defensive point against the advance of the troops sent to fight against the cathars.

Ropes on Sky It was located at the top of a hill and was surrounded by two fortifications, most of which are preserved.

Then, during the 15th century, the current neighborhood outside the walls was developed.

This is what it's like to visit Cordes sur Ciel, what to see and do

During Our experience visiting Cordes sur Ciel, the first thing we did was look for the best panoramic views of this walled town, which you have from the nearby hill Pied Haut.

That is the place from where I took the photo that heads this one. video you shouldn't miss.

And also the spectacular image that illustrates the town's tourist posters and brochures, in which the walled town It rises above a sea of ​​clouds caused by fog.

Seeing this panorama you understand its name Cordes “above the sky”, which a poetess put on not long ago, in 1985, and which has been officially adopted.

From there you can also see the beautiful and very green countryside landscapes that surround Ropes on Sky.

Once you park the car in the lower part of the town (there is a blue zone in most of it), to visit the fortified area you will have to climb the very steep Barbican Street.

On this tough climb you will be able to discover charming corners.

But when you pass through the gate in the first wall, you'll truly feel transported back to the Middle Ages.

That feeling increases once you pass through the second door and enter the interior of the walled enclosure of Cordes sur Ciel, which is not too big.

Elongated in shape, its beautiful half-timbered houses and mansions with Gothic facades are arranged along two parallel streets.

As a central axis, a garden square, another with the colonnaded enclosure of the old 15th century market, and a third square that opens in front of the church of san miguel, built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

In your walk through Cordes sur Ciel you will see the prominence that the artists and crafts shops, with numerous galleries and establishments of the most diverse trades.

And, of course, to highlight the great succession of manor houses On whose facades you can see the various Gothic styles, from the most primitive of the 13th century to the flamboyant one of the 15th century.

Medieval Festival of the Great Falconer in Cordes sur Ciel

A key to your possible visit Cordes sur Ciel is to make it coincide with the celebration of the medieval festival of Great Falconet, whose dates annuals are in mid-July.

This is how it coincided during my appointment trip through Occitania and I was able to see how the town is decorated with great color.

If you decide to visit Cordes sur Ciel during these dates, you'll experience a true medieval festival with a market and see a wide variety of performances and events (admission to the medieval site is €5).

Here you can see the official website and the program of events.

Without a doubt, a good pretext to approach visit Cordes sur Ciel.

Photos of Cordes sur Ciel in the south of France

Here you have more photos of the beautiful medieval town of Cordes sur Ciel in Occitania in the south of France.

Map: where Cordes sur Ciel is and how to get there

Ropes on Sky is just over an hour's drive northeast from Toulouse, south of France.