Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Orbieu

Ribaute is a small village, that - named "Ripa Alta" was owned by the near Abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse in Carolingian times. Here the Orbieu river forms a couple of pools, that are perfect for swimming. The water is deep enough for the daredevil youngsters.

Ribaute is a small village, that - named "Ripa Alta" was owned by the near Abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse in Carolingian times. Here the Orbieu river forms a couple of pools, that are perfect for swimming.

Ribaute is a small village, that - named "Ripa Alta" was owned by the near Abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse in Carolingian times. Here the Orbieu river forms a couple of pools, that are perfect for swimming.

Lagrasse (pop. 550) is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"). The village developed around the famous abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse. A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that became the Abbaye Sainte-Marie. The parish church of the village was erected from ~ 1350 on in the specific "Gothique méridional", that is very common in the South of France. It was consecrated in 1398.

Lagrasse (pop. 550) is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"). The village developed around the famous abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse. A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that became the Abbaye Sainte-Marie. Donations from the regional nobility made the abbey wealthy and powerful. In the 12th century, the monks governed over territories from Beziers to Urgell. The decline started end of the 13th century, when due to the numerous wars and feuds, the buildings had to be reinforced and fortified. The octagonal bell tower remained unfinished. The abbey existed upto the French Revolution. In 1789 the buildings were sold. Since 2004 a part of the former abbey was "revitalized", as a convent of the "Chanoines réguliers de la Mère de Dieu" ("Canons Regular of the Mother of God") settled here. The Pont-Vieux (aka "Pont de l’Abbaye") was erected in 1303. Only pedestrians cross the river via that old bridge. A new one exists to deal with the all the cars.

Lagrasse (pop. 550) is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"), so there are many tourists here - and large car parks (left) are needed. The village developed around the famous abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse (backdrop), that in its early times was under the protection of Charlemagne. The parish church (left) was erected from ~ 1350. It was consecrated in 1398. Seen from here are two bridges, that cross the river Orbieu. The round Pont-Vieux (aka "Pont de l’Abbaye") was erected in 1303.

The Pont-Vieux (aka "Pont de l’Abbaye") was erected in 1303. Today only pedestrians cross the River Orbieu via that old bridge. A new one exists to deal with the all the cars.

The Pont-Vieux (aka "Pont de l’Abbaye") was erected in 1303. Today only pedestrians cross the River Orbieu via that old bridge. A new, modern one exists to deal with the all the cars - and to offer a viewpoint. The tower of the abbey is seen in the back.

A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that became the Abbaye Sainte-Marie. Lagrasse (pop. 550), one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"), developed around the abbey. The parish church of the village was erected from ~ 1350 on in the specific "Gothique méridional", that is very common in the South of France. It was consecrated in 1398. The nun looks a little unhappy, while the young, jug-eared friar seems to be bored, holding the rib of the Gothic vault.

A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that became the Abbaye Sainte-Marie. Lagrasse (pop. 550), one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"), developed around the abbey. The parish church of the village was erected from ~ 1350 on in the specific "Gothique méridional", that is very common in the South of France. It was consecrated in 1398.

A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that became the Abbaye Sainte-Marie. Donations from the regional nobility made the abbey wealthy and powerful. In the 12th century, the monks governd over territories from Beziers to Urgell. The decline started to decline end of the 13th century, when due to the numerous wars and feuds, the buildings had to be reinforced and fortified. The octagonal bell tower remaining unfinished. The abbey existed upto the French Revolution. In 1789 the buildings were sold in two lots. Since 2004 a part of the former abbey was "revitalized", as a convent of the "Chanoines réguliers de la Mère de Dieu" ("Canons Regular of the Mother of God") settled here. I had visited the abbey already earlier, so this is the only photo..

A convent existed in the valley of the River Orbieu already in the 7th century. In 779 Charlemagne sponsored the convent that developed to the wealthy and powerful Abbaye Sainte-Marie over the next centuries. Lagrasse, one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The most beautiful villages of France"), that grew around the abbey. has a population of about 550. The market hall is located in the center of the village.