Go through the gates of the old fortifications and enter the medieval town of Mur-de-Barrez. The famous Tower of Monaco will charm you, as will the bourgeois stone houses, steeped in history. By following the arrows to visit the village, you will come across the remains of old shops, witnesses of the rich merchant past of the town. Even today, Mur-de-Barrez is full of life. Shops, Thursday morning market, meetings, exchanges, outdoor activities, will be there in this dynamic village, a living area of ​​Carladez.

From story to story

Pierre Soissons
Tour of Monaco Path of the imaginary Mur-de-Barrez

Mur-de-Barrez is the ideal place for lovers of history, heritage and architecture. Discover, along the pedestrian streets of this city of character, the history of the Tower of Monaco, but also the Grand'Rue and its exceptional built heritage: consular house, church, slate roofs that run up to the esplanade of the old castle and its 360 degree panorama over the Cantal. The old stones of Mur-de-Barrez are the guardians of many secrets and its atmosphere will charm you, just like the inhabitants of the carladez.

The enclosure gates and the famous Tower of Monaco

These towers and the surrounding wall were built thanks to the help of the entire population, with the agreement in 1437 of Bonne de Berry, Countess of Carlat. The medieval town was enclosed between four walls, forming a quadrilateral. At the four corners was a round tower. The southern facade hosted a large square tower "Lou Pourtal", which you can still admire today. The entrance to the city was constantly guarded, day and night.

Why Monaco in Aveyron?

It is a long history of 148 years under the reign of Louis XIII. By the Treaty of Péronne in 1641, Honoré II de Grimaldi, Prince of Monaco, abandoned the protectorate of Spain to place himself under that of France. The violent rupture of its relations with Spain involves the loss of all its domains in countries of Spanish domination. In compensation, Louis XIII gives him in 1643, the County of Carladez. Under the administration of the Princes of Monaco, the territory experienced a period of calm. The land of carladez was not attached to France until the French Revolution.

The Consular House

The facade, with its beautiful decorations of old stalls, is decorated with sculptures cut in the basalt (seahorse dragons, tall figures, etc.). In ancient writings this XNUMXth century residence is called "the house that attracts all eyes". It was rebuilt during the Renaissance by the Canilhac family. Today, it houses the Town Hall.

Old house Mur-de-Barrez

The Fualdès House, a publicized investigation

In this basalt building with a superb carved stone balcony, Antoine Bernardin Fualdès, then a lawyer, would have lived. This notable from Rodez, who became the king's prosecutor at the criminal court, was found murdered in the waters of the Aveyron on the night of March 19 to 20, 1817. Despite himself, he launched one of the first great legal sagas which fascinated France and Europe. The people, the artists and for a great first the written press, do not let go of the Fualdès affair and its trials. Conspiracies, conspiracies, opinions feed the soap opera. The final word ? No one will probably ever know. The work of many historians of yesterday and today offers you the opportunity to investigate further.

Pierre Soissons
Fualdes Mur-de-Barrez House
Tourism in Aubrac
Church of Mur-de-Barrez Carladez

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church was begun in the second half of the 1593th century and completed in the early years of the XNUMXth century. Demolished up to the transept around XNUMX by the Calvinists, there used to be seven chapels around the high altar. Only one survived, detached from the church. You can see it from the pretty Jardin de Marie, around the church.

The current choir was rebuilt after 1660. You can see a large canvas depicting the assassination of Saint Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury, by Henry II's men in 1171. Henry II is said to have said to his court "who would have the kindness to get rid of Thomas of Canterbury? ". Wrong interpretation ? The Pope will receive an apology, on his return to England, the angry king would have had the tomb of Thomas of Canterbury destroyed.

The Recumbent of Secrets

Do not look for it on the ground, as is customary to see it, but rather look up. A funerary Christian art, this curious sculpture of a man (dated from the 1436th century) is unique in its kind. It would have been placed as a keystone above the gallery after the fire caused by the English in XNUMX. The mystery remains intact.

Tourism in Aubrac

visit the village while having fun

For the youngest (from 12 years old), visit the village differently! Discover the secrets of Mur-de-Barrez in a fun way thanks to a digital journey. With the application Baludik, find clues, solve puzzles to learn more about the life of the territory and its heritage. This course, lasting1 time about plunges you through scripted routes in the history of the place: A mysterious affair shakes the peaceful village of Mur-de-Barrez. “The future count was strangely poisoned during the great summer party. Investigation to find the motive for the crime, the culprit and the means used to achieve his ends“. Download the baludik application on your smartphone then find using the interactive map “An attempted murder in Mur-de-Barrez” and leave with friends or family in complete autonomy at the heart of a story in which you are the actors!

