Sainte-Enimie Village, Gorges du Tarn Causses, France

Sainte-Enimie is a former commune founded in the 7th century by Énimie (according a legend a daughter of the Merovingian king Clothar II), who started a convent there after being cured of leprosy in the surrounding waters. It was the site of several monasteries, some of which still remain. Located in the Gorges du Tarn, it is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“the most beautiful villages of France”) association.

Two monasteries, one male and one female, were built in the area but destroyed by invasions. Stephen, Bishop of Mende, requested that a Benedictine monastery be built there, and it was completed in 951. It became a popular pilgrimage destination due to the miraculous story surrounding its founding.

During the French Revolution in 1798, the monastery was destroyed and the town renamed 'Puy Roc'; however, this lasted only a short time.

In 1905, a road was built along the Tarn, giving the village greater commercial exposure. Starting in the 1950s, tourism became a major part of Sainte-Enimie's economy.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Ben Brughmans (4 years ago)
Wow what an experience: the surroundings are astonishing, the towns are lovely, the atmosphere is perfect… the food is great. We really enjoyed visiting this region, and being here at the end of August seemed to be perfect, not too many tourists. Prices are also very affordable. We stayed 4 nights in ‘le Rozier’ at ‘Hotel de la Muse et du Tarn’ (which we can really recommend btw). Enjoyed the sun, the cool water of the Tarn or the swimming pool. The region has much to offer: hikes , via ferrata, nature (spot the vultures in the sky!), bungee jump… or if you just want to enjoy beautiful sights: it’s all here. We did the canoe with our daughters (9 & 11) from Le Rozier-Peyrelade (family proof, with a few faster parts), and the next day from La Malène - Pas de Soucy. Both were very nice, the 2nd one a bit more beautiful the 1st a bit more fun.

Frederick Revell (6 years ago)
Beautiful & cool on a hot September fay

gilbert mason (6 years ago)
Fabulous ! Don't forget to visit the Millau bridge....

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

Sainte-Enimie Village

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle