Maguelone Cathedral

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, France

Maguelone Cathedral stands on an isthmus between the Étang de l'Arnel lake and the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Lion, which was once the site of the original city of Maguelone, opposite the present-day town of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone.

Maguelone Cathedral was once the episcopal seat of the former Bishop of Maguelone until 1563, when the see was transferred to the newly created Bishopric of Montpellier. The cathedral, constructed when the see was returned here in the 11th century from Substantion by Bishop Arnaud (1030-1060), is a Romanesque fortified building. Although parts, such as the towers, have been demolished, the main body of the building remains functional and is a registered national monument.

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Details

Founded: 1030-1060
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Otmar Čavojský (7 months ago)
Nice place to visit on the way to the beach. Lots of history and vineyards...
Fabio Da Roit (7 months ago)
The outside is not nice. Inside you can perceive the atmosphere of the history of this cathedral built in the 12th century. To reach it you have two possibilities. From Palavas-les-Flotes the nearest parking has a fixed rate of € 6 per day, a good price for spending all the day at the beach but not just to visit the cathedral and then you have to catch the small tourist train. Same thing and price from Maguelone but it also has a small free car park 600 meters away which is probably full or a larger one 2 km away. in this case you also have to cross a footbridge which closes around 5.30pm. In front of the cathedral there is a restaurant.
Neda Straigytė (2 years ago)
Nice and beautiful place to walk and visit! Just be aware that after 17:30 there is no possibility to come back to car parking because the bridge turns into different coast!
Kathryn Jeffery (2 years ago)
Ancient cathedral steeped in history on the tiny volcanic island of Maguelone, surrounded by beautiful flamingo-dotted lagoons, vineyards and the sea. There are two main entrances, one is by car from Palavas way, the other is via Villeneuve de Maguelone, where you can park in the Parking de Pilou and walk across the footbridge, there are also extensive cycle paths. In the summer season a free little train shuttles people back and forth between the bridge, the cathedral and the beach. Otherwise it's about a 10 minute walk up to the cathedral from the bridge. The cathedral is sat in beautiful gardens with a small picnic area, there are peacocks and you can wander around and admire the views across the lagoons. The restaurant is also a lovely place to have lunch and the gift shop is worth a look for local delicacies and the island's own wine. Well worth a visit.
emmanuel charron (3 years ago)
Almost impossible to get there and leave. You feel very stranded. No information on anything. Very disappointing.
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