Parks and gardens
Castres has within it some small pieces of green paradise : outsanding garden ‘à la française’, huge green space dedicated to leisures,renewed English-style park or a little secret square… Come to discover them and to enjoy the greenness in one of these delightful spots!
The '+' Royal : Bishop's Palace Garden
This somptuous garden « à la Française », precise and subtle, was drawn by André Le Notre, Louis XIV ‘s gardener. Beautifully maintained, it has been awarded the ‘Outstanding Garden’ label. Ideally situated : along Agout river, next to Goya Museum/Townhall, Theatre and Saint-Benoît Cathedral. It is a ‘must-visit’ place in Castres.
The '+' Bristish : Mail Garden
Very close to the city centre, this large wooded garden, with some ponds, a bridge and artificial island, is greatly appreciated.Recently renovated, its name comes from the game of ‘mail’ that seems like ‘croquet. It is specially beautiful when there are Light Animations at Christmas time.
The '+' 'Arty' : Briguiboul Park
This nice park is situated not far from the town centre. The painter and collector of Spanish paintings( now in Musée Goya), Marcel Briguiboul gave his name to this charming park situated not far from the city centre. It is organized around a grove of cedars. In the middle of the Park, the Villa Briguiboul, beautiful mansion of the 19th century, houses the Fine Arts School and the Dramatic Arts School.
The '+' 'Fun' : Gourjade Park
‘Green lung’ of the city, this huge park (53 ha) dedicated to leisures is a freshness place situated in the north of Castres. In this area, there is plenty to do : golf of 9 holes, health parcours, mini farm, games for children, picnic area, archeological centre… The park is next to La Borde Basse leisure Park : skate-park, Archipel, sport grounds…
The '+' 'Knightly' : Frascati Garden
This small square along the Boulevard des Lices, is situated just behind the Hotel Beaudecourt, which now houses the Officers’ Mess of the 8ème RPIMA. There is an imposing statue of Jeanne d’Arc in this wooded and flowered area with games for children. This public garden can offer you a short ‘nature break’ right next to the city centre.
The '+' 'Secret' : Empare Garden
Like a well-kept secret, this pleasant small garden, in the heart of the city, is only well known by local people.. Just a few trees, some benches, it is surrounded by houses. This peaceful place is reached by stairs from Empare street. Quite a (re) discovery.
