PRESS KIT 2014
Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - Le Bourg - 12320 Conques - Tél. 05 65 72 85 00 tourisme@conques.fr - www.tourisme-conques.fr
Press Contacts: Régine Combal, direction - Anne Romiguière, chargée de communication - Marie Marion, chargée de mission développement touristique
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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AN INTERNATIONAL FAME
A MEDIEVAL CITY NESTLED
PRESERVED NATURE SETTING
IN
A
Conques benefits from an important fame in relation
with its rich, dense and exceptional heritage.
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At the end of the 8 century, the hermit Dadon chose
this site in the wilderness to embrace religion in
solitude. This was the birth of the first monastery of
Benedictine monks. Because of the arrival of the relics
of saint Faith (Foy) brought by a monk from Agen in
866, Conques became a site of pilgrimage and, then,
an important step on the route to Santiago de
Compostela. The worship towards saint Faith gained
all the western Christendom. Donations in favor of the
monastery multiplied.
A city surrounded by ramparts progressively developed
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around the monastery in the 12 century. With its
fortified gateways, its Romanesque fountains, its framed
houses, Conques is nowadays classified among the
Plus Beaux Villages de France.
The remoteness of the site, the topography, the
regulation in regards of protection saved Conques from
ungraceful constructions. Because of it all, Conques
benefits from a national and international important
fame, due first to its dense and exceptional heritage
elements.
« Je n’étais nullement préparé à trouver tant de
richesses dans un pareil désert ».
Prosper MÉRIMÉE - 1837
« Autrefois l'asile des bêtes fauves et des oiseaux
mélodieux, Conques était resté inconnu à l'homme
que rebutait son aspect sauvage ».
Ermold LE NOIR, poète de cours (vers 824)
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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A JEWEL OF ROMANESQUE ART
This world-known site of Romanesque Art has been
the subject of many university studies. The
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Tympanum of the Last Judgment (12 century) is an
important educational medium for teachers. Its
figures illustrate many Art History manuals and
school History books.
« Sainte-Foy de Conques, un des
meilleurs témoins du génie roman ».
Marcel DURLIAT
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
A TREASURE OF MEDIEVAL GOLDSMITH
ART WITH AN UNEQUALLED SPIRITUAL
AND ARTISTIC INFLUENCE
Composed of numerous reliquaries, covered of gold
silver, enamels, cameos, intaglios and precious stones,
among which, the Majesty of saint Faith stands first as
the unique witness of statue-reliquaries from the years
1000, the Treasure of Conques is one of the five major
European treasures of medieval goldsmith art and the
unique one in France to assemble so many objects from
the High Middle Ages.
« La Sainte Foy criblée de cabochons semble sortir de
la nuit barbare ».
André MALRAUX, Le musée imaginaire de la sculpture
mondiale. Le monde chrétien, 1954
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A REFERENCE IN MATTER OF
CONTEMPORARY ART
The stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages, a
contemporary painter, famous on the international
scene, were ordered by the Ministry of Culture and
inaugurated in 1994. They respect, while enhancing it,
the Romanesque architecture of the building and
invite the light to enter the church.
AN IMPORTANT PILGRIMAGE STEP ON
THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO
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During the 12 century, Conques was already
considered an important step on the via podiensis.
Since 1998, the abbey-church of Sainte-Foy and the
bridge over the Dourdou are registered on the
World Heritage List by the UNESCO for the Trails
to Santiago in France.
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2014 marks the 20
anniversary of this
inauguration.
Thematic
guided
tours
are
programmed this year by the Service Patrimoine
de Conques to discover this major art work.
« Conques est le lieu
de mes premières émotions artistiques ».
Pierre SOULAGES
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
« [À Conques], beaucoup de grâces sont accordées
aux gens bien portants et aux malades; devant les
portes de la basilique coule une source excellente
dont les vertus sont plus admirables encore qu'on
ne peut le dire ».
Aymery PICAUD (Guide du Pèlerin, XIIe siècle)
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GUIDED TOURS OF CONQUES
réservation :
Service Patrimoine de Conques
Renseignements : Office de Tourisme
Le Bourg – 12320 Conques – Tél. 05 65 72 85 00
tourisme@conques.fr – www.tourisme-conques.fr
Guided tours are possible all year round with a reservation for groups and everyday from April to October and school holidays for the individuals. These tours are led by
professional guides from the Service Patrimoine of Conques (located in the Tourist Office). These guided tours may be held in French, English or Spanish (groups with a
reservation, all year round; German from April-September 2014) or for individuals upon previous inquiry. The guides are also trained to adjust their tours to disabled clients
(physical, mental and vision disabilities).
