This interior is representative, on a small scale, of that class of structure whose distinctive feature is what the French architect calls a _nef unique_, meaning, in this instance, one of those great single-chambered churches without aisles, such as are found at Perpignan, new Carcassonne, Lodève, and in a still more amplified form at Albi.
There are of course no aisles; and for a length of something over two hundred feet, and a breadth of fifty-five, the bold vault--in the early pointed style--roofs one of the most attractive and pleasing church interiors it is possible to conceive.
Of the artistic accessories it is impossible to be too enthusiastic. There are sixty-six choir-stalls, most elaborately carved in wood--perhaps mahogany--of a deep rich colouring seldom seen. Numerous other sculptured details in wood and stone set off with unusual effect the great and well-nigh windowless side walls.
The organ _buffet_ of Renaissance workmanship--as will naturally be inferred--is a remarkably elaborate work, much more to be admired than many of its contemporaries.
Among the other decorative features are an elaborately conceived "tree of Jesse," an unusually massive rood-loft or _jube_, and a high-altar of much magnificence.
The choir is surrounded by eleven chapels, showing in some instances the pure pointed style, and in the latter ones that of the Renaissance.
A fourteenth-century funeral monument of Bishop Hugh de Castillione is an elaborate work in white marble; while a series of paintings on the choir walls,--illustrating the miracles of St. Bertrand,--though of a certain crudity, tend to heighten the interest without giving that effect of the over-elaboration of irrelative details not unfrequently seen in some larger churches.
At St. Bertrand de Comminges and the cathedrals at Arles, Cavaillon, and Aix-en-Provence, Elne-en-Roussillon, and Le Puy-en-Velay are conserved--in a more or less perfect state of preservation--a series of delightful twelfth-century cloisters. These churches possess this feature in common with the purely monastic houses, whose builders so frequently lavished much thought and care on these enclosed and cloistered courtyards.
As a mere detail--or accessory, if you will,--an ample cloister is expressive of much that is wanting in a great church which lacks this contributory feature.