Saint-Lizier, town of art and history

Let yourself be surprised by this city which, beneath its discreet appearance, conceals real treasures! An ancient Gallo-Roman city, then seat of the bishopric of Couserans, the city of Saint-Lizier is part of the "Grands Sites Occitanie" collection, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

A walk in the alleys of the city allows you to discover the silverware, the half-timbered houses, the old ones canon houses, the cobbled streets, the clock tower and the ancient rampart.

From surprises to discoveries, at random in squares and terraces with beautiful views of the Pyrenees, you are invited to explore.

Saint-Lizier Cathedral 

La Romanesque cathedral dedicated to Saint-Lizier is remarkable for its bedside made up of a multitude of Gallo-Roman reuses. It owes its fame above all to its exceptional collection of Romanesque frescoes dated between 1060 and 1080. These are the first large Romanesque paintings to have come down to us from the Pyrenees region. 
Open all year round.

The cloister 

Adjoining the Saint-Lizier cathedral, the 12th century Romanesque cloister, constitutes a magnificent architectural ensemble which, through its simplicity, invites serenity.

It is the only Romanesque cloister in Ariège and one of the few in the Occitanie region. Discover its galleries composed of capitals with plant decorations, figurative and historical like “original sin”.  
Open all year round.

The 18th century pharmacy

Located in the old Hôtel-Dieu of Saint-Lizier apothecary from 1764 is perfectly preserved: woodwork, earthenware, hand-blown glass bottles, surgeon's kit and numerous 4th century remedies with curious names such as "the vinegar of the XNUMX thieves", "the elixir of long life" or "dog oil". 
Guided tour only - group tours available throughout the year.

The Bishops' Treasury 

From the cloister, you will see the Bishops' Treasury. This small museum presents a collection ofsacred art and goldwork objects from the bishops of Couserans : crosiers from the 12th and 13th centuries, silk and gold thread mitre, reliquaries, chalices in precious materials and the centerpiece: the Renaissance bust of Saint Lizier. 
Open all year round.

The Bishops' Palace and the Notre-Dame de la Sède Cathedral 

Overlooking the city of Saint-Lizier, the palace, former residence of the bishops of Couserans, is home to the departmental museum, presenting more than 2000 years of local history.

The Bishops' Palace opened its doors in 2021 with a brand new museography allowing you to discover 2 years of local history in a fun, modern and accessible way for all!

The ancient treasure presenting 13 coins will be honored; different models will allow everyone to understand the evolution of the city of Saint-Lizier. Thanks to a interactive slab, the paintings of Notre-Dame de la Sède will reveal all their secrets by placing the visitor in the shoes of a restorer.

Fresh from the storage areas, new objects from the famous early 20th-century collection from the Bethmale Valley will complement those previously exhibited. A room will be dedicated to presenting the psychiatric history of the site. Finally, the chapter house will open its doors for the first time.

And of course, the superb Notre-Dame de la Sède cathedral will remain at the center of this new presentation. Backed by the Palace, it has a unique set of Renaissance paintings. Decorating the vaults and walls, these paintings represent Sybils, Patriarchs, the Tree of Jesse, the life of Saint James and give him the title of "small Sistine Chapel of Ariège". 
Self-guided or guided tours. 

What to visit

Guided tours of the 18th century pharmacy and the Chapel of the Hôtel Dieu

Guided tour of the Romanesque cloister, Saint-Lizier Cathedral and the Bishops' Treasury

In the Land of Traces