SAINT-CERE
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Situated on the borders of the Auvergne and the Upper Quercy, St. Céré
was transferred from the jurisdiction of the Counts of Auvergne to the Viscountcy
of Turenne in 1178. The town developped around the St. Sperie chapel in
the 10 th c. and the parish was administered by Carennac Priory from 1049
to 1791. In the 13 th c., the Viscount of Turenne franchised the town and
ramparts were constructed in 1464. |
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The handsome town houses in the picturesque side streets around the Mercadial
Square, the Consuls' House and the recently restored lagarouste impasse,
bear witness to the post-Religious War prosperity of this ancient protestant
stronghold. Half-timberedhouses and Louis XIII buildings abound in the colourful
roads and alleyways, while the superb 15 th c. 'hotels' of Puymule and longueval
enhance the architectural wealth of the heart of this 'cité'. |
| St-Céré is now home to an annual summer opera festival and
lovers of the Lycal Art may be seen mingling with musicans in the medieval
quarters and the riverside gardens before the evening'sconcerts. |
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