{"id":3917,"date":"2026-03-13T16:47:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:47:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/comminges-in-the-middle-ages\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T15:01:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:01:15","slug":"comminges-in-the-middle-ages","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/the-comminges-region-through-time\/comminges-in-the-middle-ages\/","title":{"rendered":"Comminges in the Middle Ages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull pattern-hero-section\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1467\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-776 size-full\" alt=\"Le Comminges au Moyen-\u00c2ge Coll\u00e9giale de Saint-Gaudens\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-scaled.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-800x573.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-1600x1146.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-768x550.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-1536x1101.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(0,0,0) 0%,rgba(0,0,0,0) 50%,rgba(0,0,0) 100%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h1 class=\"is-style-decorated wp-block-post-title\">Comminges in the Middle Ages<\/h1><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group alignfull pattern-text has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-group alignfull pattern-breadcrumb has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><nav class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" style=\"--separator: &quot;\u2022\u2022\u2022&quot;\"><ol><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Home<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underlined\">The County of Comminges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In the Middle Ages, Comminges was a powerful and relatively autonomous county centered around the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comminges is the territory of the Conv\u00e8nes (an Aquitanian people) who, in ancient times, were concentrated around Lugdunum Convenarum (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The county&#8217;s origin dates back to between the 9th and 10th centuries. After the fall of the Carolingian Empire, the region was structured around a feudal county: the County of Comminges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Middle Ages, the territory\u2019s capital was Muret. The Val d\u2019Aran belonged to Comminges until<sup>the 13th<\/sup> century. <br\/>Local noble families gradually took control of the territory.<br\/>The authority of the Frankish kings was distant: the counts governed almost independently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comminges held a strategic position, bordering the Pyrenees and Spain, and on trade routes between Toulouse and Aragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dynasty of the Counts of Comminges ruled the region for several centuries.<br\/>Among the most important figures of the 12th century was Bernard III (son of Bernard I and Dias de Samatan, brother of Bernard II), who took the name Dodon de Samatan and gave the town of L\u2019Isle-en-Dodon its name. Bernard VII consolidated the town of L\u2019Isle-en-Dodon by building upon existing fortifications, the castle, and the church\u2014which he expanded and which became the Church of Saint-Adrien after the collapse of the church that had stood there since the time of the \u201csauvet\u00e9.\u201d<br\/>Bernard IV of Comminges (son of Dodon and a daughter of Alphonse Jourdain, who was Count of Toulouse) took part in the feudal struggles in the Midi and strengthened the count\u2019s authority; Bernard V of Comminges (son of Bernard IV and Comtors de la Berthe; he received the territory of Aurignac from his mother, on which he built his castle in 1240), he was involved in the rivalries among the great families of the south and fought alongside his father in the Albigensian Crusade.<br\/>The counts had to constantly negotiate with powerful neighbors, including the counts of Toulouse, the kings of Aragon, and the lords of Gascony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The changes in Comminges followed the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century.<br\/>The region was less affected than central Languedoc, but was still involved. The counts sought to maintain a balance in their relations between the crusaders from the north and the great Occitan families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the crusade, French royal power gradually expanded in the south, and the autonomy of the smaller counties diminished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medieval Comminges society was typically feudal, with the nobility, who owned castles in the Pyrenean valleys, remaining loyal to the count. The clergy, including the bishopric of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, played a central role. Religious influence grew, and pilgrimages multiplied. Peasants developed agriculture, particularly in the mountains, livestock farming, and forestry.<br\/>Villages were often organized around a church, a castle, or a feudal motte.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several factors weakened the county:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>demographic crises (Black Death)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>economic difficulties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gradual extinction of the dynasty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1454, Comminges was attached to the French crown under the reign of Charles VII.<br\/>It then became a province integrated into the kingdom, while retaining a strong regional identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-indented is-style-indented--1 wp-block-paragraph\">There are three former county towns in our destination: Saint-Marcet, Aurignac, and L&#8217;Isle-en-Dodon. Each of these towns had its own castle; ruins can still be seen in Aurignac and Saint-Marcet, while in L&#8217;Isle-en-Dodon, only one wall of the castle remains visible on Maubec Street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Great Medieval Castles of Comminges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e9900bd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e9900bd\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Chateau-fort-de-Saint-Marcet-640x480-1.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Saint-Marcet Castle\" class=\"wp-image-2025\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underlined\">Saint-Marcet Castle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The <a href=\"https:\/\/chateausaintmarcet.wordpress.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saint-Marcet<\/a> Castle is one of the important castle sites in Comminges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Built around 1260 at the instigation of the Counts of Toulouse, Comminges, and Alphonse de Poitiers, it served as the region\u2019s primary strategic stronghold.<br\/>The last countess, Marguerite de Comminges, was held captive there by her husband, Mathieu de Foix, around 1420 for nearly twenty years.<br\/>In 1621, by order of King Louis XIII, the fortress was disarmed and methodically dismantled, subsequently serving as a stone quarry for the region\u2019s inhabitants. <br\/>The castle\u2019s current owner has spent much of his life renovating the site, which is privately owned. As it stands today, although partially in ruins, the layout of a medieval castle typical of the region is still evident. