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Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges through the ages

110 km south of Toulouse, built on a former Roman settlement, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges sits majestically at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. Founded in the 1st century BC, it is now an important centre for art, enriched by 2,000 years of history. This is a masterpiece of Haute-Garonne heritage, absolutely not to be missed.

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SAINT BERTRAND DE COMMINGES - Haute-Garonne (31)

Suspended between the sky and the earth, settled against the natural background of the Pyrenees foothills, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges appears like a vision. Renaissance-style houses are packed around the upper town, a true summit of spirituality symbolised by the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, and enclosed by a rampart carved straight from the rock.

Below the houses lie the sprawling ruins of the ancient city of Lugdunum-Convenae and its many Gallo-Roman relics.
The temple, built in marble stone from the Pyrenees, was probably dedicated to the cult of Rome and the emperor. The forum, structured around a vast portico courtyard, represented the economic and political heart of the city: this great building was surrounded by a gallery opening onto shop fronts. Nothing but ruins remains of the theatre, while a number of tombs are still visible in the original Christian basilica. The public baths were situated in the immediate vicinity, featuring an outside pool and warm and cold baths.

The Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, which dates back to the early Middle Ages, was continually enhanced with architectural and decorative features until the 16th century.
As a result, the Gothic cathedral is a blend of three churches, each from a different era and with its own style, where we can admire the square Romanesque clock tower, the door lintel representing the twelve apostles, the tympanum embellished with the Adoration of the Magi, a Romanesque cloister steeped in a palpable spiritualism, as well as a wooden chancel and a superb organ case - jewels of the Renaissance.

The Basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère is set below the small medieval streets of Saint-Bertrand and surrounded by fields. This Romanesque church is distinguished by its architectural features and sculptures, transplanted in situ from the major archaeological site of Lugdunum-Convenae.



The keys to discovery

> The Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and the Basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage trail.

> Located inside what was once a 19th century convent, the Olivetan cultural and tourist centre of the department of Haute-Garonne offers every opportunity to explore the site and the region of Comminges.
Opening onto the cathedral square, the Olivetan tourist and cultural centre provides exhibition halls for archaeological and contemporary art displays (two large exhibitions each year), a cultural bookshop, a tourist office and tour guides for visits to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges/Valcabrère.

> Visit the former Gendarmerie [national police station] of St-Bertrand-de-Comminges! The 18th century building has been restored and is now used to maintain and promote local heritage, and also as an exhibition space. The gardens provide a fine viewpoint from which to contemplate the Garonne valley.

> In July, be sure not to miss the Festival of Comminges which hosts some twenty concerts each year. Since it was created in 1975, the festival has developed on an international scale. New works created for each edition by great composers and young musicians alike, are a testimony to the vibrant quality of this festival.

> Discover Comminges on foot or by bike... In the heart of the Pyrenees, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is situated between the first mountain crests and the Garonne River. The surroundings are perfect for hiking, or cycling along the Garonne Véloroute. Open to both cyclists and motor vehicles, the 106 km-long road follows a charming route from Cierp-Gaud to Carbone. When it is completed, it will cover a distance of 150 km, from Toulouse to Luchon.

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