From Les Hauts de Sauliès, set off to discover the medieval gems of the Tarn and Aveyron regions. From Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, nestled in a spectacular valley, to the fortress of Penne, perched on its rocky outcrop, to the hilltop town of Cordes-sur-Ciel, this itinerary combines history, art, and nature.
- Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val – 58 minutes
- Penne Fortress – 15 minutes
- Cordes sur Ciel – 30 minutes
- Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 1 hour 25 minutes
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val – Travel time: 58 min
Nestled in the heart of the “Noble Valley,” between the cliffs of Roc d’Anglars and the Aveyron and Bonnette rivers, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Occitania. Founded around a Benedictine abbey in the 8th century, the town prospered thanks to the leather and wool trade, and today retains its medieval architecture and picturesque narrow streets.
Its Sunday market, held in the 12th-century market hall, continues a centuries-old commercial tradition and brings life to the heart of the village. Among the treasures to discover are the 13th-century Saint-Antonin Church with its remarkable wood carvings, and the medieval bridge over the Aveyron River, a true postcard image of this historic town.
Penne Fortress – Travel time: 15 min
Dominating the Aveyron valley, the fortress of Penne was built at the end of the 13th century on the ruins of an ancient Cathar castrum that belonged to the Lords of Penne. A refuge during the Albigensian Crusade, it bears witness to a rich military and spiritual past.
Its defensive towers, fortified gatehouse, seigneurial residence, ceremonial hall, and medieval cistern offer a fascinating glimpse into seigneurial life. Destroyed in the 17th century and restored since 2006, the fortress has been reborn thanks to ambitious renovation work and welcomes visitors for tours and summer events.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesday to Friday)
Cordes-sur-Ciel – Travel time: 30 min
Perched on its rocky outcrop, Cordes-sur-Ciel is an exceptional medieval town, founded in the 13th century. Once a town of prosperous merchants, it still boasts magnificently sculpted Gothic palaces, symbols of its golden age. In its cobbled streets, fantastical beasts, Jacobean symbols, and alchemical signs tell the legend of this town suspended between heaven and earth.
Gothic Houses
The Gothic Houses Trail invites visitors to take a stroll in the footsteps of medieval builders. Designed by the Tourist Office, it highlights the different stages of Gothic architecture, from primitive to flamboyant, and allows visitors to discover the legendary and poetic heritage of Cordes-sur-Ciel.
Among the architectural gems are the Maison du Grand Fauconnier, the Maison du Grand Écuyer, and the Maison du Grand Veneur, famous for their sculpted facades. The latter, classified as a Historic Monument, features a remarkable hunting scene carved in sandstone, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Tourist
Office opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes
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Useful links:
- Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val Tourist Office
- Penne Fortress – official website
- Cordes-sur-Ciel and the Cordais region
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