Located on a hill overlooking the Cerou River, 24 km NW of Albi, Cordes was the first, and is, today, one of the best-preserved, bastides of all. Founded in 1222, this new town of the Middle Ages was built, as were the numerous other bastides established in France and England during the 13th century, to encourage occupation of empty areas before the beginning of the Hundred Years War. While the town was in a state of decay by the beginning of the 20th century, devastated by the effects of the plague, restoration began in the 1940s under the direction of artist Yves Brayer. Today, dozens of restored medieval mansions, which line Cordes main street, house shops occupied by art galleries, craft sellers and specialty food stores.
Tourist OfficeMaison Fonpeyrouse81170 Cordes-sur-CielPhone: 33 5 63 56 00 52Fax: 33 5 63 56 19 52