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e9912ff&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e9912ff\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/donjon-aurignac-1-900x675-1.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Aurignac Keep guided tour &#xA9;OTI\" class=\"wp-image-250\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/donjon-aurignac-1-900x675-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/donjon-aurignac-1-900x675-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/donjon-aurignac-1-900x675-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underlined\">Aurignac Castle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Built in 1240 by Bernard V<\/strong> <strong>to assert the power of the Counts of Comminges over the region, the castle was the seat of an important castellany, serving as a military, administrative, and judicial stronghold; The counts did not have a single residence and stayed there only intermittently; the site was primarily managed by a castle captain who represented the<\/strong> <strong>count\u2019s<\/strong> <strong>authority<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surrounded by walls 1.5m to 2m thick, it forms a rectangular enclosure when the northeast part, where the Count&#8217;s lodging was located, is added. The ramparts are reinforced by four solid cylindrical corner towers, formerly crowned with battlements. The keep was an uncovered watchtower; it is now the only building from that era still standing. It is accessed by a staircase and the original door. This    <strong> <\/strong>This enormous, slightly truncated building rises to a height of 18 m, with an external diameter of 9.25 m at the base and 8.25 m at the top. It comprises three superimposed rooms. Access is via a narrow spiral staircase built into the thickness of the walls, between two concentric towers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/not-to-be-missed-%e2%99%a5\/visit-aurignac\/\">discover the medieval village<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e99267a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e99267a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Montespan Castle\" class=\"wp-image-2026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161-1600x1200.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_3161-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-underlined\">Montespan Castle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The ruins reveal its medieval role as both a strategic lookout post and a means of protecting the roads between Saint-Gaudens and the Pyrenean valleys, the Couserans.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 13th century, Grise d&#8217;Espagne, daughter of the Lord of Montespan, married Roger de Comminges, Viscount of Couserans. From this union arose a branch known as the Barons of Espagne de Montespan, who were descendants and vassals of the Counts of Comminges.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the site offers a panoramic view of the Comminges region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medieval remains in Comminges: religious heritage<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many small villages have churches dating back to the Middle Ages, such as Aurignac, L&#8217;Isle-en-Dodon, Boulogne-sur-Gesse, Saint-Marcet, and many others&#8230; Notable examples include the majestic Saint-Pierre Collegiate Church in Saint-Gaudens, the Sainte-Marie Cathedral in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, and the Saint-Just Basilica in Valcabr\u00e8re.<br\/>Former convents, monasteries, and abbeys\u2014such as Bonnefont Abbey\u2014as well as the former bishops\u2019 palace in Alan\u2026 all of this heritage tells the story of the Comminges region during this period. <\/p>\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e992f7b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e993868&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e993868\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1146\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-1600x1146.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Collegiate Church of Saint-Gaudens\" class=\"wp-image-776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-1600x1146.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-800x573.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-768x550.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-1536x1101.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Collegiale-leve-du-soleil-ete-2025-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/collegiale\/\">Coll\u00e9giale Saint-Pierre<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e99491e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e99491e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"2334\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-1600x1066.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Sainte-Marie Cathedral Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges\" class=\"wp-image-2334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-1600x1066.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMMINGES-8650c4cff5a4469883051d253e4ee589-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/saint-bertrand\/\">Sainte-Marie Cathedral Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ada67e9956fb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ada67e9956fb\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"2335\" src=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-1600x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Comminges in the Middle Ages Saint-Just Basilica of Valcabr&#xE8;re\" class=\"wp-image-2335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SBC-Valca-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/saint-bertrand\/\">Basilique Saint-Just de Valcabr\u00e8re<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The County of Comminges In the Middle Ages, Comminges was a powerful and relatively autonomous county centered around the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Comminges is the territory of the Conv\u00e8nes (an Aquitanian people) who, in ancient times, were concentrated around Lugdunum Convenarum (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges). The county&#8217;s origin dates back to between the 9th and 10th centuries. After [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3916,"parent":6419,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_is_professional_area":false,"footnotes":""},"experience_category":[],"class_list":["post-3917","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3917","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3917"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3917\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25080,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3917\/revisions\/25080"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3916"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3917"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"experience_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/destination-commingespyrenees.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experience_category?post=3917"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}