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The village
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The Medieval Village of Ste Eulalie d'Olt hugs the banks of the River Lot. The Village grew up around the Château in the Middle Ages. Originally it was called "Castrum", which means castle or château. It would have been a stronghold, encircled by walls, moats and protected by towers. The present château, in the heart of the village, was built in the XV Century. The doors are decorated with the coat of arms of the Curières family (they came to Ste Eulalie in 1205), its mullioned windows rival the elegance of the Renaissance 'Hôtel' almost opposite. This latter is noteworthy for its corner tower which hides an elegant spiral staircase inside.
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Walk up a little lane and you will find yourself in the large Church Square. The first church was built on a rise which overlooked the Lot. Doubtless too dilapidated, it was rebuilt in the XI Century and fortified in the XII Century. During restoration work, an altar stone which was said to come from Deusdedit ( X or early XI Century) was found. This building reminds us of the famous abbey of Conques. It shelters a reliquary of the Ste Epine, two thorns certified as coming from the original crown of thorns. This reliquary is carried around the village during the procession on the 2nd Sunday of July.
At the foot of the cross, in front of the Church, the famous auction of village produce takes place, known as "la poule un".
On the small square behind the church, during the winter months, a village distillery operates.
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You simply must walk the streets and narrow winding alleyways to discover the XV and XVII Century buildings with their towers, the stone walled houses, with or without apparent timbering, the roofs tiled with "lauzes"' (stone tiles), and numerous other artistic and architectural details which evoke the rich past of this little citadel.
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You will notice the wood-burning oven, the "Moulin des Raynal", built in the XVIII Century on the banks of the Serre stream just before it joins the Lot. Up until 1954 this mill produced quality flour and walnut oil. Lovingly restored by its present owner, Mr. Alexandre, its vertical mill wheel continues to beat its rhythm in tune with the life of this village full of flowers which is so pleasant to wander in. |
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Parc Résidentiel La Cascade - La Montberte - 12130 Ste Eulalie d'Olt
Tél / Fax: 05 65 78 65 97 - GSM : 06 88 84 52 65 |
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