Perched on a hill at the base of the Pyrenees mountains in southern France, Saint Bertrand de Comminges appears from the ground as a gateway to the heavens.
Once at the top, it takes only a few moments after passing through one of the village’s three gates to understand why it is amongst the most beautiful villages in France.
Importantly, there are two key sights to see here. In addition to the village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges upon the hill, you will want to see the Roman ruins of Lugdunum Convenarum at ground level.
It’s so lovely that even on a cloudy day, the area is beautiful.
Roman ruins of Lugdunum Convenarum
At the base of the hill leading to the village, we stopped to examine some of the remains of the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum, which once extended over the territory of several municipalities.
This Roman city was founded in 1 BC; however, its ruins were discovered in 1913.
Looking up on the hill, we got our first glimpse of Saint Bertrand de Comminges as it towers over the archaeological site of the Roman Ruins of Lugdunum Convenarum. The massive and imposing cathedral dominates the view of the village on the hill.
From the comments at the bottom of the page (comment by Off Grid Life):
“I spent 2 summers working on the Archaeological dig of the Forum and Theatre there … 1991, 1992 … Part of a team from the University of Ottawa and Carleton from Canada. St Bertrand de Comminges (Roman: Lugdunum Convenarum).
While we were there, we learned that the Cathedral was built on top of much earlier churches and even Roman Temples that were part of a much more ancient water Temple… supposedly a pool or large Bath complex.
King Herod was exiled to this place after he crucified Jesus the Nazarene, Yeshu ha Notzri, so there were many Treasure Hunters that would visit the area looking for the lost Treasure of King Herod, perhaps the Holy Grail and other Gold artifacts from Israel, that might be hidden here.
One time a group of archaeologists from Paris claimed to have found a stash of Gold coins far beneath the Catherdral, in what they called an ancient pool … and maybe the Holy Grail as well.”
Saint Bertrand de Comminges
When we visited, a shuttle took people up and down the hill for a nominal fee. The driver was on his lunch break when we arrived, so we walked. On a cooler day, it would have been a lovely walk with a gentle upward slope.
Steps aid in the steeper parts, thus creating a relatively easy walk. We opted to take the tram back down after our visit.
Charming narrow roads greeted us, many paved over the original cobblestones. The medieval and half-timbered 15th and 16th-century houses are a reminder that this was a wealthy town as well as a pilgrimage centre.
It was easy to understand how St Bertrand de Comminges was listed amongst the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France 2020”).
Cathedral of Sainte Marie of Saint Bertrand de Comminges
The romanesque-gothic architecture of the 11th – 12th-century Cathedral of Sainte Marie dominates the town’s picturesque skyline. The cathedral is the main site to visit. The area around the entrance door was my favourite feature of this masterpiece.
Inside the cathedral, we find renaissance stained glass windows, hand-carved choir stalls, the tomb of Bishop Bertrand de l’Isle, who was canonised in 1671, a 16th-century organ, a peaceful Romanesque cloister, and a seemingly out-of-place taxidermied crocodile hanging on the wall.
The cathedral is home to the former seat of the ancient Diocese of Comminges.
Olivetains (information centre)
The former monastery of Saint Bertrand de Comminges is now the local tourist centre. It provides traveller information, guided tours, a bookshop, and interesting artefacts from the region, including a 6th-century stone altar table.
Cultural centre
In a modern contrast to the rest of the town, this artwork sat outside the cultural centre when we visited.
Getting to Saint Bertrand de Comminges
For us, the charming medieval village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges was a stop as we drove from Lourdes to Toulouse in France.
- Self-driving is definitely the easiest way to get to Saint Bertrand de Comminges.
- If you are travelling Europe by Eurail, a local train from Toulouse will get you near Saint Bertrand, and then you will need to take a taxi or walk.
- Historically, it was a pilgrim stopover on one of the paths to Santiago de Compostela.
Where to stay
There is no shortage of places to stay in the Midi-Pyrenees region, with over 4,000 accommodation options covering the full gambit of hospitality.
However, there is only one in Saint Bertrand de Comminges. We visited as a half-day trip staying the night before in Lourdes and the night of our visit in Toulouse. We spent only a few hours between the two sites, and that included our walk up the hill.
