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Origin and history

The Priory of Notre-Dame de Laramière, founded in 1145 by the monk Bertrand de Civray (or Bertrand de Grifffeuilles), implanted on lands ceded by Hugues de la Roche, seigneur of Malleville. This Augustinian priory, dedicated to Notre-Dame, replaces an 11th century commandory for pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. After the discovery of the relics of Saint Amadour, the pilgrimage path moves towards Rocamadour, but the priory prospers thanks to the donations and properties acquired, notably in Najac and Toulonnergues.

In the 13th century, the original buildings, considered too small, were replaced by a new monastery. In 1244 Louis IX and Blanche de Castille stayed there, testifying to its importance. However, the Hundred Years' War (1347-1368) ravaged the site: English troops occupied it and looted it in 1347, followed by the roadmen of Puylagarde (1381-1385). The priory did not rise until the 15th century under the impulse of Bishop Jean de Castelnau-Calmont, who ensured its restoration before dying there in 1452.

The wars of Religion (1588-1589) brought another blow to the monastery: the Protestants occupied and ruined it, pushing the canons to abandon it. In 1661, the priory passed under the supervision of the Jesuits of Toulouse, who transformed him until their departure in 1762. The French Revolution marked a turning point: sold as national property in 1793, it was acquired by Joseph Alexandre Bergeron, whose daughter married War Minister Pierre Antoine Dupond of the Étang.

In the 19th century, the priory was fragmented: the eastern wing became a presbytery, while the southern wing was converted into barns. Abandoned from the 1960s, it was bought in 1974 by the Touvet family, which began its restoration. Since 2004, a path from Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle passes again through Laramière. Ranked a historic monument in 1925 and 1952, the site preserves remarkable elements such as the 13th century capital hall and a dovecote in corbellation.

The church of Saint-Georges, adjoining the Priory, completes this architectural ensemble by horse iron, testifying to its religious and hospitable past. Wall paintings and ogival vaults, especially in the east wing, illustrate the stylistic evolution of the monument throughout the centuries. Today, the priory combines historical heritage and local life, with parts open to visit or transformed into private dwellings.

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