Art Pursuits 2022 brochure

FRANCE
TOULOUSE
Pilgrims & Heretics
Sainte-Foy, Conques
The region of the Midi-Pyrénées in the heart of south-western France is one of the country’s most beautiful and unspoilt
areas. The diversity of the landscape is matched by the wealth of its heritage, from singing troubadours to pious pilgrims
and rebellious heretics. During the 11th-Century two of the four principle French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de
Compostela traversed the area: religious tourism brought about inner peace, economic stability and wealth, leading to a
golden age of art and architecture. This manifests itself in richly decorated Romanesque churches: at Moissac, with its
magnificent tympanum and perfectly preserved cloisters abundantly adorned with sculptural capitals; at Conques, built
to accommodate the large numbers of pilgrims and lead them to contemplate the unparalleled shrine of Sainte-Foy; and
at Toulouse, which displays a collection of exceptional marble reliefs and a wealth of reliquaries in its cavernous crypt.
Alongside this manifestation of Catholic faith, however, rose the anti-sacerdotal Cathar movement, provoking political
and religious turmoil. Culminating in rebellion, suppression, massacre and annihilation, the impact of Albigensian heresy
of the 12th and 13th centuries can be seen in the stunning defensive building, such as the great fortress-like cathedral of
Albi. More recently, the lively town of Albi was the home of Toulouse-Lautrec, and today holds the best collection of his
work – a Bohemian antidote of the Belle Époque to mediaeval spirituality. Brick-built Toulouse, or ‘la ville rose’, also has
a spirited history – it was once the brilliant centre of troubadour poetry – and is our picturesque base for this tour.
50 To book call 01280 736 115 or visit artpursuits.com