La Romieu between Pilgrimage Routes and Stone History
Accommodation in La Romieu
La Romieu combines pilgrimage routes with a striking collegiate complex, stone cat sculptures and a botanical garden at the foot of the village. Its varied highlights give your visit a clear focus without requiring you to choose just one theme.
La Romieu on the Way of St James and on walking trails
La Romieu lies on the GR 65, the Voie du Puy-en-Velay. The village is on the 35-kilometre route between Lectoure and Condom; this section forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property «Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France», inscribed since 1998. Another connection is the GR 652: La Romieu is its endpoint, and the route comes from Rocamadour. Both routes make the pilgrimage trail an important reference point when planning your trip.
There are several specific options for walking: the 8-kilometre Sentier karstique de La Romieu–Gazaupouy starts at the Collégiale Saint-Pierre. In addition, nine circular routes for walks and short hikes (PR) are signposted in La Romieu. This gives you a choice between a named 8-kilometre route and a selection of circular trails. Conditions on the Sentier karstique can vary with the weather; check the PR trail signposting and availability locally.
The collegiate church and village scenery
The Collégiale Saint-Pierre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property «Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France». A self-guided visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It includes the cloister and church, the sacristy with its murals, the five-tiered access to the octagonal tower, the first floor of the bell tower and the ramparts. Access arrangements may change during conservation work; bear this in mind when planning your visit.
The collegiate complex also includes the square tower, which houses a 900-kilogram bell that is among the oldest in the Gers. The year 1450 is also given. Another historical landmark is the Tour dite du Cardinal: the tower is a remnant of the former palace and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1928. The village streetscape is shaped by pale stone façades and an arcaded square, typical of the region. You will also come across stone cat sculptures by Maurice Serreau in the village centre: they sit by windows, doors, bull's-eye windows and some house entrances.
Gardens and events in May
At the foot of La Romieu are the Jardins de Coursiana, a six-hectare botanical park awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. Opening arrangements may vary seasonally. The Arboretum de Coursiana includes nearly 700 species of trees and shrubs; the plant collections may change over time.
The event calendar also offers a variety of highlights in May. Every year on 8 May, the Fête des Plantes et de l’Artisanat takes place at the Jardins de Coursiana, bringing together craftspeople, nurseries and visitors. A rose market is held in La Romieu on the penultimate Sunday in May, with nurseries specialising in roses and rose bushes. If you are planning your trip around either event, check the current edition or date in advance.
Electric bicycles with pedal assistance can be rented in La Romieu to explore the village and surrounding villages. As rental availability may change, it is worth checking before making your plans.
Discover more destinations: Barran, Gazax-et-Baccarisse, Caussens, Sarraguzan, Campagne-d'Armagnac, Béraut, Castelnavet, Miradoux.
For the wider travel overview: Gers.
