Groups visitS

Abbey-church of Conques

Treasure of Conques

GUIDED TOUR OF THE ABBEY-CHURCH AND TREASURE

This guided tour, organized for groups only, is the most popular chosen tour.

After a detailed presentation of the tympanum of the Last Judgment, a true masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, you will be guided inside the church. Conques' history, its Romanesque architecture and the artwork of Pierre Soulages will be presented during the tour. The tour goes on with the cloister and the presentation of the Treasure of goldsmiths' art from the Middle Ages, one of the five great european treasures and the sole in France to display so many elements from the High Middle Ages. Besides the famous Majesty of Saint Foy, as its masterpiece (9^th century), an unique example of reliquary statuary from the first millennium, it is composed of many reliquaries, coffers and portable altars carrying evocative titles such as the A named "after Charlemagne" , the Reliquary named "after Pepin",...

Length of visit : 1h30
Fees (entrance to Treasure/Museum included): 8.70€/adult - 4€/child

GUIDED TOUR OF THE ABBEY-CHURCH

After a detailed presentation of the tympanum of the Last Judgment, a true masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, you will be guided inside the church. Conques' history, its Romanesque architecture and the artwork from Pierre Soulages will be presented during the tour. 

Length of visit : c. 45 minutes. 
Fees (2012): 4€/adulte, 2€/child

GUIDED TOUR OF THE UPPER GALLERY (TRIBUNES)

Fully secured and set, the visit of the upper gallery of the abbey-church brings delight to the visitor using this large corridor built during Romanesque times, above the side aisles and the ambulatory. It brings a triple delight, emotion and wonder.

• an unequal view on the building with amazing inside perspectives,
• a direct, close and priviledged approach to the artworks from Pierre Soulages, his stained-glass windows,
• lastly, a contemplative feeling while admiring the fascinating Romanesque capitals, the results of Middle Age sculptors' talent, full of life.

Length of visit: 45 minutes
Fee (2012): 4€/person

For security reason, children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the upper gallery.
A maximum of 20 persons per group is prefered for this visit.

NIGHT TOUR OF THE UPPER GALLERY (TRIBUNES) - GROUPS

During the high season (May to September), a visit of the upper gallery by night is possible. During this unguided visit, a leaflet will allow you to discover, at your own pace, the Romanesque capitals. During the visit, the organ play and the light show, bringing the stained-glass windows alive, wil make this visit quite memorable.  In order to avoid delays in the evening, groups may purchase their tickets in advance at the Tourist Office during opening hours.

Time: about 45 minutes.
Fee: 5€

Regular schedule on season: 9:30 pm (starting point at the North inside staircase).

For security reasons, children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the upper gallery. This visit is not planned during major concerts set inside the abbey-church.

THE TREASURE OF GOLDSMITHS'ART - GROUPS

If you chose the 1h30 guided tour, the entrance and guiding of the Treasure are included. 
The Treasure can also be visited without a guide.

The medieval and religious Treasure of goldsmiths' art from Conques (one of the five great european treasures) cannot be missed. It stands as the sole in France to display so many elements from the High Middle Ages. Besides the famous Majesty of Saint Foy, as its masterpiece (9^th century), an unique example of reliquary statuary from the first millennium, it is composed of many reliquaries, coffers and portable altars carrying evocative titles such as the A named "after Charlemagne" , the Reliquary named "after Pepin",...

The Treasure is open every day (same schedule as the Tourist Office)
(April to September: 9:30am-12:30 and 2pm-6:30pm ; October to March: 10am-12:00 and 2pm-6pm).

Fees for groups on a free tour (at least 10 persons for a formed group): 

Adult: 4.20€

Child: 2€

The entrance ticket is also for the Joseph-Fau Museum.

JOSEPH-FAU MUSEUM

The Treasure ticket is also for the Joseph-Fau Museum.
The Museum is open every day at the same schedule as the Tourist Office.

The Joseph-Fau Museum shelters a rich collection of sculptures and artefacts from the abbey. The visitor will discover Romanesque capitals from the former cloister, various sculptures and carvings (16^th to 18^th century), furniture, paintings as well as tapestries made by the Felletin workshops in the 17^th century (landscape sceneries and a serie representing the life of Mary-Magdalene).

The Museum Shop sales articles inspired by the Treasure.

VISITING THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE

With the village map, Step by step in the history of Conques, stroll through the streets of the village discovering its exceptional and miraculously preserved architecture, an inheritance from the Middle Ages. Take a journey back in time and space to the year 1000 and to the heart of one of the most beautiful natural sites of the departement. The proposed itinerary guarantees a change of scenery every step of the way, for those who find themselves following in the footsteps of thousands of Santiago de Compostela's pilgrims welcomed here since the 11^th century.

For school groups, the visit of the village can also be done through a game, using the "jeu du petit curieux de Conques" (primary and seconday school levels, in French only). It may be downloaded below (PDF format). You may also ask for it at the Tourist Office.

Guided tours of the village may be organized (in English according to guide's availibility). Contact the Tourist Office for a reservation.
Lenght of visit : around 45 minutes
Fees (2012): 4€/adult, 2€/child

LE JEU DU PETIT CURIEUX DE CONQUES

Niveau 2  (collège)

Pour télécharger cliquez ici