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Trekking with Becky
How charming! One day was enough for everything?
Rhonda Albom
Depending on your definition of “everything” we did it all in a few hours.
Elisa
Never heard about Saint Bertrand de Commiges before but it is really beautiful! Well, actually there are many beautiful villages in that area in the Pyrénnées. Weird to find Roman remains in that area but I am sure it was a plus in your visit. Beautiful pictures, by the way!
Elisa
No, I’ve never been to Saint Bertrand de Comminges or France for that matter. It certainly looks like a charming village.
Michelle
Your photos blew me away – I almost feel like I’ve already been to Saint Bertrand de Comminges just looking at them! I’ve been to Santander but didn’t make it to Altamira, which is doable as day-trip I think – would you say it’s worth the trip?
Lara Dunning
I haven’t been to France yet, but touring its small town and villages is on my list! This looks like a great stop with lots of history and interesting sites. Love the photos, and I’m glad you rediscovered them.
Offgridlife
Yes… I spent 2 summers working on the Archaeological dig of the Forum and Theatre there … 1991, 1992 … Part of a team from the University of Ottawa and Carleton from Canada. St Bertrand de Comminges (Roman : Lugdunum Convenarum) . While we were there we learned that the Cathedral was built on top of much earlier churches and even Roman Temples that were part of a much more ancient water Temple… supposedly a pool or large Bath complex. King Herod was exiled to this place after he crucified Jesus the Nazarene, Yeshu ha Notzri, so there were many Treasure Hunters that would visit the area looking for the lost Treasure of King Herod , perhaps the Holy Grail and other Gold artifacts from Israel, that might be hidden here. One time a group of archaeologists from Paris claimed to have found a stash of Gold coins far beneath the Catherdral , in what they called an ancient pool … and maybe the Holy Grail as well.
Mei
We’ve always wanted to drive down to southern France to visit the Roman site of Lugdunum (for an archaeologist I should be ashamed that I still haven’t been there! Haha..), and of course also all the little French villages, like the medieval walled city of Saint Bernard de Comminges. Visiting the caves would also be awesome! Thanks for this great post!
Efthimis K.
This is so cute! I love how French pay attention to details especially with all the flowers in the houses. Saint Bertrand de Comminges reminds me of Yvoire, another amazing French village belonging to the most beautiful villages in France association. You should check it out as well for future escapes near lake Geneva!
knycx.journyeing
Thanks for the post as I didn’t hear about the town before, the cathedral is really striking as a first impression, and it’s nice to know that it is stunning inside as well!
Megan Jerrard
I can definitely see why St Bertrand de Comminges is listed amongst the most beautiful villages in France. I love the medieval charm, and am fascinated by history and archaeology, so the Roman ruins of Lugdunum would be my first stop.
The cathedral is stunning, love the cloisters. And I’m so excited by the idea that you can see Prehistoric cave art! France has some incredible caves which have a lot to say about history. Very cool!
Drew
I love stumbling upon these adorable villages in Europe. The sheer number of places like St Bertrand de Comminges that are off the typical tourist route makes them so much special. Plus, the classic French village also has a Roman ruin site! That’s amazing. I’ve done a few driving trips through Italy, France, and the Balkans, and it is great when you find little towns that you’ve never heard of before.
Rhonda Albom
I would love to do a driving trip like this through Italy sometime.
CHLOE LIN
This little town is so charming. I always want to go to France but I only know about Paris. Now I know it’s full of other charming towns around. Cathedral is really impressive, reminds of the churches I went back in Eastern Germany. Can’t wait to visit it by myself. 🙂
Priya Vin
Pyrenees is such a gorgeous area. We love the Southern France and visiting some of the beautiful villages that is part of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was the highlight of our road trip there one summer. Saint Bertrand de Comminges is so charming little village and you have captured it beautifully.
Kate
Another place I need to visit in France. What a beautiful medieval village! This kind of place is right up my street. I loved Bayeux and other places in Normandy because of the history and stunning architecture. I would definitely do a day trip here. You have a wonderful eye for photography. I love the slight moodiness of the first photo with clouds overhead. Great post
Simon
You are correct. Saint Bertrand de Comminges is indeed a charming little village. The lush greenery and the beautiful medieval architecture definitely adds to the charm of the village.
