Cordes Sur Ciel

Perched on a hilltop, Cordes-sur-Ciel unfolds its medieval streets up to the summit. Founded in 1222, the town captivates visitors with its Gothic houses, fortified gates and sweeping views.

Founded in 1222 by Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a medieval new town created in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade. Often mistakenly described as a bastide, it is in fact a castrum settlement, built on a hilltop and structured by defensive considerations.
The town is arranged in concentric circles around the summit of the Mordagne hill, overlooking the Cérou valley. Steep streets, fortified gates and successive ramparts reflect this adaptation to the terrain. As visitors make their way up through the town, they discover an outstanding architectural heritage, including richly decorated Gothic houses dating from the town’s economic peak in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Today, the town is home to numerous artists’ studios and craft workshops, contributing to its vibrant and creative atmosphere.
Now listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Cordes-sur-Ciel is also known for the mist that sometimes surrounds the hill, creating the impression of a village floating above the clouds.
To explore the town in a different way, the EnQuête(s) free app offers a self-guided tour enhanced with interactive and immersive content, revealing hidden details and stories of the site. The app is also available in English.

Animaux acceptés : Non

Ouverture du 01 January 2026 au 31 December 2026

Paid parking: €2 from 1 November to 28 February – €6 from 1 March to 31 October
Car parks: Les Tuileries, La Bouteillerie or Saint-Crucifix
Free parking on Saturday mornings (market day)
30 minutes free parking for access to shops (blue zone)
Motorhomes (Les Tuileries car park): €8 for 24 hours
Tourist or leisure coaches: €20
Shuttle train (April to November) to reach the upper town (from €3.50)