Comps

The town of Comps does not consist of a central village, but of scattered hamlets. Despite this, it was home to 400 inhabitants during the French Revolution ! This area has been inhabited since ancient times : there is a fortified mound from around 1,000 AD, just visible on the ridge between Comps and Orcinas, whose purpose was to protect the villagers from attacks. Attacks were highly likely in an area frequented by travellers, already well known from Roman times.

During the Carolingian period (late 8^th - 9^th centuries), Comps was the seat of a court for a subdivision of the Die county, which was under the control of the Holy Roman Empire and included Pays de Dieulefit and Bourdeaux. This court's jurisdiction covered the town of Comps and part of the modern-day counties of Dieulefit and Bourdeaux (Bezaudin, Les Tonils, Crupies, Poët-Célard, Orcinas).

The nobility of Comps distinguished itself during the Crusades: the family sent several dignitaries to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers): Arnaud, Grand Master (1163), Rostaing, commander of Richerenches (1232) and Bertrand, Grand Prior of Saint Gilles and Grand Master (1233).

The Comps family died out during the 18^th century, when the last heir married Dalmas 1st of Vesc. The latter was mentioned in 1245 as the joint lord of Dieulefit. Thus, his heirs became lords of Comps and Dieulefit.

Comps is home to a Roman church, fully restored in the 1990s, perched on a hill. There are many concerts and guided tours here in summer. Enjoy the view over the 12^th century castle (private) and visit the beehive exhibit, « Les Ruches du Monde », 200 metres (650 feet) away from the church.

www.compshistorique.fr