Take some time in Monestiés and meet with a picturesque medieval village. You will be charmed by this “circulade” (traditional village built in concentric circles), listed among “ The Most Beautiful Village in France”.

This ancient city, nestling in a curve of the Cérou, will offer a peaceful walk through medieval lanes, Candèze’s door (last evidence of the old fortifications) and its bridge (XIIthcentury).

 

Push the door of Saint-Jacques’ chapel and let yourself being touched by the startling limestone statues that it hosts. 20 impressive life-sized characters. The realism of the figures is highly innovative for this period of time (1490). Facial expressions, outlines and postures won’t let you indifferent. The statuary work representing The Passion of The Christ, commissioned by Albi’s bishop Louis 1st d’Amboise, is today a prominent piece of work in the region and the only of its kind in Europe.

On a totally different note, it is the pictorial work of two Spanish artists from La Retirada (refugees from the civil war) .

Come out enriched by this tour…you will come back!

 

Visit the village :

Point d’Accueil Touristique de Monestiés

Place de la Mairie 81640 Monestiés
Tel : (+33) 05 63 76 19 17

Opening hours :

• From 15 april to 12 juin : open every days from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 17h30,
• From 13 june to 18 september : open every days from 10h to 12h30 and from 14h to 18h,
• From 19 september to 28 october : open every days from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 17h 30