Association Galey Patrimoine

The association implements specific and planned actions to promote knowledge, conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage of the commune of Galey.

The association has been in existence since 1972. Originally known as the Conseil Paroissial, it was created to perpetuate a tradition from the early 20th century that still exists today: the sale of donations to the Notre-Dame du Calvaire chapel. The money raised by this sale was and still is used to maintain and enhance the commune's heritage.

There are three places of worship in the area:
* Calvaire chapel, dating from 1640,
* the church of Saint-Quintin, a former Templar possession
* the parish church of Saint-Pierre. The latter has been listed as a historic monument since April 12, 1996.

A self-guided tour of the village, which can be done on foot, takes you through the narrow streets or “Carraou”, where you'll discover the traditional mountain habitat of the Couserans. The bread ovens or “Hourner” built outside the dwellings. Six drinking troughs, indispensable for a village that lived mainly from livestock. The communal washhouse beneath the former town hall. And the oratories in the Orchein hamlets of “Le Château” and “Col de la Hourque”, on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

The Musée d'Art Sacré, the only one of its kind in Ariège, with its vestments and liturgical objects. The 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre, home to a number of listed or registered historic monuments. The 18th-century clock mechanism in the bell tower is still in working order. The 15th-century church of Saint-Quintin and its altarpiece. The Way of the Cross and the 17th-century Notre-Dame du Calvaire chapel on a balcony overlooking the Ariège mountains.

Spoken languages

• French

Guided tours are free of charge.
For group visits, please call 06 25 70 57 20 or 06 18 47 63 13.

Services