St Michel de Mercoirol
The chapel of St Michel de Mercoirol stands proudly atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Orb valley near to Lamalou-les-Bains. It is immediately adjacent to the ruins of the Château de Mercoirol which guarded the ancient trackway leading from Béziers to Cahors. The Chateau dates from the X century and is presently being restored. The chapel is associated with the Chateau and is in a good state of repair. The precipitous nature of the terrain has meant that a huge stone foundation had to be built to support the chapel. Inside the chapel is a good polycrome statue of St Michael slaying the dragon (Revelation 12:7-8). The lance is missing but vistors to the chapel have replaced it with a straight tree branch! The original altar from the chapel has been moved to the church in Les Aires.
There are excellent views of the Orb valley and Lamalou-les-Bains from the chapel. A viewpoint information table on the terrace above the chapel helps visitors to identify the surrounding hills and villages. The chapel is usually open to the public and there is an annual pilgrimage from Les Aires on 8th May.