Location: Cordes-sur-Ciel
Top Things to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel
Top 10 Things to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France
Cordes-sur-Ciel in France, from Europe region, is best know for Historic Sites. Discover best things to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Cordes-sur-Ciel
1. Halle de Cordes-sur-Ciel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By tk3232 - Houston, Texas
It is hard to resist to visit this brilliantly situated hill town just 15 minutes north from Albi. Not understand why TA don't give a chance with separate article to describe the beauty one of the most beautiful and famous village of France. Anyway, this small town is really deserve to make a special detour. First of all, the view of Cordes as you approach from Albi is memorable and we could not resist to stop and make a photos. The village is located on a hill and it takes a little effort to climb a spiral road from the parking lot to the village. But local people showed us the shortest way and it took 10 minutes. It's a dramatic setting filled with steep streets, beautiful half-timbered buildings, great restaurants and numberless boutiques along the main street Grand Rue Raimond VII. TI reps will give a town map with indicated the most value and historic sites in center and around. We spent here 3 hours and wished to stay longer.
2. Eglise St-Michel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Noraatc - Sudbury, Massachusetts
I am using Eglise St. Michel attraction not just for the church only, but also to talk about the beauty and rich history of Cordes-sur-Ciel. This fortified town dates back to 1222 when it was considered as being the first "bastide" of Languedoc. You can see the mighty walls that date back to the origin and are still in place. The most beautiful panoramas are waiting for you as soon as you pass through the gates of the old walls.
The tower of the old Eglise St. Michel was the highest point of the Citadel and served as a watchtower. The church building is austere - basically, the church was an integral part of the fortifications.
Then you proceed to the hustling and bustling squares of the old town full of shops and nice restaurants. We bought delicious pâté there to bring home.
Gothic houses magnificent in their solemn beauty (The Grand Veneur House is a real gem) are the pride of Cordes-sur-Ciel.
One the way back we stopped to admire graceful the Capellete chapel and came back to the parking lot located close to the Saint-Cricifix chapel rebuilt in the 17th century to commemorate terrible plaque epidemic of 1629-1632.
Now the logistics... Cordes-sur-Ciel is very close to Albi, so it is not hard to get there by car. The road from Cordes-sur-Ciel to Albi is so lovely with plenty of spots to enjoy vineyards and stop for some wine tasting.
Parking lot is quite large, but could be busy in high season. Admire the view of the perched town from afar first and then start walking the steep hill. It was very easy for us, but some people might not like a steep climb. There is a little train running to ride the tourists who prefer not to walk up the hill.
Enjoy this charming village, if you are in the area. Do not miss it!
3. Musee Les Arts du sucre et du chocolat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 143 reviews
n 1988, Yves Thuries who has twice been voted the best master craftsman of France, created an experimental patisserie at the top of the city in a beautiful house known as Prunet. A year later he put together a permanent exhibition, unique in the world, “the art of sugar and chocolate” that brings together a large number of artistic pieces created exclusively from a foundation of sugar and chocolate.
Reviewed By Andrew C - Witney, United Kingdom
The craftsmanship that goes into these creations is unbelievable. Every single work is an achievement in itself. After a while you cannot take it all in, there are so many pieces of artwork to see. Not all of them are probably to everyone's "taste", but you have to admire the skill that has gone into each piece of work.
4. Jardin des Paradis
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Bob130147 - Sydney, Australia
A beautifully laid out series of small, interesting & varied Gardens. Indeed it is bigger than it seems. The two of us managed to get separated repeatedly! The colours, the scents, the water features and the ambience are so peaceful, away from the tourist traffic in 'Cordes Central'. There are many shady corners just to sit and reflect. If you plan to visit, take a book, write some postcards - linger awhile. And afterwards enjoy a cold drink from the small shop at the entrance.
