Walk in Castres in the Tarn

Castres is a multifaceted city that will surprise and charm you. The ancient medieval city has preserved a remarkable heritage and artisanal know-how. Today, it is a dynamic and creative city, focused on art. Nestled between the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park and the Cambounet-sur-le-Sor Regional Nature Reserve, it benefits from an exceptional environment. Crossed by the Agoût River, you can do all kinds of nature activities there.

Photos of the article © Guide Tarn Aveyron

Castres, a city steeped in history

Castres has a very ancient, but poorly documented, origin. The Gallo-Roman castrums of Durenque and Gourjade developed mainly with the arrival of the first Christian missionaries, around a Benedictine abbey, destroyed in the 19th century. From the 9th century, the town grew thanks to the relics of Vincent of Saragossa, who made it an important stop on the Way of St. James, the Via Tolosana.

The former Episcopal Palace of Castres, backed by the belfry of the Abbey of Saint-Benoît, bears witness to this prosperous period for Castres. Today it houses the Goya Museum. The Saint-Benoît Cathedral, which faces it, and at its feet, the Jardin de l'Évêché, designed by Le Nôtre, are also worth a visit.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Castres was heavily impacted by the Wars of Religion. It suffered extensive destruction but ultimately rose from the ashes, becoming the seat of the Chamber of the Edict. This court of justice of the Parliament of Toulouse dealt with Protestant matters following the Edict of Nantes. Many magistrates settled in Castres and built beautiful private mansions. The Hôtel de Nayrac is the most emblematic of this period.

Another consequence, in the 17th century, the luxury textile industry flourished in Castres! The Maisons sur l'Agoût, with their colorful facades and feet in the water, housed these artisan weavers, tanners, dyers... They are part of the Castres landscape and gave it its nickname of "Little Venice".

In the 19th century, the birth of Jean Jaurès in Castres marked the city's history. The Jean Jaurès National Museum traces his life during his time. It also houses numerous archival documents on his political activities and work.

Castres, a city of art

The Goya Museum is a good example of this artistic soul of the city of Castres. It was at the end of the 19th century that Goya's first works entered the Castres Museum, promoting the Hispanic theme. Other painters of the same lineage would also take their place there, such as Joan Miro and Dali.

Castres is a City of Art and History which celebrates artistic creations in all their forms:

• The Venetian Carnival is an ode to Venice and recalls this artisanal tradition of textile design in Castres.
• Les Rues'cambolesques brings together street shows of all kinds: circus, dance, music, magic...
• The Extravadanses will have you dancing until the end of the night.
• The Festival of Lights reveals the works of Goya, projected onto the city's most beautiful monuments.
• The Christmas Market is the largest in Occitanie and honors this generous region in the south of France.

Many other events also bring the city of Castres to life.

A green and sporty city

Castres is located in a very natural environment, close to the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. On the other side of the town is the Cambounet-sur-le-Sor Regional Nature Reserve. It is crossed by the Agoût and its tributaries, the Thoré and the Durenque. Castres is labeled "3 flowers" among the towns and villages in bloom. Many green spaces are available for you to relax and do sports with your family:

• Gourjade Park is a haven of nature on the outskirts of town and bordering the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park. It's a family-friendly place, with walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a sports area. Located in a bend of the Agoût River, you can even enjoy a boat ride and many other water activities. It's also home to the Castres Golf Course.
• It is extended by the Borde Basse site, with a municipal swimming pool, a skate park and an equestrian center.
• Briguiboul Park is designed as a botanical garden, where each plant is referenced. It is home to two cedar trees, classified as "remarkable trees."
• The Frascaty Garden is a Roman-inspired square, designed around its fountain.
• The Chemin des Fontaines is a lovely walk between the city center and the Lameilhé district.
• The Jardin du Mail is a pretty English-style park.
• While the Bishop's Garden was created according to Le Nôtre 's plans and therefore in a classical style, known as "à la française", with characteristic topiary art.
• The banks of the Agoût and the Durenque are partly lined with greenways and walking paths, notably the Voie Verte de la Barque for the Agoût and the Chemin du Salinal for the Durenque.

It's hard to talk about sport in Castres, without mentioning its rugby club! A very committed Olympic club that gives the city an unrivaled cachet and atmosphere. Rugby fans will have a blast with the many sporting events that take place there.

Activities around Castres

Hiking or cycling

• The Parulle loop is a greenway which follows the Chemin des Fontaines, near the centre of Castres, and runs alongside part of the Agoût.
• The Human Rights Greenway is a former railway line that once connected Albi to Castres. It has been transformed into a 44-km long cycle and hiking trail.
• Located in the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park, the Rochers du Sidobre are "granite giants." This walk takes you into a mineral world, which will impress you with the size and majesty of these granite blocks.

• At the foot of Mazamet, the Montagne Noire is an exceptional natural site. Its forest landscapes, interspersed with mountain streams, are truly exotic. The GR7 hiking trail crosses it.
• The Mazamet Footbridge is a hike for thrill-seekers. Seventy meters above the Arnette River, the suspended footbridge spans the valley between Mazamet and the medieval village of Hautpoul. Two hiking trails lead you to the footbridge. You can extend the walk to Lac de Montagnès, along the Linoubre River.

Leisure centers and tourist sites

• Lake Montagnès, south of Castres, is home to a water sports center, the Aqua Wi'Fun, in the heart of nature. A treetop adventure park, Lac'Cro Parc, allows you to gain height and contemplate the lake and the surrounding forest from the treetops!
• In Mazamet, the Bonnecombe leisure center has a playground, a picnic area and a sports trail.
• In Mazamet, the Maison du Bois et du Jouet is a fun space, with more than 40 games available, but also educational on the making of wooden toys.
  

The surrounding villages

• Burlat is an ancient fortified village, with an interesting heritage: the Pavillon d'Adélaïde, the Maison d'Adam, a priory and a collegiate church, ramparts...
• The wool town of Mazamet and its unusual industry.
• The medieval village of Hautpoul.
• Labruguière and its historic center from the Middle Ages.
• Lautrec, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
• Sorèze and its astonishing Abbey-school.
• The episcopal city of Albi is certainly a little further away but it is well worth the detour!

We hope that these few ideas have made you want to visit Castres, a must-see town in Tarn Aveyron.

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