Vals is a commune in the Ariège department, in the Occitanie region, 12 km west of Mirepoix.
Its territory of 4 km² belongs on a historical and cultural level to the small region of Lauragais, once nicknamed the "Land of Plenty" because of the cultivation of pastel and its agricultural prosperity which made it the "breadbasket". of Languedoc.
Crossed in particular by the course of the Hers-Vif, the locality has preserved a rural tradition and bucolic, discreetly hilly landscapes. It is covered by heterogeneous agricultural areas (41% of its surface area), arable land (27%) and forests (26%).
Several sensitive areas for their biodiversity have been identified.
Already occupied by man during Prehistory (remains of habitat dating from the Bronze Age), Vals owes its reputation to its semi-rupestral church built on several levels and which includes Romanesque frescoes.
An archaeological museum is also now accessible.
If we add that the town is located on the route of the GR 78, an old secondary route of the Way of Saint-Jacques, we understand that its tourist numbers are inversely proportional to its population (nearly 90 inhabitants).
An essential stopover during a stay in Lauragais!
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1910, Notre-Dame Church is the jewel of Vals's heritage. The building mentioned from the 12th century has been remodeled and enlarged several times. Today it includes three levels.
The visitor accesses it via a “fault” between two rocks. He then discovered the lower level, called "the crypt", built into the rock and dimly lit. What can be considered as the original nave of the church houses several tombs including those of the Countess of Lascaris de Ventimiglia (18th century), who lived in the village, and of Abbot Durand, who discovered the Romanesque frescoes in 1952 and initiated considerable archaeological research. A rectangular apse extends the crypt. There you can admire the 12th century frescoes whose technique evokes those of Spanish Catalonia. They represent three periods in the life of Jesus, from his birth to the last judgment. Recent restorations have restored them to their original colors and this treasure alone is worth the trip!
Above the crypt, the so-called upper nave was remodeled at several times, and was raised in the 19th century. In 1887, stained glass windows representing the arms of the Marquis de Portes were installed there.
Finally, a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael was topped by a keep tower in the 14th century.
From the modern part of the church, you access a terrace which dominates the village and from which the view of the Pyrenees is remarkable!
An altar, a statue and several paintings are classified as objects inside this unusual church which was once integrated into a fortified house.
The current village developed around it from the 15th century.
Near the church, you can then see the archaeological site with its particular geology and where evidence of prehistoric human occupation was brought to light.
Finally, a museum was opened in 2009, still near the church, where objects discovered during excavations are presented in display cases as well as panels explaining the particular history of the village, the church, and which detail the riches of Romanesque frescoes. A bar is also housed there.
The church is open every day of the year (reopening planned for February 2024, after a new work campaign), the bar-museum every day from June to October and the rest of the year by reservation. Information on +33 5 61 68 83 76.
Finally, all that remains is to enjoy the green landscapes of the locality. The easiest way is to take the old Way of Saint-Jacques which linked Carcassonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port over 500 km. This long ribbon allows you to reach the north of Mirepoix on the "east" side or, to the west, Pamiers.
Maps and information on +33 5 61 68 83 76.
The first weekend in July, municipal festival with gourmet meal, fun activities, evening ball.
The second Sunday in September, exhibition of paintings and sculptures in the village itself.
