Cordes-sur-Ciel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cordes-sur-Ciel
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A view within Cordes-sur-Ciel
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 Cordes-sur-Ciel
Location in France
Cordes-sur-Ciel
Location in Occitanie
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Occitanie | |
| Department | Tarn | |
| Arrondissement | Albi | |
| Canton | Carmaux-2 Vallée du Cérou | |
| Area
1
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8.27 km2 (3.19 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2007)
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1,014 | |
| • Density | 122.61/km2 (317.6/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
81069 /81170
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| Elevation | 159–320 m (522–1,050 ft) (avg. 279 m or 915 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
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Cordes-sur-Ciel is a charming commune (which is like a small town or district) located in the Tarn département in France. It is famous for its unique history and beautiful setting.
This special town was built as a strong, fortified settlement in 1222. It was created by the Count of Toulouse to protect the area. Today, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a very popular place for tourists to visit. People love to explore its old streets and enjoy the amazing views.
The town's name used to be just Cordes. The word "Cordes" is thought to come from an old language root meaning "rocky heights." This makes sense because the town sits high up on a hill. The "sur-Ciel" part was added later, meaning "on the sky," because it often looks like it's floating above the clouds.
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Welcome to Cordes-sur-Ciel!
Cordes-sur-Ciel is a truly unique place in southern France. It is known for its amazing medieval buildings and its special location. The town sits high on a hill, offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Many people visit Cordes-sur-Ciel each year. They come to experience its rich history and beautiful architecture. It feels like stepping back in time when you walk through its ancient streets.
A Town Built on a Hill
Cordes-sur-Ciel was founded in 1222. It was built by the Count of Toulouse. This was a time when many new towns, called bastides, were being created in the region. Bastides were planned towns, often with a grid layout, built for defense.
The town was designed to be a strong, fortified place. Its position on a steep hill made it naturally easy to defend. This strategic location helped protect its residents long ago.
Why "Cordes-sur-Ciel"?
The original name of the town was simply Cordes. This name likely comes from an ancient word. That word means "rocky heights." This perfectly describes the town's location on a high, rocky hill.
Later, the name was changed to Cordes-sur-Ciel. The "sur-Ciel" part means "on the sky." This addition highlights how the town often appears to be floating above the clouds or mist. It's a very poetic name for such a beautiful place.
What Makes it Special?
Cordes-sur-Ciel is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Many of its buildings date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. You can see impressive stone houses and old gates.
The town is also known for its artistic community. Many artists and craftspeople live and work here. You can find unique shops selling handmade goods. It's a great place to discover local art.
Exploring the Town
When you visit Cordes-sur-Ciel, you can walk along its steep, winding streets. These streets lead to various historical sites. You might discover hidden courtyards and beautiful old churches.
The views from the top of the town are breathtaking. You can see far across the valleys and hills of the Tarn region. It's a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying nature's beauty.
Images for kids
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Minstrels playing in front of a church during a festival
See also
In Spanish: Cordes-sur-Ciel para niños
