Who has not heard of the celebrated Order of Knights Templar - Military monks with their long white cloaks, bearing the red cross and who were responsible for organising the crusades? On their return from Palestine, some of the Order took up residence in Larzac in 1152… and it was to remain a residence of knights for 600 years.
They built the Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie, the mother-house of the Order and built strongholds at La Couvertoirade, Le Viala du Pas de Jaux and La Cavalerie. They organised this austere land and turned it into one of the richest areas in the Midi until they were seized by Philippe le Bel in 1312. (Were they too rich? Too powerful? Were they being blamed for failing to protect the Holy Sepulchre?) From then on it was the Knights Hospitallers who replaced them and carried on the tradition until 1792 and the French Revolution.
Today, a visit, whether with or without a guide, is quite an experience, such are the myths and legends with which these places are imbued.
Not to be missed!
- The Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie - www.conservatoire-larzac.fr
Sainte Eulalie de Cernon is cradled in the foothills of the Larzac plateau. The village grew under the administration of the Templars (1152 - 1307), and then of the Hospitallers until 1792. They were responsible for the building of the church, the Commandery, the construction of the ramparts and the bringing of piped water to the village…
- La Couvertoirade - www.lacouvertoirade.com
The name of the village first appears in the 11th century. But it was in the 12th century that the Templars arrived in Larzac and took possession of the site. You will find a place that is steeped in the eventful history of the Templars and of Larzac.
- Guided tours of the Templar citadels - www.ot-larzac-vallees.fr
There’s nothing like a guided tour for discovering all the secrets and mysteries of the Templar strongholds of the Larzac plateau!
The Templar Citadels of the Larzac on the map
Our holiday offers in the Templar Citadels of the Larzac
 Contact: Loisirs Accueil Aveyron Tel: +33 (0)565755550 e-mail: sla.aveyron@ wanadoo.fr |
 On the trail of the Most Beautiful Villages of France in AveyronWith the bright colours of its villages, its winding roads, carefully preserved landscapes and traditions, explore the ten Most Beautiful Villages in France that Aveyron has to offer. Stop wherever you like and, in carefully chosen hotels, savour the gastronomic specialities that make up the wealth of Aveyron.A round trip of 4 days / 3 nights, half board: from € 210.50/person in 2-star and 3-star hotels (April to October BOOK ONLINE |
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