Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Valcabrère Reconnect with the past

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

La cathédrale Sainte-Marie

La cathédrale Sainte-Marie, CRT Occitanie_Patrice THEBAULT

La basilique St-Just de Valcabrère au 1er plan

La basilique St-Just de Valcabrère au 1er plan, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Why visit Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and Valcabrère?

  • A hotspot on the Santiago de Compostela routes (Piémont trail) and integral to the history of Romanity in Occitania.
  • The cathedral in St-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
  • Lugdunum-Convenae ancient site.
  • The majestic Pyrenean setting
  • Famous hiking and cycling trails (Via Garona, Véloroute de la Garonne).
Carte Saint-Bertrand-De-Comminges

Carte Saint-Bertrand-De-Comminges, F. Duvernoy/ CRT Occitanie

Must-dos

Climb to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

See how Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, as if suspended between the sky and the earth, stands out against the unspoilt background of the Pyrenean foothills! Climb up to this village surrounded by ramparts that blend into the rock. Wander down lanes lined with townhouses.

Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral, listed as UNESCO world heritage as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes. It dates back to the start of the Middle Ages. Architectural and decorative features were constantly added to it until the 16th century. Staggering!

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Great ideas for Saint Bertrand De Comminges

Visit the pretty hilltop village of Saint-Bertrand-De-Comminges. This #GrandSiteOccitanie is the perfect place to enjoy the peaceful, verdant ambiance of the Comminges region. Itinerary recommended by Elisabeth Amalric, organist.

Our favourite

Once inside the cathedral, you'll be blown away by the wooden choir stalls and stunning organ that are seen as Renaissance gems.

The old town

It's been waiting for you for 2000 years!

At the foot of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges you'll find the Lugdunum-Convenae ancient site ruins. The town was founded in 1BC and prospered until the barbarian invasions in 585. You'll see the forum, arena, thermal baths and gated square. Just imagine: 5-10,000 people lived here! Don't miss the early Christian basilica, one of the oldest Christian churches in Southern Gaul. It is listed as a World Heritage of Humanity site with the Saint-Julien Chapel.

La cité antique

La cité antique, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Useful information

A 19th century former convent houses the Olivetans on the cathedral's forecourt: this is your go-to to understand everything about the Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges site.

Find out more

Saint-Just de Valcabrère

More than a church; a wave of pure emotion

Saint-Just-de-Valcabère Basilica rises below Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges among the prairies in a Tuscan setting. It's one of the most impressive Roman churches in Occitania. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes. The basilica is built on top of a pagan necropolis and early Christian cemetery and you'll be blown away by its purity, simplicity and magnetism. The use of the old town's stones to build it only adds to its unique feel.

La basilique St-Just de Valcabrère

La basilique St-Just de Valcabrère, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Le Comminges

Le Comminges, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

On foot or by bike

Explore or reach the Comminges region

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges was a hotspot on the Santiago de Compostela routes for centuries. Hikers still pass by and several other footpaths and mountain biking trails snake through the Pyrenean plateau. Cyclists: hit the Véloroute de la Garonne which covers 106km from the Toulouse region to the Pyrenees. Hikers: set out on an adventure on the Via Garona "Grande Randonnée" hiking trail (GR®861) taking you from Toulouse to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges in 170km and 7 stages!

How to get there

  • By car: access from Toulouse via the A64, then on the A645 towards Luchon, and the N125 to Saint-Bertrand/Valcabrère. Montpellier is 3h30 by road, taking the A61 to Toulouse.
  • By plane: from Toulouse-Blagnac international airport (2h drive), or from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées international airport (50 mins).
  • By train: the nearest SNCF station is Montréjeau / Gourdan-Polignan 9 km away, on the Toulouse-Tarbes-Pau and Toulouse-Luchon TER lines. Coach and taxi services connect to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges.

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