SITE ANTIQUE

Listed as a Historic Monument.
The ancient city of Lugdunum is over 2,000 years old... The Grand Site of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges/Valcabrère is well worth exploring, with its range of monuments from different periods.

Founded in the 1st century BC, the capital of the Convènes territory (slightly larger than modern-day Comminges) covered an area of 36 hectares and had an estimated population of between 5,000 and 10,000. The oldest remains found on the site date back to the time of Emperor Augustus (27-14 BC).
Only part of the ancient heritage is visible today, including the thermal baths, the market and the theatre.

At the foot of the medieval town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, the archaeological site of Lugdunum Convenarum invites visitors to step back nearly two thousand years in time to discover one of the most important ancient cities in south-western Gaul. Founded at the end of the 1st century BC, this prosperous Roman city occupied a strategic position between the Pyrenees and the Garonne valley, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges with the entire Roman world.

Today, the preserved remains bear witness to the wealth and importance of this former capital of the Convènes. As visitors explore the site, they discover the traces of a genuine Roman city with its ancient theatre, thermal baths, forum, places of worship and imposing monumental market, considered one of the largest in Roman Gaul. These remains allow us to imagine the daily life of the inhabitants who once brought the streets of this flourishing city to life.

The site is also distinguished by its exceptional setting. Dominated by the majestic silhouette of the medieval town and its cathedral, the ruins blend harmoniously into the Pyrenean landscape. This convergence of ancient and medieval heritage offers visitors a unique insight into history, illustrating the continuity of human settlement in this region from antiquity to the present day.

The numerous archaeological excavations carried out over more than a century have gradually revealed the extent of the ancient city. They have unearthed remarkable finds that help to enrich our understanding of Gallo-Roman civilisation in the Pyrenees. The site is now a must-visit for enthusiasts of history, archaeology and heritage.

A visit to Lugdunum Convenarum is a true immersion in ancient history. With its monumental remains, interpretive spaces and exceptional views of the surrounding mountains, the site offers an enriching cultural experience that will appeal to families and history enthusiasts alike. This exceptional testament to antiquity makes Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges one of the key sites of Occitanie’s archaeological heritage.