Vals (Ariège)
| Vals | ||
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| region | Occitania | |
| Department | Ariège | |
| Arrondissement | Pamiers | |
| Canton | Mirepoix | |
| Community association | Pays de Mirepoix | |
| Coordinates | 43 ° 6 ′ N , 1 ° 46 ′ E | |
| height | 255-390 m | |
| surface | 4.13 km 2 | |
| Residents | 98 (January 1, 2017) | |
| Population density | 24 inhabitants / km 2 | |
| Post Code | 09500 | |
| INSEE code | 09323 | |
 Notre-Dame de Vals pilgrimage church |
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Vals is a municipality in the south of France with 98 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2017) in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region .
location
Vals is not far from the river Hers-Vif (also Grand Hers ), about 15 kilometers (driving distance) in an easterly direction from Pamiers . Mirepoix , the capital of the canton, is a further 13 kilometers to the east.
history
The place with its crevices and caves was probably already a refuge for hunters and gatherers in prehistoric times. A Celtic tribe probably established here around 300 BC. A fortified hill settlement ( oppidum or castrum ).
The first written mentions of the place ( valle pedetario or val de petaria ) come from the 10th century. The rock church was largely built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Some researchers suspect that the transverse church tower was once the donjon of a medieval castle; others say it dates back to the 15th century or was added later.
By a decree of Pope Pius IX. from 1854 the pilgrimage to Vals is equipped with a complete indulgence of all penalties for sin.
Population development
| year | 1968 | 1975 | 1982 | 1990 | 1999 | 2006 | 2016 |
| Residents | 54 | 46 | 45 | 59 | 67 | 75 | 101 |
In the 19th century, Vals always had between 130 and 200 inhabitants. As a result of the mechanization of agriculture and the resulting loss of jobs, the population has continuously declined from the beginning of the 20th century to its lowest point in the 1980s.
economy
The inhabitants of the place live mainly from agriculture and forestry. Renting out holiday homes and apartments ( gîtes ) also plays an important role in the economic life of the small community.
Attractions
The Romanesque pilgrimage church of Notre-Dame de Vals was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and has been a listed monument since 1910 . It is partly built into the rock and has three levels inside. The mighty tower is built like a donjon . The Romanesque frescoes from the 12th century, which were discovered in 1952 and carefully restored between 2006 and 2008, are significant .
Web links
- Vals, town and church - photos + information (in French)
- Vals, church - photo + info (in French)
- Vals, history - photo + info (in French)
- Vals, church - photos
- Vals, church - photos
- Vals, church and others - photos