La Romieu brings together pilgrimage routes and protected heritage with discoveries in the village and at the Coursiana Gardens. The Collégiale Saint-Pierre is a distinctive starting point for two different perspectives on the area: it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also the starting point of a named karst trail. The village also features stone cat sculptures, historic buildings and recurring plant events in May.
Pilgrimage Routes and the Collegiate Church
The Collégiale Saint-Pierre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France.” The 8-kilometre Sentier karstique de La Romieu–Gazaupouy also starts at the collegiate church. Its length provides a concrete guide for planning a hike; natural trail conditions can vary depending on the weather.
La Romieu lies on the GR 65, the Voie du Puy-en-Velay, and is part of the 35-kilometre route between Lectoure and Condom. Since 1998, this route has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France.” The GR 652 also ends in La Romieu; its route comes from Rocamadour. The karst trail, signposted circular routes and pilgrimage routes therefore offer different starting points for tailoring your stay to your preferred type of hiking.
If you would like to visit the collegiate church, allow about 45 minutes to an hour for a self-guided tour. It includes the cloister, church, sacristy with its wall paintings, the five-step access to the octagonal tower, the first floor of the bell tower and the ramparts. Access may change during conservation work.
Stone, Towers and Details in the Village
Light-coloured stone façades and an arcaded square shape the village’s appearance; both are considered typical of the region. In the village centre, stone cat sculptures by Maurice Serreau can be seen on windows, doors, bull’s-eye windows and some house entrances. As you explore the village, look out for the different places where the figures are incorporated into the architecture.
The Tour dite du Cardinal is a remnant of the former palace in La Romieu and has been listed as a historic monument since 1928. The square tower in the collegiate complex houses a 900-kilogram bell, one of the oldest in the Gers. The year 1450 is also displayed on the tower. These details add further concrete points of reference for the history of the buildings and the village to your visit to the collegiate church.
Gardens and Recurring Events in May
At the foot of La Romieu lie the Jardins de Coursiana, a six-hectare botanical park awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. The garden includes an arboretum with nearly 700 species of trees and shrubs; the collections may continue to develop over time. Alongside the village’s cultural heritage, this botanical collection offers another distinct focus for your visit.
The Fête des Plantes et de l’Artisanat takes place at the Jardins de Coursiana every year on 8 May. The event brings together craftspeople, nurseries and visitors. La Romieu also hosts a rose market every year on the penultimate Sunday in May, attended by nurseries specialising in roses and rose bushes. The distinction is useful when planning dates: the Fête is fixed on 8 May, while the rose market falls on a Sunday whose calendar date changes each year. Check the current event details before you travel.
Walking Routes and Getting Around
La Romieu has nine signposted circular PR routes for walking. Check the route markings and availability locally. Together with the 8-kilometre Sentier karstique, they offer a choice of circular routes and a named trail with a specified length; conditions on the karst trail may depend on the weather. This lets you plan around your preferred distance while keeping an eye on conditions along the way.
Electric bikes with pedal assistance can be rented in La Romieu to explore the village and surrounding villages. As rental availability may change, it is advisable to check before travelling. Between a self-guided church visit, walking routes, the garden and seasonal events, you can focus on culture, nature or activity.
Discover more destinations: Lavardens, Frégouville, Jû-Belloc, Marsolan, Tourdun, Fleurance, Gensac, Simorre.
For the main travel overview: Gers.
