Things To Do in Cordes-sur-Ciel

Sometimes called “the city of a hundred Gothic arches,” the winding narrow streets are full of maisons gothiques of pink sandstone. The Grande Rue Raymond VII, also called rue Droite, is lined with houses, distinguished by 13th- and 14th-century pointed arches over the doors and windows. The old citadel or “upper town” runs along the ridge; the “lower town” hugs the eastern end of the old town.

You get to the upper town via the steep Grand-Rue de l’Horloge from the Maison de Pays (8 pl. Jeanne Ramels-Cals), which organizes the Saturday market in place de la Bouteillerie and sells good regional products.

Maison du Grand-Fauconnier (House of the Falcon Master), Grand'Rue, is named for the falcons carved into the stonework of the wall.

Eglise St-Michel, Grand'Rue, dates from the 13th century, but many alterations have been made since. From the top of the tower you can view the surrounding area. Much of the lateral design of the side chapels was likely influenced by the cathedral at Albi. Before being shipped here, the organ (dating from 1839) was in Notre-Dame de Paris.  Admission is free.