Spread along pilgrims'
routes, Templar commanderies
usually consisted of the
commander's house, a dwelling
for monks and place for
pilgrims, there would be a
farm, mill and of course the
chapel. The beautiful Chapelle
des Templiers de Cressac was
once part of the Commanderie
de Dognon in the southern
Charente. Its remarkable
frescoes show knights being
waved off to the Crusades and
going into battle. Other notable
12th century Templar chapels
are in Metz and Toul in North
Eastern France.
One meeting point for
pilgrims was at Mont Saint
Michel, progressing through
Tours, La Rochelle, Poitiers,
Saintes and Bordeaux to
Compostela. Others followed
the way from north east France
through Champagne or across
southern France from Italy and
the Alps.
Fortified villages and small
towns emerged along these
routes such as the enchanting
village of La Couvertoirade
in the heart of the Aveyron.
As soon as you enter the
old fortified gateway into
1In Les Omergues a prime example of a
Templar commanderie looks out over
the Alpes de Haute Provence. This
former eight bedroom domain has
been carefully renovated to retain its
character with vaulted stone ceilings,
wooden beams and mod cons - the
views are simply amazing. It still
welcomes guests
who today relax in its
stunning pool and
drink in wonderful
views.
TEMPLAR COMMANDERIE
€850,000 Ref: 97031BVA04
Commanding Views...
4 of the best Templar
properties for sale
HOT PROPERTIES
this walled village you'll be
transported to another era, it's
also home to the only Knights
Templar château in France.
Sainte Eulalie de Cernon, also
in the Aveyron, was the first of
the settlements in this area - its
walled hospital still dominates
the countryside.
Mystery still surrounds the
Knights Templar who wielded
so much power. Independent
from the church, despite their
knights making vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience, they
accumulated massive lands and
wealth. Their story lives on to
become the basis of myth and
legend - from Walter Scott's
Ivanhoe to Dan Brown's Da
Vinci books!
La Couvertoirade in the heart of the Aveyron.
LEGGETTFRANCE.COM
38