CUREMONTE, the medieval city
The village :
Description:
Coming from the road above the village, we suddenly see the medieval city of
Curemonte. We discover its beautiful castles, its bell-tower and its turrets,
all surrounded by green hills.
History:
Situated on the hill, Curemonte was well-protected. Gallo-Romans built houses
there, and perhaps a fortified place. During the Middle Ages, Merovingians
se
ttled in Curemonte : sarcophagus have been found.
The first lords appeared in the village during the feudal period. Indeed, Raymond
de Curemonte took part in the First Crusade in 1096.
In 1308, the Malta Order settled there. But the buildings have disappeared.
Three churches (XI-XIIth centuries) and three castles (XIV-XVth centuries)
reveal the power of the city during the Middle Ages.
Since 1988, Curemonte has been one of the “Prettiest Villages in France”.
Three castles :
The Saint Hilaire castle dates from the XIVth century. Between 1450 and 1475,
the Plas built another castle
, not far from the first one. Contrary to the
St Hilaire castle, it has round towers.
At the XIVth century, a new castle appeared : the Johannie one. But at the
end of the XVIIth century, they sold it to the Plas.
Those three castles have been very well restored.
Moreover, a famous French woman writer, Colette, lived there a few weeks during
the Second World War.
Other interesting sights of the village:
Curemonte has
also three churches where you can see interesting objects or
exhibitions. The covered market is very busy during summertime thanks to
charming feasts. You will also enjoy the wonderful view of the village, at
the top of the road.
Dynamic associations propose a lot of activities in this lovely city.