Small corners of greenery

Little ones islands of greenery well hidden in the four corners of the city await you. You can breathe calm, serenity. On the side of the church, intramural, the Mary's garden, of medieval inspiration, invites you to meditate. A few steps away, on the orchard side, you can picnic in peace.

A little further, two minutes from the medieval town, the Corette Park, a former fairground, has retained its beautiful space, its tall trees. It is an ideal place to meet up with friends or relax in the shade.

See you at thecastle esplanade for a real landscape thunderbolt. You culminate at 820 meters above sea level. The 360 ​​degree view allows you to see the mountains and valley of the Monts du Cantal and even the Aubrac plateau. The esplanade, an incredible photo spot where you can also admire the Brommes glacial valley and the Plomb du Cantal, the largest volcano in Europe. Everything around us is a volcano in Mur-de-Barrez. Take to the skies and admire the houses and low walls built with the blue-black stone that is basalt.

Anecdote

On the esplanade, don't look for the fortified castle. It was dismantled from 1620. Only the eastern foundations of the old wall enclosure remain, where the beginnings of two round towers (XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries) can be seen. The building served for a long time as a stone quarry and made it possible to erect many houses in the old village. If you dream of climbing a high castle tower, Light is a perfect place.

Did you know?

The name Barrez probably comes from the village of Bars, a former place of medieval, if not ancient, power. The pre-Celtic toponymic root Barr could refer to "High land" "Horizontal height". Bars, Lacroix-Barrez, Lacapelle-Barrez and Mur-de-Barrez are villages overlooking the Truyère gorges. "Wall" would refer to the natural walls of the basaltic table or the city walls.

A city close to nature

From heritage to the discovery of nature, there is only one step. Mur-de-Barrez combines history, relaxation, well-being and is a perfect starting point for nature lovers. Many possibilities are available to you in the Carladez.

Orienteering races

These routes make it possible to combine discovery of nature and heritage. Orientation is an original way to explore the Carladez in the open air by combining games, reflections and walks. They are open to everyone and for all levels: fun, educational or athletic. Up to you.

Klé'o Treasure Hunts, for children, these orienteering courses take on new forms: incredible treasure hunts are available, it's up to them to find animals, vegetables or figures in the Parc de la Corette to complete their game sheet, accomplish their mission and set off again with the diploma of the butterfly to be colored.

The orienteering courses and treasure hunts are offered au Carladez Tourist Information Office. Do not hesitate to seize the opportunity for a playful and family moment.

The paths of the imagination

For a heritage walk, the Imagination Trail of Mur-de-Barrez is made for you. Discover the old buildings, up to the esplanade of the Castle, for a fun walk. Follow the illumination signs of the knights.

Also, many hiking trails await you to discover the Carladez, this secret and natural corner at the gates of Cantal.

Ride on the Carladez

Our roads and paths are also very suitable for cycling. Hike the dirt trails Moutain Biking or our country roads for the bicycle tourism. Many circuits cross the village of Mur-de-Barrez.

Extreme bike enthusiasts also have their activity in Mur-de-Barrez. A pump track welcomes the bravest to the Parc de la Corette for pretty waterfalls. You can also have fun on the multi-generational playground at Parc de la Corette. A few steps away, a petanque court awaits teams of bowlers for moments of competition always in a good mood.

Carladez cycle tourism

A living city

Mur-de-Barrez is a city with typical Auvergne architecture, as attractive for its historical and leisure capital as for its his business life and its services. The atmosphere of this living area is dynamic and lively. The village is teeming with locals and passing visitors all year round. The whole territory moves in shops, services and craftsmen.

Thursday is not a morning like the others. It's the day of Brive market, Place de Monaco, along the Quai des Montagnes. The old merchant stalls are coming back to life. Meet our passionate producers. You will taste specialties there and understand the very essence of Carladez, this territory shared between its Cantal affinity and its Aveyron affiliation.

Contact us

Firm. Opens at 14:00 p.m.
12 Grand'Rue
12600 Mur-de-Barrez
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