Notre Dame de Grace
Description
Treat yourself with an hour and a half getaway on the right bank of the Dourdou river, opposite the village of Saint-Izaire. This circuit is like going on an original pilgrimage to the 14th century chapel which is perched on top of a hill.The starting point is the Place de la Bascule (carpark under the bridge), cross the bridge.At the roundabout take to the left towards Broquiès. After approximately 50 m, head directly to the almost only tricky part of this walking route: a 100 m long steep path that leads to the foot of ND de Grâces Chapel. At the rear of the chapel, you will find a small enclosed area to relax and enjoy a scenic view over the village and the plain. A pilgrimage, well known in the region, takes place every year (nowadays, on August 15th) with an open air mass which is celebrated in the enclosed area.Carry on to the left towards the former hôtel Bellevue, leave the tarred road to ascend straight on the path called « chemin du château d’eau ».Keep walking until you reach a carved standing stone to the right, a notice board displays the history of the statue. Then, carefully follow the marking signs, for here several tracks head in all directions. The one which is to be followed is the most to the right, it is narrow, uneven, runs downhill and goes back to the Dourdou plain.Next, follow to the right the ancient railway until you reach a junction again on the right that rises to the chapel. Enjoy once more the view over the plain.Then retrace your way back to the starting point.
Technical informations
4.8 km
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max. 352 m
min. 256 m
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Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Le pont de Saint-Izaire
Jusqu’en 1859, la traversée du Dourdou se faisait par un bac ou à pied par le gué ou par une passerelle (la Planqua en occitan, qui reste le nom du quartier rive droite). Le premier pont construit tout en grés rouge en 1859 fut emporté par une crue en 1930 et remplacé par l’actuel pont suspendu en béton.
Village de Saint-Izaire
L'histoire de ce village se confond avec celle du vieux château épiscopal, résidence d'été des évêques de Vabres.Il est fait mention du nom de ce village pour la première fois dans un acte de 862.Au XIIème siècle, invasions, brigandages et luttes entre féodaux font régner une terrible insécurité et il est vraisemblable que le village s’enferme peu à peu dans des remparts qui deviennent le refuge des habitants des environs lors des désordres. Le château et le bourg fortifié datent des évêques de Vabres qui font de Saint-Izaire leur résidence d’été ainsi qu’un solide refuge.A la fin des guerres de religions, avec le retour de la paix, cette enceinte a perdu son rôle de fortification, elle a été percée de fenêtres, les portes fortifiées ont été démolies pour le passage des charrettes ou pour agrandir les maisons voisines. Le tracé des rues, ruelles et maisons est inchangé depuis le Moyen-âge, et dans certaines rues on peut encore voir de très belles façades et fenêtres du XVème siècle.
Chapelle Notre Dame de Grâce
Sanctuaire fondé par Alix de Castelnau.Cette chapelle existe depuis au moins le XVème siècle, où elle portait le nom d’Ouradou (oratoire).Elle a été restaurée en 1730 et au XIXème siècle; on y a remployé alors la porte de l’escalier du château.
Statue menhir du Mas Capelier
Cette statue possède tous les attributs féminins : seins adjacents à la pendeloque en forme de Y, jambes disjointes, chevelure représentée dans le dos par une bande du sommet de la tête jusqu'à la ceinture. Les yeux ronds, à la hauteur du nez, surmontent les tatouages des joues faits de quatre traits parallèles.
Points of interest
Village of Saint-Izaire
The history of this village is intertwined with that of the old Episcopalian castle, which was formerly the Bishop of Vabres summer palace. The name of the village was first made mention of in an official document dating back to 862 AD.During the 12th century, continual invasions, acts of banditry and battles between feudal lords created a tremendous insecurity. This led to the building of battlements to improve the defensive system and providea safe haven to the neighbouring people during periods of turmoil. The castle and the fortified village date back to the time of the Vabres bishops who made the village their summer residence and a safe refuge.When the religious wars were over and peace restored, the protective wall lost its primary function and so today the façade of the castle has windows inserted along its length. The fortified gates were also demolished to allow the passage of carts or to expand the neighbouring houses. The villagestreet, footpath and house pattern has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages, and the beautiful 15th century facades and windowscan still be seen in some streets today. The old church part of the battlements had its vault lowered in 1635 to provide housing to the schoolmaster and guards. In 1650 repair works were started by the Consuls.
Notre Dame de Grâce chapel
This sanctuary which was founded by Alix de Castelnau has existed since at least the 15th century, when it was called Ouradou (oratory). This chapel was refurbished in 1730 and during the 19th century, the stairway door of the castle was then brought back into use.
Carved standing stone of the Mas Capelier (B) This statue displays all of the feminine feature
This statue displays all of the feminine features: breasts are depicted either side of the Y shaped pendant,legs are set apart and the hair is tied back and depicted by a stripe down the back from the top of the head to the belt. The eyes are wide open set either side of the nose above tattooed cheeks represented by four lines.
Additional information
Public transport
Travel by bus or train: lio.laregion.fr/carpooling : BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Mobicoop, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin
Advice
Box tree months are active from May to October. During the caterpillar phase, they feed on the leaves of box trees. They crawl down trees and move on long silken threads, although these threads are annoying when hiking they do not pose any health risk
Advised parking
Place de la Bascule (carpark under the bridge)
Access
From Millau, follow the D992, then the D999 up to Vabres l’Abbaye, from Albi, follow the D999 up to Vabres l’Abbaye. Once in the village, proceed to the West via the D25. Saint-Izaire is located 16 km from Vabres l’Abbaye.
Arrival
Place de la Bascule, Saint-Izaire (carpark under the bridge)
Ambiance
From the village of Saint-Izaire, reach the opposite bank and ascend to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a restored medieval shrine that overlooks the Dourdou plain. A carved standing stone and the native home of Canon Hermet who was an expert on the subject, delineate this heritage loop which also follows an old railway.
Departure
Place de la Bascule, Saint-Izaire (carpark under the bridge)
Data author
