Overlooking the Tarn valley, Castelnau de Montmiral is a medieval town, founded in 1222 by Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, and listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’.
A well-deserved distinction, given that this seemingly impregnable fortress boasts a truly authentic heritage.
So impregnable, in fact, that during the Hundred Years’ War, the English, led by the Black Prince, did not dare to attack the town after invading the Albigeois region in 1345.
Places to see
Whilst visiting the town, you’ll love the Place des Arcades, in the centre of the village, typical of the bastides of the south-west. Surrounded by medieval houses with original arcades on the ground floor, it is also home to the Tourist Office.
On this square, a stone pillory was once used to tether animals before they were slaughtered, as well as to restrain adulterous women and petty thieves.
Another point of interest is the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, dating from the 15th century and retaining original features such as the entrance porch and the polychrome sanctuary. In the Treasury, visitors can admire the reliquary cross of the Counts of Armagnac, adorned with 310 precious stones – a true masterpiece of religious goldsmithing from the early 14th century. Also worth seeing in the church are the ceiling, painted in a blue, white and gold design, and a statue of the Pietà.
A meeting place for pilgrims on their way to Rome or Santiago de Compostela, the Place de la Rose is famous for the noble house of ‘Tonnac’, where Louis XIII stayed during his visit to Castelnau de Montmiral on 24 June 1622. A rose was carved into the wall’s cornice.
Another square is Place de l’Hôpital, which housed a hospital in 1504. After its destruction, a tower was built to serve as a hospital. There, one can see two stones bearing the arms of France with an inscription.
The Porte des Garrics is a fine example of 13th-century military architecture, whilst the Tour Toulze stands on the site of the former castle, which was destroyed in 1819.
Finally, a climb up to Pechmiral offers the chance to admire a statue of the Virgin Mary and a magnificent panoramic view of the Grésigne Forest.
Castelnau-de-Montmiral Town Hall
Place des Arcades
81140 Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Tel.: 05 63 33 10 18
https://castelnaudemontmiral.com/
Castelnau-de-Montmiral Tourist Office
Salle polyvalente
81140 Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Tel.: 05 63 33 15 11
