Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France by Ilya Burlak
I visited two properties that are part of this serial site in August of 2017 and three more in June of 2018.
In an otherwise nondescript Rabastens, Notre-Dame-du-Bourg may end up as the first impression that is impossible to beat. The exterior is stately enough, but the interior is simply dazzling. Most vivid colorful frescoes, brilliant stained glass, every little detail is just impossible to take your eyes off. Some parts of the walls are in need of restoration; there was a local conservation worker examining those throughout my visit. The out-of-the-way nature of this church was underscored by the fact that the custodian and I were the only people inside the church for over half an hour. The place was definitely worth the time.
My second target was in Toulouse, at the Basilique St-Sernin. It is among the biggest churches on the pilgrimage route. The intricate bell tower is one of the architectural highlights, but the interior of the basilica was somewhat underwhelming for my taste. It is impressive in a way any big church's interior is, but also sparsely decorated to the point of being on the bland side. The marble altar is undeniably beautiful and don't get me wrong, there are a few other fine features, sculptures, and paintings. The main entry is free, but access to ambulatory and the crypt requires a payment of €2.50. Overall, a worthwhile investment.
The abbey church of St-Avit-Seineur has several fresco remains, but otherwise is a typical French village church: large enough to be impressive, with one or two fine features, but sparsely decorated in general.
The abbey church of Notre-Dame-de-Nativite in Cadouin is just slightly more ornate than St-Avit, with a painted dome ceiling, a few brilliant stained glass windows, and fresco remains. What makes a visit here more fulfilling are the cloisters, with intricate decorations, animal-feature gargoyles, and a well-maintained garden. Extra fee for cloisters: €8.
Cathedral St-Front in Perigueux is one of those churches that makes an immediate impression on approach, with a gorgeous ensemble of domes, towers, and spires. Inside, it is far from exuberant; chandeliers practically steal the show among the unadorned walls and columns; the huge wooden altar is very impressive (although badly lit when not used during a service); some stained glass windows as well. The cloisters here are barely worth the separate entry fee of €1.50 - they have a marginally unkempt look with no outstanding features.
I also stopped by on many occasions by the Tour St-Jacques in the center of Paris, but never had time to go up top.