This major historical site is known as “the inland Mont Saint Michel”. Originally founded by the Romans and called Lugdunum, it was an important colony prior to being ravaged by the Barbarians in the 6th century. In the 11th century, Bertrand de Lisle-Jourdain was named bishop of Comminges. He had a cathedral built in the Roman style. It was later adapted to the gothic style by another bishop, Bertrand de Got. Following the wars of religion and the Revolution, Saint-Bernard changed its name to Hauteville, and lost its status as head village of the area. Thus, became another minor Pyreneen village.

It’s a popular place to visit. Of special interest is the 16th century organ, which was known as the “third wonder of Gascony”. The nearby cave at Garges has strange hand shapes painted on the walls, which are over 25 000 years old.

Information office: +33 (0) 5 61 95 44 44


CARTE