Castres–St. Sulpice Bicycle Route

CASTRES: The birthplace of Jean Jaurès, it is home to the Jean Jaurès National Center and Museum. Formerly a bishopric, Castres also boasts the largest collection of Hispanic art in France. Must-see attractions: the Goya Museum / Museum of Hispanic Art, the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, Place Jean Jaurès, the Notre Dame de la Platé carillon, the mansions, and the colorful houses along the Agout River. LAVAUR: The capital of the Pays de Cocagne is a town rich in history and character. It bears the marks of both the past and the present. Life in Lavaur revolves around the bustling Saturday morning market, the Gothic Saint-Alain Cathedral, the medieval quarter, the Tour des Rondes, the Bishop’s Garden, and a vibrant cultural scene. In short, Lavaur is a must-see destination in the Tarn. SAINT-LIEUX-LES-LAVAUR: Don’t miss the Tarn tourist railway and, nearby, the Jardins des Martels in Giroussens. SAINT-SULPICE-LA-POINTE / You won’t be able to settle for just seeing the surface, because Saint-Sulpice has a secret life… Carved out beneath the castle, the Castela underground passageway—which served as a refuge for residents during the Middle Ages—is now open to the public, a historical relic steeped in tales and legends. Don’t miss: a walking tour of the town, the church and its bell tower, and the carrier pigeon museum.