TYMPANUM/ABBEY-CHURCH AND TREASURE OF GOLDSMITH ART
(Guided tour for groups only)
This most requested guided tour presents all the aspects of Conques around its abbey-church, its history,
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architecture, sculpture, including the famous Tympanum of the Last Judgment from the 12 century and the guided
tour of the Treasure of goldsmith art, including the precious Majesty of Saint-Foy and other important reliquaries,
plus the visit of Joseph-Fau Museum.
Duration of tour: 1h1/2 - Fee: adult 8.70€, child 4€ - Accessibility: access ramps in the church, lift in Treasure,
touchable material (vision disability).
TYMPANUM AND ABBEY-CHURCH
(Individuals and groups)
This guided tour does not include the visit of the Treasure. However, the important historical and artistic elements
about Conques will be presented to you including the presentation of the Tympanum of the Last Judgment.
Duration of tour: 45 min. - Fee: adult 4€, child 2€ - Accessibility: access ramps, touchable material (vision
disability).
ABBEY-CHURCH UPPERGALLERY AND ITS ROMANESQUE CAPITALS
(Individuals and groups older than 12 years old due to the access to uppergallery)
This tour is one of the most looked for by visitors, since it allows reaching the second level of the church, closer to
the Romanesque capitals. It also offers a spectacular view of the perspective of the church.
Duration of tour: 45 min. - Fee: 4.50€ - Accessibility: stairs, touchable (vision disability).
NEW IN 2014
THE ROMANESQUE ABBEY-CHURCH OF CONQUES UNDER THE LIGHTS OF PIERRE
SOULAGES’ STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS
(Individuals and groups older than 12 years old, access to uppergallery)
Discover the artistic work of Pierre Soulages through the 104 stained-glass windows created by the worldwide
known contemporary artist while passing through the uppergallery.
Duration of tour: 45 min. - Fee: adult 4.50€ - Accessibility: stairs.
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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VILLAGE OF CONQUES
(Individuals and groups)
Discover the medieval city of Conques, its narrow streets, its
picturesque history, its specific architecture, past and present activities,
while listening to anecdotic facts making the delight of this tour.
Duration of tour: 45 min. - Fee: adult 4€, child 2€ - Accessibility:
paved streets on sloppy terrain; touchable material (vision disability).
BY NIGHT - ORGAN MUSIC AND LIGHT SHOW IN THE
UPPERGALLERY
(Individuals and groups older than 12 years old due to the access to
uppergallery)
This visit is not guided and is programmed from May to the end of
September (except during major concerts: festivals) or with a special
reservation for a group during the low season (on certain conditions). This
visit allows you to discover the Romanesque capitals and the stained-glass
windows by Pierre Soulages while listening to music and enjoying the
modulation of lights.
Duration of tour: 30-45 min. (entrance: Northern staircase leading to the
organ, at 21:30) - Fee: 6€ - Accessibility: stairs.
THEMATIC TOURS
(Guided tour for groups with a reservation)
Thematic tours are possible with a reservation. Many themes are suggested: The Romanesque
Bestiary, Angels in the Romanesque sculptures, Conques’ Renaissance paintings; Conques’
Treasure and its adventures; Christmas in the Middle Ages.
Duration of tour: about 1h - Fee: adult 4.50€, child 2€ - Accessibility: depending on the tour.
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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THE VINEYARDS OF
Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac
Marie Marion
Chargée de mission Développement touristique
Tel. 05 65 71 13 18
marcillactourisme@conques.fr
www.tourisme-conques.fr
Location
Between Rodez and Conques, in the department of Aveyron, the vineyards AOP Marcillac are cultivated on 200 hectares. This culture is a
contour plowing (terrace) at the geological intersection of the Causse limestone plateau and the Rougier sandstone rich soil. All the specific
and unique aromas do come from this location.
History of the vineyards
The vineyards of Marcillac are marked by the labor of mankind, the day laborers of
the Old times. Since the beginning, the destiny of these vineyards has been linked
to the historical figures of the monks of Conques. Originating apparently from the
Pyrenean Piemont, this grape variety called mansois might have been brought to
our region by the pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela and then developed by
the religious order. Later on, the nobility of Rodez, the counts of Rouergue
enhanced its fame and its abundance before it was hit by the parasites at the turn of
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the 20 century. Since 1960, a group of men decided to resuscitate it. The
international recognition as AOC was finally gained in 1990.
THE VINEYARDS OF MARCILLAC IN NUMBERS
- About 200 hectares of vineyards
- Label AOC since 1990
- 1 million bottles of red wine and rosé per year
- Around 50 wine growers (the cooperative
cellar represents 60% of the AOC, the
difference is made by 13 independent
growers)
- Provide work to more than 50 full time shifts,
which are about 300 permanent or seasonal
workers.
