Summary
- 1. The Garden of Paradise
- 2. The facade of the Grand Veneur's house
- 3. St. Michael's Church
- 4. The Cajarc Mill
- 5. The Sugar and Chocolate Arts Museum
- 6. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- 7. The Saint-Michel cellar
- 8. The Charles Portal Museum
- 9. Medieval alleys
- 10. L'Escuelle des Chevaliers
- 11. La Manufacture Gourmande
- 12. A guided tour in a small train
- 13. The Gothic Houses circuit
- 14. The medieval hall
- 15. The Abalone Gate
- How to get to Cordes on Ciel ?
- Where to sleep in Cordes on Ciel ?
Climb up to Cordes sur Ciel in the Tarn this summer. To visit Cordes sur Ciel at its best, here are 15 activities and places to see!
Let yourself be surprised by this medieval village in the assault of the clouds. Whether you stay a few days or a week in Cordes sur Ciel, many activities are within your reach. More than 650 kilometres of mountain bike trails are approved in the area. From Albi, you can become a passenger of the wind and enjoy a ride in a hot-air balloon alone or in a group. And for beer lovers, the artisanal microbrewery Sainte-Cécile welcomes you just a few steps away. But today, we only tell you about the 15 places to visit Cordes sur Ciel at best.
Also read :
The 21 must-do things to do in Occitania
The 9 most beautiful villages of Occitania
The 20 most beautiful villages in France
1. The Garden of Paradise
This private garden located on the Place du Théron in Cordes sur Ciel bears its name very well. The list of beautiful things to contemplate in this garden is immense !
- First of all, you can find there an old wash house and its new residents: Koi carps.
- Then, you will enjoy an atypical fountain placed on a staircase that slopes from jump to jump. You will then come across pools in which water lilies, aquatic plants and pretty frogs have found refuge.
- Finally, the charming owner will tell you the story of the Garden of Paradise and its twelve distinct spaces. You can see a vegetable garden, fruit trees and an exotic garden, among others.
In short, allow enough time to see it all. Or come back the next day to finish your tour. If there's one place not to be missed to visit Cordes sur Ciel, this is it.
2. The facade of the Grand Veneur's house
Built on four floors, the Grand Veneur's Gothic house has been classified as a historical monument since March 8, 1923. Built in the Middle Ages, it has kept all its charm of the time.
The facade made of beautiful regular sandstone gives a lot of authenticity to the whole building. Its important carved decoration includes hunting scenes which gave the house its name. You will be able to contemplate them for hours, letting your imagination run wild... Visiting Cordes sur Ciel is also to let yourself go in reverie.
3. St. Michael's Church
Between beautifully crafted furniture and period stained glass windows, you won't know where to start when you arrive in front of the church of Saint-Michel.
This church is open every day in July and August. Depending on the availability of the guides, you can even enjoy a guided tour. Given the beauty of the building, this step should be written in your road book to visit Cordes sur Ciel.
4. The Cajarc Mill
Spend a few hours near this mill and forget the time... You will discover an idyllic place, very quiet, conducive to daydreaming. You can even stay there and wake up each morning to the gentle sound of a stream. The owners are warm and friendly and love to exchange. They will not hesitate to tell you little known facts about the beautiful Cordes sur Ciel.
As a bonus, the house is equipped with musical instruments and places to practice them. Musicians, musicians, come and set up a group for a weekendend !
5. The Sugar and Chocolate Arts Museum
The permanent exhibition of this exceptional museum includes works of art made of sugar and chocolate. Mr. Yves Thuriès and other Meilleurs Ouvriers de France are the authors of these breathtaking creations.
The rich career of the passionate Mr. Yves Thuriès will be displayed on the walls throughout the visit. And to finish on a gourmet note, you will have the chance to participate in a free tasting. Visiting Cordes sur Ciel and resisting this tasting would be sinful!
6. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
In the magnificent residence of the Grand Falconnier, you will have access to the Cordes sur Ciel Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. But before entering, take a few minutes to observe its 14th century Gothic façade, its arcades and its spiral staircase. Once you've been inside, you won't know what year you're in. The MAMC offers permanent and temporary exhibitions. Many contemporary artists are exhibited there throughout the year.
Rates: 4€ full rate, 2€ reduced rate.
7. The Saint-Michel cellar
If you wish to visit Cordes sur Ciel while drinking good wine, the Saint-Michel cellar is the place to go. Pourquoi ? Because the manager knows all the producers of the region personally. What's more, the choice is very wide and the prices are very affordable. Depending on your wishes, he will be able to advise you on the perfect wine.
