The “Barbacane” Tower: History & Art.
Ideally located in the heart of the medieval village of Cordes sur Ciel, 100 meters from the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMC) in the emblematic building of the Barbacane tower, a listed historical monument and former home of the painter Francis Meunier (1924 – 1990), friend of Tristan Tzara, André Breton, Max Ernst, the Art Gallery of La Barbacane now exhibits the work of modern and contemporary artists.
The Barbacane Gallery
In this place steeped in history, the Gallery presents different artistic expressions such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, photography, lithography …
After spending many years abroad in several countries of different cultures, Didier Ricaud discovered Cordes sur Ciel and its region five years ago. Passionate about art and painting in particular, he wanted to create a place like the galleries he visited and loved, in France or elsewhere … An open and accessible space which allows you to discover the work of artists emerging or confirmed, French or international, sometimes met by chance, who share with him the same values of sincerity and integrity in their artistic approach in the search for beauty and emotions. Demanding, uncompromising, but without a priori, he attaches particular importance to the emotional potential of each of the works he chooses to exhibit. He invites us to travel in a pictorial universe where colors and shapes create a balance which, for a moment, allows us to escape from our daily lives.
“You can only see well with your heart …” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The village of Cordes sur Ciel
Created in 1222 at the time of the “Albigoise” wars, the classified village of Cordes sur Ciel is an essential stopover on the road to the Bastides in the heart of the Gaillac vineyards.
• One of the fives Occitanian Great Sites (with Toulouse, Albi, Montauban, Moissac)
• Voted favorite village of the French in 2014
• Surrounded by remarkable sites within 20 km (Najac, Penne, Bruniquel, Monestiés, Puycelsi, Castelnau de Montmiral…)
Classified village, Cordes sur Ciel is also recognized 3 stars in the Michelin guide, it welcomes more than 800,000 visitors per year:
• Its historical and cultural potential and its many guided walks through the city.
• Its summer festivals: “Medieval Feasts”, “Musique sur Ciel”
• Its museum of Modern Art
• Its many artists and craftsmen
