CYCL 1 - TOUR DU PORT DE BALÈS

It proudly overlooks the ancient site and the plain, offering an exceptional panorama of the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by ramparts, the remains of which can still be admired, the medieval town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges was once a lively and bustling place, with shops, inns and craft workshops, as well as vineyards and gardens. A hospital and a prison completed the urban organisation typical of the Middle Ages. At the heart of the city, the cathedral stands in a fortified enclosure known as the "scepte". This privileged space housed the episcopal palace, the canon houses, the cloister and the cemetery. According to medieval texts, a drawbridge linked this complex to the town. Walking through the narrow, winding and steep streets, visitors will discover a remarkable heritage, marked by history. Numerous stones and sculptures from the ancient city have been reused, giving the complex a unique character that blends Gallo-Roman heritage with medieval architecture. Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is a must-see in the heart of the Pyrenees. An Occitanie Grand Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela, the village invites you to take a journey back in time, through history, culture and exceptional landscapes.

Traditional cuisine from the South West. This traditional restaurant is located in a small street near the cathedral. The cuisine is family-style, the welcome is warm and the meals are served in a large, friendly dining room. The restaurant's speciality is stuffed chicken.