Most populous city of the department of Ariege, Pamiers is at the heart of the plain of Lower Ariege, about twenty kilometers from the medieval town of Foix. Known since Roman times, Pamiers has boomed during the Middle Ages, between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, thanks to religions. Important stronghold of orthodoxy in this period, the city had a large number of convents at the time, putting it on a par with such major cities as Bordeaux or even Paris, the capital.
After significant economic development in the nineteenth century, thanks to metallurgy, the city of Pamiers is now mainly on tourism, yet with a beautiful architectural and cultural heritage. Lively ariégeoise the city is at the origin of many events throughout the year and offers various entertainment for the whole family. In its old center, beautiful monuments abound and remind the typical medieval architecture of the region.
The city also owes its fame to a bean, the famous coconut Pamiers. This circle bean is eaten in mounjetado, local cassoulet.
Former important city of the Middle Ages, the city of Pamiers still has an important heritage that demonstrates this illustrious past.
Built in the twelfth century and rebuilt in the seventeenth century, Saint-Antonin Cathedral is one of the architectural jewels of Pamiers. Classified as an historic monument, it is built of brick red Toulouse, material typical of the region. One can still admire the only remnant of the original church, the portal Roman style, with beautiful capitals representing among others, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel or Samson fighting a lion against. Inside, one can also admire a beautiful organ case dating from the eighteenth century.
Founded in 1648 by the Sisters of the Order of St. Teresa of Avila, the Carmel Pamiers is a unique building in the city. Used as a prison during the Revolution, it also houses a square tower called Tower of the bishop, built by order of Roger-Bernard III, Count of Foix.
Originally located outside the city walls, the church of Notre-Dame-du-Camp was founded in the twelfth century and enlarged with a brick façade in the fourteenth century. The building visible today dates for its seventeenth century. The portal has been classified as an historic monument, as different paintings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as well as the instrumental part of the organ from 1860.
Over walks in the city of Pamiers, one can admire other vestiges of the golden age of the city, like the tower of Cordeliers of 1512, the tower of the Mint in 1419, the door of Nerviau only testimony of the former walled enclosure, or the courthouse and Abbey Cailloup. The latter, Romanesque chapel from the first half of the twelfth century, was classified as an historic monument.
The canals that surround the old town of Pamiers were enrolled in the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments in the late 1990s.
Shopping and lively city, Pamiers offers throughout the year animations and other festivities that animate its streets.
A market is held throughout the year on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, while a flea market takes place on Sunday morning.
Since 1996, Pamiers offers Faure festival, in May and June, and September and October. The event is an opportunity to discover the most beautiful works of the musician from the city and an international piano competition, which sees to clash candidates, including a work by Gabriel Fauré.
At Pentecost weekend, Pamiers beats to the rhythm of the Belle Epoque with Pamiers festival La Belle Epoque. The program of festivities, a traditional dance to the strains of dance hall, circuses streets, cabaret shows, exhibitions of old photographs or carriage rides and demonstrations of old games.
In mid-July up to the Fiesta! Cuban and Brazilian music and salsa and other Latin dances demonstrations inflame Pamiers and its inhabitants. For four days, the atmosphere is warm and full of color, especially with the great parade of floats.
Also in July, the Pamiers Country Road festival highlights music and country dancing, with three days of demonstrations, shows, selling American products or children's playground.
Fall Backstage take place in November, offering classical and modern plays, suppers and appetizers.
Committed to the Occitan culture, the city of Pamiers present each November Occitan festival. Theatre, music, stories, movies or languages meals and forums are scheduled for three days.
