Colonzelle’s monastic origins are linked to a rural priory, Saint-Pierre, established there in the 10th century. The village’s sacred history is also reflected in several churches and chapels dating from different periods and featuring various preserved details.
Culture and History
The Chapelle Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was classified as a historic monument by a decree of the French Minister of Culture dated 9 November 2009. It is accessible year-round by arrangement; the key can be obtained from the Colonzelle municipal administration.
The Church of Saint Pierre was built in 1809. Its tall façade has a neoclassical portal, while the large, almost windowless nave is made of rough stone. The highly elevated Romanesque apse is the only surviving part of the original church.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Lumières was built in the 17th century at the request of a family from Montségur; an ex-voto dating from 1707 can be seen there. Its Neo-Romanesque bell tower with portal dates from the late 19th century. The chapel is open only for certain events or ceremonies; visitors should contact the Colonzelle municipal administration.
Anyone wishing to stay in Colonzelle can rent a holiday apartment.
Nature and Trails
The Lez is designated as a Type I ZNIEFF within the municipality of Colonzelle. A hiking trail in Colonzelle leads from the riverbanks through wooded areas to the hamlet of Margerie.
The Voie Romaine runs along the banks of the Lez and the former Roman road. It leads to Colonzelle and then continues via the Chapelle Saint-Barthélémy to Chamaret.
Other places: Saint-Gervais-Sur-Roubion, Piégon, Piégros-La-Clastre, Chaudebonne, Mercurol, Le Poët-Célard, Saou, La Bâtie-Rolland
