What to see in France

Abbaye Sainte-Foy de Conques, in Aveyron

 

The Abbey of Sainte-Foy de Conques is a famous stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The abbey was mainly built in the 11th and 12th centuries in Romanesque style.

Visit Conques Abbey during your camping holiday

Only the two front towers were added in the 19th century. Its plan is typical of churches welcoming pilgrims: radiating chapels housing the relics of saints, an ambulatory and side aisles to facilitate the circulation of the crowd. Sainte-Foy is famous for the tympanum at the western entrance, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture representing the Last Judgement, based on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. One hundred and twenty-four figures appear on three levels. In the centre, Christ reigns in majesty. To his right, the elect are gathered in Paradise and to his left, the damned in Hell. The seven deadly sins are also displayed, warning the faithful against earthly temptations. The tympanum is remarkable for the finesse of its carvings and the detail given to the figures, especially the expressions on their faces.

A fabulous treasure

Inside the abbey, in the former monks' refectory, is kept the Treasure of Conques. It is made up of religious silverware, unique in France, with the masterpiece being the reliquary statue of Sainte-Foy, protector of the abbey and guarantor of its prosperity.

Where to stay?

In order to organise your stay in a campsite in Aveyron and your visit to the Sainte-Foy de Conques abbey, we have selected for you some campsites near Conques-en-Rouerges.

Practical information:

Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in summer. Check the service hours.

Prices 2022: guided tours (on registration) are charged: between €4.5 for adults and €2.5 for children.

Contact details:

Sainte-Foy-de-Conques Priory

12320 Conques-en-Rouerges

Tel: +33 (0)5 65 69 85 12

Website: abbaye-conques.org

 

 

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