This is a good address for the discerning palate and lovers of good wine.
8. The Charles Portal Museum
The Charles Portal museum tells the story of the village of Cordes sur Ciel from prehistory to the 19th century. What better way to visit Cordes sur Ciel!
Objects, videos and explanatory panels will captivate you for about 1h15. After that, this village nestled above the clouds will have no more secrets for vous ! The museum is open from June 1st to August 31st every day except Tuesday from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
9. Medieval alleys
Access to Cordes sur Ciel is on foot. From the first step of the stairs leading to the car park, you will be captivated by its strong character.
Get lost in its little cobbled streets with your eyes up in the air. Then be amazed by the sumptuous views of the surrounding valley. Observe its many Gothic houses, fortified gates and vaulted passageways. Finally, walk through the workshops of craftsmen, jewellers and painters. You may succumb to the charm of one of the works and leave with it. Visiting Cordes sur Ciel holds many surprises.
10. L'Escuelle des Chevaliers
This 14th century building is a medieval inn. Pilgrims, travellers and paladins are welcome here. Whether you wish to have lunch or to regain your strength until the next day, this place full of history will welcome you with open arms. Put yourself in the shoes of medieval characters for a soirée !
11. La Manufacture Gourmande
Located at the Porte des Ormeaux, the shaded terrace of this restaurant will offer you a breathtaking view of the valley.
The menu changes very often to allow the locals to have new surprises. Excellent home-made pastries or delicious sandwiches, you will find what you are looking for, whatever time you choose. A small corner of calm where serenity reigns supreme. Before you set off again to visit Cordes sur Ciel, try the local speciality: Cordes' almond crisps. You're going to raffoler !
12. A guided tour in a small train
This place of fascination has its own little train. To visit Cordes sur Ciel, go to bord ! Within anhour and a half, you will know all about the fascinating history of this unique village. With family or friends, you can rest your feet and fill your brain at the same time.
Departures in July and August are every day from Monday to Sunday at 11am, 3pm and 4pm and Saturday at 3pm and 4pm. All the sanitary instructions will be announced before the departure which will take place at the Bouteillerie. Go to occasion !
13. The Gothic Houses circuit
Visiting Cordes sur Ciel without doing the circuit of the Gothic Houses is unthinkable! On foot this time, this circuit has been designed by the tourist office to help you discover this jewel of Gothic art. Its aim was to highlight the golden age of the city while highlighting its architecture of yesteryear.
To obtain a road map, go to the tourist office.
14. The medieval hall
24 high stone pillars maintain this historic monument and commercial space of yesteryear. In the past, it was here that fabrics and leather were sold.
Today, it houses a small terrace where you can enjoy a fresh mint diabolo. When travelling and especially if you walk a lot, a break is always good méritée !
15. The Abalone Gate
This medieval gate was originally intended to protect an entrance to the city. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1910. The Charles Portal Museum has been housed in the tower and the Fabre House since 2008. Visiting Cordes sur Ciel without seeing this must-see would be a mistake!
How to get to Cordes on Ciel ?
To go to Cordes sur Ciel, several possibilities are available to you:
- By road: by the A20 from Paris (exit Caussade), the A68 and the D922 from Toulouse to Cordes or by Rodez and Carmaux from Montpellier (three hours drive).
- By rail: only five kilometres from the old town is the Cordes-Vindrac train station. It is served daily by Brive, Albi and Toulouse.
- By air: by buying a ticket to Toulouse-Blagnac airport, which is about 90 kilometres from the village.
Where to sleep in Cordes on Ciel ?
Here again, you have a wide choice (in addition to the Moulin de Cajarc, of course).
- For a romantic weekend getaway, opt for a bed and breakfast at Le Secret du Chat. You will enjoy a refined stay in a bourgeois house. You can taste wine or daydream in its south-facing hanging garden. A dose of well-being assurée !
- As a family, why not opt for an Airbnb? Some charming houses located in the middle of nature are really worth the detour. Finally, for the more adventurous, prefer a bohemian and cosy caravan.
- Because isolation can also rhyme with luxury, you will have access to a private jacuzzi. For this unusual accommodation, book at Aanda roulotte & spa now.
And voilà ! You know all about the places to visit in this old village at altitude. The inhabitants of this medieval village await you with open arms. And if you find other good addresses, add them as comments. At Génération Voyage, we love discoveries.
