The village of Conques is very small, largely depopulated and mainly contained within the medieval walls, parts of which still survive, along with three of its gates. The houses date mainly from the late Middle Ages. The whole ensemble of cobbled lanes and stairways is a pleasure to stroll through. There are two main streets, the old rue Haute, or "upper street", which was the route for the pilgrims coming from Estaing and Le Puy and passing onto Figeac and Cahors through the Porte de la Vinzelle; and the lane, now rue Charlemagne, which leads steeply downhill through the Porte de Barry to the river and the ancient Pont Romain, with the little chapel of St-Roch off to the left, from where you get a fine view of the village and church. Better still: climb the road on the far side of the valley. The rather grandiose-sounding European centre for medieval art and civilization, hidden in a bunker right at the top of the hill (9am–noon & 2–6pm), sometimes has exhibitions and displays. Throughout August, the village hosts a prestigious classical music festival, most of the concerts taking place at the abbey church; contact the tourist office for more information.Walkers can use sections of the GR65 and GR62, both of which pass through the village; the tourist office will provide information about shorter local walks.
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