Attached to the tower is a war memorial created in 1922 by the sculptor Joseph Grandet, cast by Rudier. Testimony of local memory, it pays tribute to the inhabitants who died during the two world wars. It was listed as a Historical Monument in 2018, further enhancing this heritage ensemble and reinforcing its role as a citadel of memory at the heart of the small village.
Walks and Visits in Mur-de-Barrez
The Monaco Tower: Stone Sentinel
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Mur-de-Barrez, a medieval town with a rich mercantile past. Its 15th-century towers and walls, elegant bourgeois houses such as the Maison Consulaire (16th century), and old shops bear witness to its fascinating history. Entry into the old town is through the imposing Monaco Tower, a stone sentinel at the heart of the village.
In the heart of the small medieval village of Mur-de-Barrez, in the Massif Central, stands an iconic monument: the Monaco Tower, classified as a Historical Monument. Built in the 15th century, it once served as a city gate in a fortified town, whose walls and towers surrounded the entire settlement. Constructed of black basalt, it now serves as the main passage to the grand street and the old town, with its picturesque lanes reflecting the richness of local heritage and numerous medieval remains.
Located on the edge of the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, Mur-de-Barrez benefits from a preserved environment where nature and heritage harmoniously coexist. Its narrow streets, dark stone facades, and authentic atmosphere captivate all visitors.
Why Monaco in Aveyron?
The story dates back to 1643, when the County of Carladez came under the rule of Prince Honoré II of Grimaldi. As compensation for his lost lands in Italy, Louis XIII granted him the Viscounty of Carlat and the Marquisate of Baux. This connection made Mur-de-Barrez historically linked to the Princes of Monaco, a legacy still alive today.
The imaginative trail “From History to Stories” offers an easy and fun marked walk, perfect for both young and old. For a full immersion, discover the village through guided tours offered by the Mur-de-Barrez Tourist Office.
Life-Size Cluedo in the Streets of the Village
Take part in a captivating investigation and find out who poisoned the future count! Dive into the history of Mur-de-Barrez and collect clues to solve your mission. Download the Baludik app to explore the town’s heritage and history, recommended from age 12.
The Tower of Monaco, a majestic sentinel of black basalt, dominates the entrance to the village of Mur-de-Barrez, in the heart of the Massif Central. Built in the 15th century, it was once part of the city’s defensive system, whose fortification was undertaken between 1435 and 1440. At that time, a line of ramparts, now disappeared, surrounded the city, flanked by several circular towers. The square tower that is still admired today acted as a city gate, giving access to the main street and picturesque alleys of the old town of this small medieval fortified village, once a stronghold of Carladez.
This architectural heritage hides a little-known history, with princely accents.
In 1643, the County of Carladez passed under the domination of the Princes of Monaco. At the origin of this link: Honoré II de Grimaldi, then Prince of Monaco. Having broken with Spain and lost certain Italian possessions taken over by the Spaniards, he places himself under the protection of France. In compensation, Louis XIII offers him several lands, including the Marquisate of Baux and the Viscounty of Carlat, thus integrating Carladez into the Monegasque princely heritage.
From 1643 to 1791, the region remained attached to the Principality of Monaco, permanently marking its identity. This historical link is still celebrated today: in May 2014, HSH Prince Albert II visited Mur-de-Barrez and paid tribute to this attachment by stating:
"I am happy to be at the foot of this tower, as part of my discovery of Carladez and Aveyron. Mur-de-Barrez has preserved its heritage, which testifies to a rich past and constitutes a strong element of its attractiveness."
As an extension of this story, the Prince chose to reconnect with tradition by awarding his daughter, Gabriella, Thérèse, Marie, the title of Countess of Carladès, traditionally reserved for the second heir. In a letter addressed to the town hall, he writes:
"The warmth of the welcome from the population led me to reconnect with ancient usage... Gabriella [...] will therefore be more particularly linked to this region."
Today, a permanent exhibition installed on the 1st floor of the Tower of Monaco retraces this historical epic, reminding how much this little corner of Aveyron is linked to one of the most prestigious names in Europe and its many treasures.
A Bit of History…
The village of Mur-de-Barrez has a rich history, intimately linked to that of Carladès, an old feudal region. A true fortified city, this former bastide developed since the Middle Ages around a castle and a defensive enclosure, of which vestiges still remain today like the Tower of Monaco. Built on a rocky spur, this perched village dominates the surrounding valleys and preserves a remarkably well-preserved medieval town centre. Classified among the small cities of character, it is fully in the tradition of medieval towns and villages of the south of France, like those of the Luberon, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, fortified gates, and Gothic church. The medieval buildings are of great quality, revealing architectural influences characteristic of medieval times. Today, artisans of art there perpetuate a traditional know-how, contributing to the cultural vitality of the town. The village is also the starting point of one of the famous Sentiers de l’Imaginaire, an artistic and poetic walk in full nature mixing sculptures, installations, and tales, which invites to daydream as much as to the discovery of the territory. From the 17th century, the county of Carladès was assigned to the Grimaldi family of Monaco by King Louis XIII, establishing a singular historical link between the commune and the Monegasque principality. The village was also an important place for religious orders: the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem installed a hospital there, which attests to its strategic and humanitarian role. Despite wars, fires, and rearrangements, Le Mur-de-Barrez has managed to preserve a large part of its heritage, testifying to its prestigious past and its importance in the history of Rouergue and the southern Massif Central.
An Entrance to the Village and Its Stories
