Village house in a major pilgrimage site on the Via Podiensis

Located in the heart of La Romieu – a village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France’ since 2018 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collegiate church?this house is a hidden treasure of history. The village also holds the ?Communes Haltes ? Chemins de Compostelle en France’ designation, recognizing the outstanding quality of its hospitality, infrastructure, and facilities dedicated to passing pilgrims and hikers, as La Romieu is indeed a major stop on the Via Podiensis, the route from Le Puy-en-Velay.

The house, located just a few meters from the famous collegiate church, belonged to the d’Aux de Lescout family. Cardinal Arnaud d’Aux de Lescout, a cousin and chamberlain of Pope Clement V, had it built in the early 14th century on the foundations of an 11th-century structure. It features a U-shaped layout and served as a residence until 1836, when it was sold to the municipality. The property then became a rectory and, later in 1906?at the time of the separation of church and state?a girls’ school.

This property, spanning over 370 m², features a beautiful, secluded garden with mature trees. The house and garden are situated on a 705 m² lot. Both the interior of the building and the exterior retain their authentic character and bear the marks of past structures, particularly the wall of the former church of La Romieu. This wall runs along the garden and continues into the house, as evidenced by a pointed arch that emerges in the living room. Niches and a hewn-stone fireplace, preserved over the centuries, have been incorporated into the space. The house is also one of the few in the village to feature a vaulted, brick-lined cellar dating back to the Middle Ages.

Structurally, the property consists of two joined houses facing the street that runs through the village, connected by the first-floor landing. A watchtower rises above the building, offering an unparalleled view of the garden, the countryside, the village rooftops, and the towers of the Saint-Pierre Collegiate Church. It is an inspiring space that invites contemplation and reflection.

A third building is situated as an extension into the courtyard, dating from the time when a school occupied the premises. It can now serve as an office or for other purposes, depending on the occupants’ preferences.

An invitation to journey through time and architecture, but also a stop along the Chemin in one of the most beautiful villages in the Gers. While it requires some work to bring it up to modern standards of comfort, this house is the perfect link to history.

Don’t wait to schedule a tour.

Living area: 377 m²
13 rooms / 7 bedrooms
Enclosed garage for one car
Enclosed garden with no neighbors directly across, terrace

Information on the risks associated with this property is available on the Géorisques website at http://www.georisques.gouv.fr