-
The Vallon, a welcoming land between severity and good dispositions
Three climates meet here (semi-continental, oceanic and mediterranean) with a strong temperature difference between day and night. The ideal
conditions are gathered to allow this grape variety called « mansois ». Also named « fer servadou », this grape variety from the family of the
Carmenets is very close to the wild grape variety. It is used at 90% in our wines, a warranty of uniqueness.
A wine with a strong identity, a vineyard from Aveyron
The red wine Marcillac is a hugely structured wine with deep wild black fruit aromas such as blackberry, currant, wild blueberry... Lively to the taste with
fine tannins, it is at its best if served around 15 degrees. The beautiful bright colored Marcillac rosé is a dense wine to drink when it's young. To the
nose it has a fresh fruit aroma of wild strawberry and raspberry. To the mouth it offers a pleasant body. The wines of
Marcillac are rich in procyadinol, a molecule that protects our arteries by removing the bad cholesterol.
A wine with traditions
Not to miss: The Fête de la “Saint-Bourrou” to honor the bud of the vine (bourrou = bud in Occitan), on the Monday of Pentecost Day, in
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Marcillac (June 9, 2014) and the wine fair (Foire aux Vins) on the Friday before August 15 in Marcillac (August 8, 2014). It's the occasion to
meet all the winegrowers of the AOC in a friendly atmosphere.
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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THE ROAD OF THE WINES OF MARCILLAC
This Road of the Wines is a departmental initiative to promote the 4 Vineyards AOC of Aveyron and the Vins de Pays of Aveyron. Started in 2009 by
the Chambre d’Agriculture de l’Aveyron, the vineyards of Marcillac have now their road signs to lead the visitors towards the winegrowers’ cellars. The
winegrowers associated with this initiative accept to welcome visitors in their cellars and to share their knowledge. They have signed a Chart of quality
for this Welcoming concept. A unique graphic chart is also developed at the departmental level and applies to all road signs’ elements for the 5
vineyards of Aveyron: Entraygues-le Fel, Estaing, Côtes de Millau, Marcillac and the Vins de Pays de l’Aveyron.
A first step towards the label Vignobles et Découvertes
The Road of the Wines is the first step towards the labeling « Vignobles et Découvertes », a label the Tourist Office of Conques-Marcillac wishes to join in. This label is given
for 3 years to a touristic and wine-making structure offering a wide range of touristic offers, multiple and complementary (lodging, restaurants, cellars visits, wine tasting,
museum, events,…) and facilitating the organization of stays and directing visitors towards services qualified and services of quality.
Medals for our wines of Marcillac in 2014
Salon de l'Agriculture-Paris 2014, in the category Vins du Sud-Ouest: GOLD for the vintage "Tradition des burons" from the Cave
des Vignerons du Vallon – SILVER for the vintage Flars, from the Domaine Laurens. In Toulouse (competition for the Vins du SudOuest): GOLD for the Cave des Vignerons du Vallon for its vintage "Cuvée Tradition" – SILVER for the vintage "Cuvée Réservée".
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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OFFICE DE TOURISME CONQUES-MARCILLAC
Le Bourg – 12320 CONQUES
Tél. 00 33 (0)5 65 72 85 00 – Fax 00 33 (0)5 65 72 87 03
tourisme@conques.fr
Bureau de Marcillac
52, tour de ville – 12330 MARCILLAC
Tél./Fax 00 33 (0)5 65 71 13 18
marcillactourisme@conques.fr
www.tourisme-conques.fr
Press Contacts:
Régine Combal, direction - Tél. 00 33 (0)5 65 72 85 00 / 00 33 (0)6 77 50 63 95 - directionotconques@wanadoo.fr
Anne Romiguière, chargée de communication - Tél. 00 33 (0)5 65 72 85 00 - tourisme@conques.fr
Marie Marion, chargée de mission développement touristique - Tél. 00 33 (0)5 65 71 13 18 - marcillactourisme@conques.fr
Réalisation : Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
© Photos : G. Amorin, JE Cassagnol, G. Mazars, A. Kumurdjian, Calmettes, R. Combal, CEACM, D. Viet, Zoé Mouret Aveyron Images, G. Revel, T. Lambellin (FAHPA), CH. Bousquet, G. Tordjeman, P. Lemoux, Métalfou, OT Marcillac, AlTerre Poterie, PEP Dourdou Causse Rougier.
Dossier de presse – Office de Tourisme Conques-Marcillac - 2014
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