The village of Sainte-Enimie is a must-stop when visiting the Gorges du Tarn. This medieval town, with its cobblestone streets, is ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. We have listed 3 good reasons to discover this destination surrounded by legends.
Medieval town nestled in the Gorges du Tarn, Sainte-Enimie has all the charm of a postcard village with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and grain market hall.
In addition to its picturesque streets, this former commune in the Lozère department, incorporated into the new commune of Gorges du Tarn Causses in 2017, is home to a remarkable site: the Burle spring, which is the setting for a local legend.
It is said that Princess Enimie, daughter of Clotaire II and sister of Dagobert I, was a very beautiful and pious young girl who wanted to devote her life to God. To escape a forced marriage, she asked God to take away her beauty and contracted leprosy.
An angel then instructed her to go to the Burle fountain, and the princess was cured of leprosy after bathing in the waters of this spring located in the heart of the village. The saint settled in this place in the 7th century to evangelize the region and founded the monastery that stands on the heights of the village.
Today, the monastery founded by Sainte-Enimie on top of a cliff has become Pierre Delmas College, the smallest college in France. In July and August, its chapter house is open for visits, where you can admire a decor composed of acanthus and human faces.
The village's religious heritage was complemented in the 14th century by the church of Notre-Dame-du-Gourg. This late Romanesque style building houses several objects related to the village's patron saint.
Local history also tells that the princess who became a Catholic saint ended her days in the Hermitage of the Rock, a chapel built at the entrance of a cave. A short hike of less than an hour round trip allows you to reach this place by following a suspended Stations of the Cross path. If you can, don't miss this local attraction: the elevated trail leading to the Hermitage offers a breathtaking view of the village.
The ascent to the Hermitage of the Rock is not the only walk that can be done around the village of Sainte-Enimie. The numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities in the area are another good reason to choose this destination.
From the village, you can reach the hamlet of Domaine des Boissets to admire its rural architecture typical of the Causses region. You can then continue your journey to the Causse de Sauveterre and return via the GR 60. You will then walk on the Saint-Guilhem path, used by pilgrims since the Middle Ages.
In the surrounding area, the GR 736 Gorges and Tarn Valley also delights hikers as it allows them to walk through all the Tarn Gorges.
In conclusion, note that this region is a fantastic playground for mountain biking, horseback riding, and water activities such as canoeing and kayaking. In fact, canoeing and kayaking are among the best ways to follow the Tarn River and discover other remarkable villages in the region.
Author Audrey on 18 June 2021
Travel and Tourism : Hotel by region
Author Audrey on 03 October 2023
Travel and Tourism : Hotel by region