Le sentier du Pas de Leille

Founded in the 12th century, Belleperche Abbey (Bella Pertica) was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in the south of France. At its peak, it had up to 80 monks, and numerous barns and farms ensured its prosperity. It was severely damaged during the Wars of Religion, but recovered from the end of the 16th century. The abbey became private property after the Revolution, and was then partially demolished. It has belonged to the Département de Tarn-et-Garonne since 1983. Today, the beautifully restored facades overlooking the Garonne River and house the collections of the Musée des Arts de la Table, as well as numerous events. A must-see !

It was built shortly after 1614 using materials taken from the abbey church when it was restored after the Wars of Religion. It is not a wash-house, nor is it a drinking water supply. The spring was used as far back as Antiquity by the Roman villa located further up the hill. It may have been the object of a domestic cult, Christianised in the form of a popular belief in its healing properties. At the beginning of the 17th century, the monks would have converted the site to accommodate the faithful and pilgrims. However, there are no records of the use to which this elaborate construction was put, and it remains something of a mystery. It's up to you to make up your own mind at the end of this walk.

The terrace on which the village is built offers a privileged dominant position that has attracted covetousness since ancient times. First owned by Moissac Abbey in the 9th century, the seigneury was given to Belleperche Abbey in 1182. In the 13th century, the monks' interests gradually came into conflict with those of the village, which became a bastide around 1265, with a community of inhabitants, consuls and autonomous management. However, disagreements with the lord-abbot continued, culminating in 1270 in the granting of a charter of customs by the Count of Toulouse, who then became lord of Cordes, with the abbey retaining ownership of the land. Today, Cordes-Tolosannes is a rural commune of 15.7 km² with 380 inhabitants.