Castres
The Tarn’s sub-prefecture, a stopover on the way to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, birthplace of Jean Jaurès … Castres is a superb multi-faceted town that will not fail to surprise you. A dynamic town with its museums, its landscaped parks and gardens, its many activities, its rugby club, Castres allows a multitude of activities, leisure, outings and escape: a magnificent stop!
First sketches…
There was indeed a Roman camp in Castres in Antiquity, but it was especially in the Middle Ages that the town began to take shape. The colourful houses, linked to the textile activity – formerly the homes and workshops of tanners, weavers or dyers – are a good proof, always visible. Built along the Agout river, Castres develops around Saint-Benoit Abbey, which will become Episcopal Palace before becoming City Hall / Goya Museum. Throughout history, Castres has not stopped to recompose.
Renaissance and architectural masterpieces
In the 17th century, the town was enriched in particular thanks to the boom in trade. Rich merchants built sumptuous mansions whose architecture can still be admired today.
Also, under Louis XIV, the royal gardener André Le Nôtre drew the Garden of the Bishopric, always superbly maintained. French-style garden, it is classified as a ‘Remarkable’ site.
1, Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville - 81100 Castres
Accueil : 05 63 71 58 58 - www.ville-castres.fr
Wonderful events!
Castres has many tourist assets: among other things its two museums (the Goya Museum and the Jean Jaurès Museum), the boat trip “Coche d’eau” …
Many annual events: the Christmas Market, the Venetian Carnival , the classical music festival ” A portée de Rue ” … Not to mention the matches of the Castres Rugby Club who are playing in France’s Top 14 league and is the pride of its inhabitants.
Tél. 05 63 82 10 60
www.castres-olympique.com
Future Goal
A modern, dynamic town, in perpetual improvement (with numerous developments), it is an important industrial center, particularly in the mechanical, pharmaceutical and cosmetology sectors. It is the centre of the ‘Communauté d’Agglomération Castres-Mazamet’, it is constantly evolving (student centre, transport network, infrastructure …): it is a city looking towards the future.
