Marvejols en Lumière

The royal city of Gévaudan enhanced by light

Marvejols en Lumière is an event that magnifies the remarkable heritage of this former royal capital of Gévaudan, nestled between Aubrac and the Gorges du Tarn, in Lozère. Featured on the Lozère Cultural Portal, this event transforms the historic center of the city into a true nocturnal spectacle thanks to light installations that showcase the medieval and Renaissance architecture of the city.

Exceptional heritage highlighted

Marvejols possesses a unique architectural ensemble in Lozère, a legacy of a turbulent history marked by the Wars of Religion and the reconstruction ordered by Henri IV from 1601 onwards. The illuminations enhance the emblematic monuments of the city:

• The Porte du Soubeyran: flanked by its two imposing towers and its murder hole, it is the best-preserved of the three fortified gates. It houses an archaeological museum displaying discoveries from excavations around Marvejols.
• The Porte de Chanelles: listed as a Historical Monument since 1925, it bears witness to the time when the city fortified itself against attacks by the Routiers during the Hundred Years' War.
• The Porte du Théron: the third fortified access to the city, a remnant of the medieval defensive system rebuilt after the destructions of 1586.
• The collegiate church Notre-Dame-de-la-Carce: a jewel of Marvejols' religious architecture.
• The historic facades and the paved alleys of the old town, as well as the private mansions testifying to the city's past prosperity.
• The statue of the Beast of Gévaudan, a legendary and emblematic figure of the territory.

An enchanting nocturnal route

Beyond the static illuminations, Marvejols en Lumière offers a nocturnal route through the alleys and squares of the historic center. Visitors are invited to wander in a magical atmosphere, discovering at every turn a new play of light highlighting an architectural or historical element of the city. Musical entertainment, artistic parades, and moments of conviviality with food and drink stalls accompany this unique sensory experience.

Marvejols, Petite Cité de Caractère

Having become a Royal City in 1307 when Philip IV the Fair made it his capital in Gévaudan, Marvejols has gone through centuries with a tumultuous destiny. Besieged by the troops of the Duke of Joyeuse in 1586, three-quarters of its population were massacred, the city burned, and the fortifications destroyed. Henri IV had the city rebuilt from 1601, giving it the fortified gates that are its renown today. Labeled Petite Cité de Caractère, Marvejols combines heritage, authenticity, cultural dynamism, and a tradition of hospitality.

A free event for everyone

Free and accessible to all, Marvejols en Lumière offers a privileged opportunity to discover or rediscover this Lozère city in a magical atmosphere. The event is aimed at families, heritage and history enthusiasts, as well as locals and visitors passing through Gévaudan.