And going back found me more pictures in my cd rom vaults that should be in my blog for you and me, This is beautiful Cordes sur Ciel in the department of Tarn No. 81 in the region ofOccitanie of my belle France. The story is found in my other posts on the town very memorable for my family and we always look forward to be back, eventually. Going on my road warrior trails to stop by Cordes sur Ciel. Therefore, here is my take on the Musée Charles Portal Arts Histoire et Architecture of Cordes sur Ciel !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
An unique museum we like very much is the Charles Portal history and architecture museum or the Musée Charles Portal Arts Histoire et Architecture that is house in the gate of the porte des Ormeaux, a medieval building. I know the info is long so did the translation from their official site in a condense way, Several permanent collections are presented at the museum, spanning from prehistory to the present day, all originating from the Cordes region. Entrance and reception: To access the museum, you pass through one of the Gothic arches of the Maison des Ormeaux. Take this opportunity to observe the architectural style of the house’s façade: 14C, 17C, and 18C.
Permanent collections: They are presented in 8 rooms over an area of approximately 500 m2. Various objects retracing the heritage history of Cordes sur Ciel, and the “Cordes region.” Also presented are three slideshows (the Libre Ferrat, the Church of Saint-Michel, the facades of Gothic houses) and five films. The diorama of Cordes in the 13C: Visible in the reception area, a striking reconstruction of the town as it might have been 50 years after the laying of its foundation stone. Before Cordes: Prehistory: Neanderthals, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Celtic pottery. Gallo-Roman period: Very rich remains in the region with 3 main sites: Vindrac, Cahuzac and the Fanum of Loubers with its reconstructed model. Objects from religious and daily life (Gallo-Roman). Visigothic and Merovingian periods: Numerous belt and garter buckles, jewelry, sarcophagi, the lead plaque of Vindrac. The Halle well. An astonishing well 114 meters deep, one of the deepest medieval wells in France. The 15C Croix des Fargues cross is a “rotating cross” typical of the Cordes region. Tradition holds that it protects crops from storm damage when oriented towards the storm. It features a sandstone sculpture in the round, depicting several figures associated with Christian charity. Besides Saint Martin, an emblematic symbol of this charity, Mary Magdalene, with her long hair, is the protector of rope makers and sailors, outcasts excluded from the village, of which she is the patron saint. There is one in the museum, see pic,
Weavers and Weaving in Cordes sur Ciel from the Middle Ages to the 19C. This exhibition was initially conceived and created by two Cordes-based associations: the Society of Friends of Old Cordes and the Friends of Cordes and the Cordes County. The Cordes Embroidery: This room was set up during the winter of 2018-2019. It houses the imposing “Saint Gall” type embroidery loom, which had been on display at the MAMC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) since 1985. The weaving workshop is located on the first floor, and is lit by three large windows providing natural light. You have access to different types of looms: pegloom, inkle, frame, treadle, and pull-rod. The workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced weavers, professionals¹ or not, residents of Cordes or not! A facilitator runs the workshop and can introduce and guide you through your weaving.
The Houses of Cordes: To see: a slideshow on the decoration of Gothic houses , wall panels, objects related to the houses, soap makers… Decorative element of the facades: 4 sculpted birds from the Grand Falconer’s house. The History of the museum’s facade 14C to 20C: The Porte des Ormeaux (Elm Gate) was transformed into a dwelling in the 14C, and elements of these modifications can still be seen: a window with window seats, a door with an inverted arched lintel… Sculpture from late 13C-early 14C. Religious architecture: the churches of Cordes: Saint-Michel; the Holy Crucifix; the Chapel of St. John, history and architecture are presented in a slideshow. Discoidal cross and scallop shell recall Cordes’ location on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Military architecture The museum is located inside the Porte des Ormeaux, a key strategic building in Cordes sur Ciel. We can also see the modifications of this military site into a residential place 14C. Three great sailors from Cordes in the 17C and 18C: one of the greatest privateers (if not the greatest) of Louis XIV, Antoine Daire (from Cordes); a vice-admiral under Louis XVI and during the French revolution, Armand Philippe de Saint-Félix (from Les Cabannes); and Roquefeuille-de-Labistour under Louis XVI and during the French revolution (from Livers).
A bit of history tell us that the Maison des Ormeaux, which houses the museum, comprises a military structure ; the Porte des Ormeaux (Elm Gate), and a residential house , known as the Maison Fabre. The complex was built in the 13-14C and subsequently modified over time. The medieval Porte des Ormeaux, dating from the founding of Cordes in the 13C and transformed in the 14C, consists of the gate itself and its two flanking towers. It is the only medieval military structure open to the public in Cordes sur Ciel. The Maison Fabre, adjoining the Porte des Ormeaux, is built against the curtain walls (ramparts) of the first city enclosure, one of the few remaining sections of this rampart wall still visible in Cordes sur Ciel. The house was built in the late 13C or early 14C. The front façade is characteristic of Cordes houses with its five Gothic arches. The rear façade is the 13C curtain wall. It was pierced with windows and doors, and two houses still lean against it. A set of 3 false towers (scalloped curtain wall) further emphasizes the military aspect of the building.
The architects of Chaillot propose a restoration of the Ormeaux building and its adaptation for a museum ; interpretation centre developing the history of the City and medieval architecture. Stay tune,,,,
The official musée Charles Portal : https://museecharlesportal.fr/
The local la Toscane Occitane tourist office on the musée Charles Portal: https://www.la-toscane-occitane.com/en/patrimoine-culturel/musee-charles-portal-art-histoire-et-patrimoine-du-pays-cordais/
The city of Cordes sur Ciel on its heritage: http://mairie.cordessurciel.fr/culture-loisirs/decouvrir-cordes
The Tarn dept 81 tourist office on Cordes sur Ciel: https://www.tourisme-tarn.com/decouvrir/incontournables/cordes-sur-ciel/
The Occitanie region tourist office on Cordes sur Ciel: https://www.visit-occitanie.com/en/discovering/major-sites/cordes-sur-ciel-and-medieval-towns/
There you go folks, Cordes sur Ciel or is it heavens on Cordes! A wonderful cloud perch town that is worth any detour you can take while in the region or even go directly there! We came back again and looking forward when possible to see it again. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Musée Charles Portal Arts Histoire et Architecture of Cordes sur Ciel !!! as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 