Should I book before coming?
- from July 4 to August 28, 2023, you can come whenever you want, without booking, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- outside this period, it is essential to arrange an appointment with us. It is best to do this at least a day before, but you can also contact us just before coming: if we are available, we will gladly welcome you. Please note that tours by reservation are not guided tours: they are tours where you can walk around freely in the building which is specially open to you. Find our conditions and prices in thepractical information.
How long does the visit last?
The visit takes place through three houses grouped together and allows you to discover around forty creations in around ten rooms. Some visitors come out delighted, having done the tour in twenty minutes, while others stay there for more than an hour... Each at their own pace! In any case, we recommend that you come at least 30 minutes before closing time.
What audience is the exhibition intended for?
Les Chambres de Lumière are intended for all audiences: there is no concept or artistic approach to understand in order to appreciate the exhibited works which seek above all to offer a magical walk. Whether through art, heritage or history, young and old alike, neophytes and connoisseurs almost all leave delighted to have discovered such an atypical place.
Our only contraindication concerns people who cannot climb stairs because there are stairs throughout the building and unfortunately no access solution could be found for this public.
Is the exhibition the same every year?
Les Chambres de Lumière function as a permanent exhibition. The scenography is therefore not intended to be modified but we try to improve or enrich it year after year. Our loyal visitors entrust us with their pleasure in coming back, both to approach the work they already know from a new angle and to discover the small improvements.
Are the exhibits for sale?
None of the "lumigraphies" on display are for sale: these are emblematic pieces made between 2009 and 2019 which have been kept over time with the idea of presenting them to the public one day in a dedicated space. On the other hand, it is possible to have fun with the parts and articles sold in our shop at the end of the visit.
Where can we park?
We remind you that Les Chambres de Lumière are not located in Conques but in the village of St-Cyprien (a group of municipalities gave them the common name of Conques-en-Rouergue). All car parks in Saint-Cyprien are free. If you want to linger in the village and are not afraid of steep streets, we recommend the Régis car park, at the bottom of the village, which is large and has charging stations for electric cars. Otherwise, you can find a few places on the square just below the Chambers of Light as well as a little higher, below the church.
What to do in Saint-Cyprien-sur-Dourdou?
The prettiest part of the village can be discovered by going up the street from the church. You will be able to see a magnificent 15th century house, a plane tree eating panels, and at the very top, the village church. A rather atypical well is in a nearby street and according to local legend, anyone who drinks from its water increases their chances of falling ill ;)
All useful shops are present in the village. In the craft department, do not hesitate to push the door of the workshop O'Ptits papiers to discover the paper creations of Magali Vermeersch.
And if you wish to devote a few hours to discovering the panoramas of the valley, an electric bike ride rental is ideal for you.
Finally, if you are more looking for relaxation, a massage session is also possible...
What to do in Conques?
The second unmissable stop in Aveyron is the village of Conques (the first being of course Les Chambres de Lumière!). On the hillside, it has crossed the centuries to offer us a real journey through time. Abbey, Chemin de St-Jacques, treasury, art... We are not going to detail here the many characteristics which have earned it the status of being one of the most beautiful villages in France, of having received the Ville et Métiers d'Art label as well than being classified as a Grand Site Occitanie, we refer you to the site of the Tourist Office. But our personal advice is to admire it -also- from afar from the Bancarel site which overlooks the road which leads there (view access by clicking here).
What to do in Aveyron?
The Aveyron is vast and has many sites to visit and very varied activities. Quite arbitrarily, we suggest a selection of sites to see in a circuit north of Rodez. Art, heritage, local curiosity, point of view... Each place noted on the map below has a particular interest. Be careful, the lines represent roads that can be (very) winding...
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