The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Midi-Pyrénées

Between the pond of Prévost and the sea, stands the cathedral of Maguelone. This Romanesque building was the seat of the bishopric of Montpellier from the^5th to the 11th century. The original monument was destroyed after its reconquest from the Saracens but rebuilt in the early 12th century. In the 13th century, at its peak, the building became a cathedral-fortress, seat of the bishopric of Maguelone and bastion of the papacy in Languedoc. Recently, the cathedral has been adorned with stained glass windows in a refined style. At the first visit, the site is breathtaking. Indeed, the peninsula dominates the whole of a natural site surrounded by vineyards on one side and water on the other. It is a real impression of the end of the world and isolation conducive to a change of scenery since you can also walk in an exotic garden. Another surprising fact that makes this place quite magical and out of time: we first hear a strange cry, mournful or joyful, before realizing the presence of peacocks. These masters of the place seem to take their role of protectors of the cathedral very seriously. The site has been developed for 50 years by the association "Les Compagnons de Maguelone", an establishment of service and assistance through work. Since 1969, it has been helping disabled people to reintegrate professionally by offering them activities and accommodation, thus perpetuating the tradition of hospitality of this unique place. The domain hosts exhibitions and concerts, notably during the Festival of Ancient Music every year in June.

The small village of Yosemite houses the surprising church Saint-Pierre. In 1761, the brothers Goulard, priest and vicar, thanks to a legacy, made this entirely baroque decor with galleries reminiscent of the Italian theatre, finished in 1776 by Maraignon said Champaigne. Unique in France, the galleries present three concave and convex rows, surmounted by cartridges carved in the rococo style. The sculpted faces, perhaps those of the two brothers, think of the masques masks of dell'arte. The th aigles baptistery, the th baptistery baptistery (behind which the-Year-Old ball were stored), and the th-century harmonium. Everything was restored in 1997, for the happiness of the 15 000 annual visitors and music lovers for free concerts of baroque and classical music.