Ashley
There are so many beautiful little villages in France! We haven’t been to the Pyrenees, but would love to visit. Have heard great things about Toulouse too! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
budget jan
What an awesome town. I am an outdoorsy person – maybe that’s why I always enjoy Church Cloisters – it’s amazing to think this particular one being around since the 12th century. Gorgeous.
Jill
Beautiful photos! On my trips to France I’ve found that I love the small towns more than the big cities. I would love to do a tour of several small villages there someday and take my time.
Sarah Ebner
I haven’t been, but it looks really charming, as you say. Your pictures are beautiful (they always are!) and I’d love to see those Roman ruins. Really a lovely place to visit.
Ruth
First time I hear about this town! Like you mentioned, some of the scenes in here look like the classic French scenes we have in our minds. I enjoy discovering small towns so much.
Lolo
Looks like a really lovely little village! The kind I too would totally make a stop in!
Kavita Favelle | Kavey Eats
The Pyrenees is one of the areas in France I’ve not yet explored, but your photos of the beautiful Saint Bertrand de Comminges really make me want to head there soon. I love a place that has history, culture, charming local architecture, natural landscape and of course there is always great food!
Sreekar
Thats a cute little village if there was any. Looks characteristically french too. Loved the long shot of Saint Bertrand de Comminges. Epic!
Esther
Lovely! It looks like súch a typical French village. I can’t get over the fact how sleepy French villages are always so appealing, while sleepy villages in The Netherlands are often just… well **yawn** 🙂
Agness of eTramping
This village isn’t only charming but also very picturesque and awe-inspiring. It seems like being part of some fairy tale, Rhonda. How many days would be enough to explore this awesome French village?
Rhonda Albom
We explored this little village in a few hours. It’s small and there are so many places to see along the way. If you wanted to just relax and hang out, you could stay longer.
Paige
I’ve never heard of Saint Bertrand de Comminges, but it looks absolutely beautiful! I am always a sucker for old, walled cites though. I love that in addition to historical sites like the cathedral, there are natural things to explore.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
I haven’t heard of this town before but I want to go now. It’s absolutely beautiful and charming. It’s these kinds of undiscovered European towns that gets put on my travel wish list. Fantastic photo collection.
Jackie Smith
Oh,I adore these types of villages! Loved this post and have another place as result of it, ‘on my list’!
Anda
Saint Bertrand de Comminges exudes charm, indeed. I’ve never been in this part of France, but I’d like the idea of renting a car and driving through the entire country. It’s most likely the only way to enjoy discover and enjoy little villages like this one.
Kathy Marris
The charm just exudes from this village. Don’t you love it when you stumble across these mostly unheard of places in Europe? I would love to travel through France and these types of villages.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Oh my goodness. You can actually FEEL how old it is.
Mapping The Map
This village is really nice! The pictures are amazing. I particularly like the one of the cloister. There is a lot to see in France!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – so French as you comment … brilliant photos and commentary … love seeing it – one day I shall get there … I do enjoy the modern sculpture though – total contrast but so interesting … cheers Hilary
Amy
I like those decorations in front of the door, were they put there for a reason?
Tonya
I have yet to visit France but when I do, I want to visit Saint Bertrand de Comminges! Your photos sold it for me.
melody pittman
Nope, I haven’t been to that part of the country yet. Rhonda, are you a professional photographer? I have been a big fan of yours since I started blogging almost three years ago. You have a beautiful style that no other travel writer has through the angles of your pictures. They are stunning!
Patrick Weseman
I haven’t but it looks very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Joyce Lansky
You sure have been to many beautiful places. I’m glad you take photos!
Francesca
I so love such medieval towns. They’re so charming! And I’m a sucker for Roman ruins. Seems Saint Bertrand de Comminges is the place for me!
L. Diane Wolfe
Gorgeous area. I’ll have to ask one of my best friends if she visited the area during the month she was in France.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
The organ is quite impressive.
Looks like a great area to explore.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
very pretty!