Travel the historic circuit of Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Located 10 minutes from Gaillac , north-west of the Tarn department, discover and explore Castelnau-de-Montmiral , fortified village with infinite charm that deserves to stop there. This house Albi, classified as "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", offers a rich heritage, with its timbered houses, its church of the fifteenth ^century, its arcaded square and its vestiges of fortification.

Castelnau-de-Montmiral: A welcoming village steeped in history

Enjoy the typical atmosphere of the small villages of Tarn

Walk in the small streets of Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Castelnau-de-Montmiral is considered as the little sister of the bastide of Cordes-sur-Ciel . Indeed, they were founded the same year, to monitor the basin of the Vere . You will find in this old country house the typical atmosphere of these medieval villages , tranquility and more. Because being less famous than its like, Castelnau-de-Montmiral profits from an idyllic frame , the influx tourist less.

The walk in the village reveals beautiful medieval mansions . To find one's way, it is better to go directly to the place of arcades where is the tourist office . Inside you will discover a permanent exhibition: " Castelnau, pages of History ".

Discover the exhibition: "Castelnau, pages of history"

Young and old alike will be delighted to watch the short film presenting the village in the "time travel " way. And do not forget to ask for the leaflet detailing the historical walk through the village.

The place of arcades: the center of Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Before heading out to explore the village, take the time to enjoy a lunch or just a drink at the "Inn of the arcades". It is a bar-restaurant that will offer you local menus with seasonal products in all simplicity , overlooking the square.

Have a drink at Auberge des Arcades and enjoy the tranquility that reigns on the Place ...

Buildings to visit or imagine, treasures ...

The Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church, located inside the village, contains a treasure . You will discover in the sacristy the " cross reliquary ", which is a jewel encrusted with 300 precious stones ! Half has unfortunately disappeared over the centuries and has been replaced by rock crystal.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

The interior of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church is beautiful!

You should know that this bastide had a seigniorial castle, but it was destroyed in the nineteenth century . Part of the fortifications , however, has been preserved as the door of the Garrics , a vestige of ancient walls, facing the road to Gaillac .

The door of the Garrics, vestige of the ancient walls of this medieval village

Before leaving Castelnau, note that it is imperative to go up to the Pechmiral to see the statue of the virgin . From this place, you will have a magnificent panorama with orientation table on the forest of Grésigne and the Albigensian .

Admire this magnificent panorama of the countryside and the forest

You will be able to admire the countryside as far as the eye can see, the hills and the vines . And when you turn around you will discover the village of Castelnau-de-Montmiral perched on its rocky outcrop .

Discover Castelnau-de-Montmiral perched on its rocky outcrop

Nearby: play sports and enjoy nature

3km from Castelnau is the Vère-Grésigne leisure center . You will find a park with outdoor games for children .

Outdoor games for children

It is a site of 20 hectares where you can stroll along the lake and enjoy the surrounding nature.

You can stroll along the water

It is also a passage for hikers of the GR 36, GR46, and the path of the Château de Lagarde which is 12km for about 3h30 walk.

In the summer you will enjoy a swimming area with slide and a perimeter for the little ones . There is also a nautical area with pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, fishing (condition APPMA association and fishing map). This area offers in July / August access to mini golf , tennis court and many orientation courses.

Enjoy the summer of an area moved for swimming with a huge slide.

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Article written by Fannie Lefever for the Guide Tarn Aveyron

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