Introduction Faith and fear In the Xth century, just after the barbarian invasions, a breath of Christian faith strengthened by fear of the year one thousand blew over the whole of France. The creation of bishoprics, abbeys and parishes served to implant the Church's power, and as medieval chronicler Raoul Le Glabre noted, the country was soon covered in a white mantle of churches.

In "Roman" style… Architects, stonemasons, sculptors and painters travelled the country, moving from building site to building site and spreading their know-how. Buildings were built in Roman fashion ("more romana"), a style only known as Romanesque much later… in the XIXth century! The sobriety that enchants us today reflects the limits and progress of the time. The architectural principle is simple: because of its weight, the stone vault that superseded the previous wooden framework requires a narrow nave, thick walls and few openings. Yet, beyond physical laws, Romanesque art also expresses a mystical creativity and an imagination full of fears. All the stone devils, fanciful creatures and monsters adorning Romanesque churches materialize these fears, and are found -not without a sprinkling of humour and truculence- alongside Biblical representations used for catechism.

	In the Pyrenees he Pyrenees were swept up in this vast movement. For, far from being an impassable barrier, the mountains offered an area of commercial exchange and communication. Throughout the range (with the exception of the Basque country), hundreds of religious buildings sprang up, from monumental cathedrals to modest chapels. While we cannot hope to present all the wealth Pyrenean historical heritage has to offer, this itinerary will guide you on the path to Romanesque art and architecture to discover the main sights not to be missed and some hidden treasures.