5. Musee Historama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Bellemaman29
The museum, as I said in the title, is not terribly big, which makes it nice for a short visit and break from the heat on a summer day. The visit is done with an audioguide that you hold in your hand, available in English (and French, which is actually what I used since I speak it). Since it's a small place, you (and your family/friends) go for the visit pretty much on your own, and the tours are spaced apart so that you don't have a nuch of people's audioguides drowning out one another. The guy who was running it when I visited (July 2016) was super nice and makes silly jokes about medieval things.
6. Cave St Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By SimonBunn - Auckland
I have been visiting the Cave St Michael for more than 18 months. Francis is very knowledgeable about the wines of Gaulliac and always ready to share with visitors like me. Once I had described the types of wines I like he zeroed in on a few for me to try. I never leave his shop without some tasting, and a few bottles under my arm. He introduced me to a superb local dessert wine and some great easy to drink reds from local vineyards. His wine shop stays open year round, and is like a friendly beacon when all around is closed and dark in winter.
7. Moulin de Cajarc
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By TAH1000 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Sitting in the shade of the leafy trees beside the mill, looking out over the weir to an Old-Master-style landscape of the river in the foreground, and Cordes sur Ciel nestling atop its hill in the distance, and with the sound of the water rippling beneath me, I have to say was pretty close to Heaven. Quite apart from the beauty and tranquillity of the setting, Jane and her team make guests feel completely at home - stress-free - and serve delicious food too - much of which we ate outside in this little haven beneath the sun and stars.
Meanwhile the "working" guests (I was a "hanger-on" spouse) were receiving expert training in the art of playing the recorder, as well as advice on performing, and the sounds of their endeavours wafted across to me through the thick stone walls and windows of the mill, mingling with the tinkling water noises. Having grown up with old water mills in West Cornwall, in a similar valley on a similar river, I was in my element - very conducive to good thinking work.
The accommodation is charming too - every room in the mill is unique, unusual and mostly exceptional. The playing space is high and airy and there are many break-out spaces for the musicians to practice in, organised into ad-hoc groups and some individuals too.
The walk up the hill to Cordes past the ancient monastery is exhiliarating and brilliant for clearing the mind, and a great coffee shop awaits in the market square, beneath the main tourist belt.
The overwhlemingly friendly atmosphere of the Mill (and Jane and her team) brought out the social side of even the shyest of guests, and everyone talked and chattered and discussed - well - just about everything!
As a place to study, to learn, to think and to ponder and in my case also to write, it's very very hard to beat.
Outstanding.
8. Musee Charles Portal - Histoire et Architecture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By JaneHilton1908 - Bromborough, United Kingdom
This is a magical place and getting the little train up to almost the top, saves your energy for walking the cobbled streets to the vantage point at the top. Steeped in history this is a picturesque place and one of France's many treasures.
9. Amarylis
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Since 10 years, Aurélie Loiseau, self taught stylist, make a unique selection of handbags, clothes, hats and others woman accessories... She also design her own collections under her label "Amarylis". Limited series, fair prices and personalised advices ! French production and local know-how are important too: designer's handbags, hats from Caussade, umbrella of Aurillac... In the heart of the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, the shop is open every days to Eastern to All Saints's Day. English spoken.
Reviewed By Gu A
Pas du tout habitué à parcourir les boutiques et encore moins sans ma femme, Amarylis m'a éblouis par l'harmonie et la beauté des models proposé. La créatrice est charmante et de très bon conseils pour faire le bon choix le tout avec le sourire. J'ai choisis un très beau sac original en cuir pour ma femme qui je l'espère fera son bonheur. Merci beaucoup pour ce joli moment et ce très belle endroit que je conseils absolument.
10. Le Terroir du Pere Barras
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Betty81600 - Cordes-sur-Ciel, France
De l'amour en conserves, c'est un régal, d'ailleurs il fait goûter à tous pour le confirmer, c'est un amoureux de ces canards et de ce qu'il en fait. à conseiller, à goûter et à offrir (ou s'offrir). Je recommande le pâté du gendre ....
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