Carmelite Church

The church of the Carmelites

In the heart of the Bastide Saint-Louis, the Carcassonne audio-guided tour points out the church of Notre-Dame des Carmes. More discreet than its neighbours, this former conventual chapel remains a place of worship to be approached with respect and calm.

A remnant of the Carmelite convent

The church was built in 1297, in the heart of the bastide. Like most of the town's churches, it follows the southern Gothic style, with a single nave lined with chapels. Far less imposing than the church of Saint-Vincent or the cathedral of Saint-Michel, it is the main remnant of the former Carmelite convent.

What there is to see

The building preserves in its decoration murals from the 19th century, made by a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc, the architect who renovated the town at the same period. Bright and typical of Carcassonne, the church deserves a glance during the walk through the bastide. It may be undergoing works: its access then depends on the progress of the worksite.

Practical information

The church of the Carmelites is in the heart of the Bastide Saint-Louis. It may be undergoing restoration work limiting access: it is best to check locally about the conditions and opening hours, which vary. A place of worship, it calls for respectful and quiet behaviour.

When does the church of the Carmelites date from ?

It was built in 1297, in the southern Gothic style, and is the main remnant of the former Carmelite convent.

What can be seen inside ?

The church preserves 19th-century murals made by a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc, in a bright nave typical of the town.