Caylus, a fortified town that has remained medieval

There are villages that seem to have come straight out of historical novels. Caylus is one of them. The bastide has managed to preserve an authenticity and a typicality which make it a key place to discover during your stay in the heart of the Causses and Gorges of Aveyron. It will transport you several centuries back, to the time of castles, knights, and stone houses with pointed openings. There is no doubt that you will fall under the spell of this picturesque city which has remained (almost) frozen in the Middle Ages.

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A little bit of history...

The origin of the name of the village is linked to the presence of a first castle. Indeed, the name Caylus would be a derivative of the word "castellum" which designates a central castle within a more or less fortified village. That is to say the importance of this castle! Moreover, the life of the village settled at the foot of it, from the 12^th century.

Caylus, a small bastide with character

Observe the Tour Carrée and discover the only vestige testifying to this period and this first castle. But beware! A large part of the castle has undergone modifications and dates rather from the 14^th century. The square tower is truly the oldest part.

Visit the eco-museum of the Aveyron gorges in Caylus to find out more about local crafts. Read our article on crafts in Tarn-et-Garonne to find out more about the old crafts to discover there.

The Square Tower of Caylus

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Different architectures and periods

A medieval town

As soon as you arrive in the center of the village, you will be transported to another era. With a little imagination, you can almost hear the wooden carts circulating, and imagine the inhabitants with their outfits of the time.

You will discover the richness of the built heritage dating from the Middle Ages: from the Place du Marché, to the covered passage, without forgetting the covered hall.

Caylus is part of our selection of the most beautiful villages in the Tarn-et-Garonne to visit. Read our article to see others during your stay.

Well-preserved medieval architecture

• The Place du marché: it was one of Caylus' main places of trade and exchange. Today, it is called Place de la Mairie and has managed, despite the central car park, to retain its medieval soul thanks to the buildings that make it up. The weekly Caylus market takes place there every Tuesday.

The pretty buildings of the market square

• The covered passage: Like any self-respecting medieval bastide , the Caylus market square is lined with covered passages. The oldest is the one located to the south and was mentioned in writings as early as 1242. Look up and notice the height of the houses, built on 4 levels.

Take advantage of the coolness and shade of the covered walkway when it's hot...

• La halle: Again, you have to use your imagination to visualize the square as it was in the Middle Ages. Indeed, this hall, which dates from 1505, was located opposite. It was moved at the beginning of the 20^th century, in order to facilitate traffic on the square.

The hall: essential element of the bastide of Caylus

• Rue Droite: it is the other neuralgic, but above all commercial point of the bastide. Many of the houses date from the 13^th and 14^th centuries. The ground floors were used as commercial premises while the floors were for residential use.

Rue Droite was once a very commercial street

• The Maison des Loups is one of Caylus most famous facades. It owes its name in particular to the 4 sculpted wolves which seem to want to come out of the wall, like gargoyles.

The Maison des Loups has one of the most elaborate facades in Caylus

• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church: Built between the 13^th and 14^th centuries, this church is an integral part of the landscape. It is surrounded by houses.

Take advantage of the viewpoints around the church

There is a nautical leisure center in Caylus, near the Bois de Labarthe, come and relax there! Read our article to find out more about the leisure centers and places to swim in Tarn-et-Garonne.

Stroll from alley to alley and discover little treasures

• The old washhouse: Built in 1923, it took on its current structure in 1925 with the addition of the metal frame and cast iron pillars.

The washhouse square receives a market every Saturday

• The new castle: Neo-Gothic style is a reconstruction dating from the end of the 19th century (1896).

• The Labarthe circus: This green environment is the ideal place for a break in the middle of nature, at the edge of the water. Why not take the opportunity to have a little family picnic? It is also possible to cast your line there if you wish.

A green lung close to the town of Caylus

Lovers of history and beautiful stones will be charmed by the discovery of this atypical and picturesque village which has surprises in store for you at every street corner. Moreover, we can only recommend that you make a stopover in Varen. The beauty of its half-timbered and corbelled medieval houses will enchant you.

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme for the Guide Tarn Aveyron

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