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MOST
BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES
> La
Couvertoirade |
 This mediaeval
village, located at the confines of the Larzac plateau, reflects the military
power of the Templar Knights and the daily activity
of the Hospitaliers (Knights of
Saint John of Jerusalem), through its
exceptional state of conservation. Classed as a Most Beautiful
French Village, La Couvertoirade constitutes a
veritable "miniature" of the mediaeval
city. Few mediaeval sites in France are as well
preserved..
 At
the end of the 12th century, the Templar Commander
of Saint Eulalie-de-Cernon ordered the construction
of a castle.
Later, in the 14th century, the Knights of Saint John built the church. In the
following century, they erected the fortified enclosure, whose towers and walls
are still intact today.l
La Couvertoirade was one crucial point in the
Templar system and Larzac, with its grain plantations
on the south of the plateau, constituted one
of the great properties, to the extent that
it was baptised "la plaine du temple"
(the temple plain). The castle was built in
1249 by the Templars and for seven centuries
Couvertoirade would shelter them and their "heirs",
the Hospitaliers , who took possession of Templar
property after 1312.
That year signalled the abolition of the Templar
Order, following the giant plot hatched against
it by King Philippe-le-Bel |
An
intact surrounding wall of round and square
towers connected by a rampart walk --mind
your children, for there is no barrier --
these allow you to to imagine the mediaeval
city. Hordes of tourists invade this historic
spot, but idling in the
crowded streets and shops permits an authentic
understanding of the excitement of the Middle
Ages marketplace.
Most houses are equipped with an exterior
staircase, leading to a balcony and access
to the upstairs living quarters. On the ground
floor, a vaulted roof sheltered the sheep's
pen and today, this space is frequently occupied
by artisans' shops.
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The
others most beautiful villages
See
the others templar villages
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