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Origin and history

The former priory of Camon, located at the northeast end of the village, was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Integrated into the local defensive system, it includes a single-vessel church vaulted with a pentagonal apse and flanked by two side chapels. The square bell tower, supported by foothills, dates from the 14th century and served as a fortified point. Together, covered with tiles and coated, preserves stone slabs on the ground. The present church replaces an older building, founded according to tradition by Charlemagne around 778 and rebuilt after successive destructions.

In 1318, the priory became conventual under the order of the Benedictines, dependent on the Abbey of Lagrasse. Destroyed largely in 1420, then in 1494, it was rebuilt from 1503 under the impulse of Philip of Levis, bishop of Mirepoix. The work was completed in 1535, with the addition of stalls around 1515. The church, spared during the Wars of Religion thanks to the influence of the Baron of Pailhès (friend of Henry of Navarre), was rehabilitated by the Benedictines of St Maur from 1699. After partial destruction during the Revolution, it was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The priory was initially a simple convent quoted in 943, which became priory in the 12th century. A papal bubble of John XXII in 1310 ordered the installation of 12 monks from Lagrasse in Camon. The site, linked to the Maison de Villemur-Pailhès from 1580 onwards, has preserved protected remains since 1964 (church and ramparts) and 1994 (prioral buildings). The furniture and interior fittings date in part from the 18th century.

Today, the former priory mixes defensive and religious architectures, reflecting successive reconstructions and local political influences. The ramparts, integrated into the north façade of the church, recall its role in protecting the village. The protected elements include the remains of the church, ramparts, and prioral buildings, distributed between private and communal properties.

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