Follow in the footsteps of cake ! This dye plant which made the wealth of the Lauragais merchants during the Renaissance has left many traces in the region. Thanks to this itinerary, you will discover the most emblematic places ofgolden age of pastel in Lauragais and the places to visit to learn all about this plant with amazing properties.
- From Montgeard to Labège
- 1h30
- 84 km
- ♥ Denise's studio in Roumens
Montgeard
Montgeard
The church and the mansion date from the XNUMXth century, theheyday of pastel. At that time, large families linked to the pastel trade administered the village: the Durands, the Caussidières, the De Ganhacs. Their graves are still visible in the chapels of the church. A planting pastel is also visible between the cemetery and the apse of the church.
It's your turn
What is the color of the pastel flower?
Yellow
Avignonet Lauragais
22 min ride. by car
Avignonet Lauragais
This dye plant made the fortune of the village in the XNUMXth century. At that time, large fairs and weekly markets were held and attracted many merchants. He also sold fabrics, sheets and wool. This prosperity declined in favor of Villefranche-de-Lauragais in the XNUMXth century which was a great pastel collecting centre. No trace of thepastel era is not visible in Avignonet, but you can however stroll through the charming streets of the village, which was, in the XNUMXth century, at the heart of the Cathar tragedy.
Roumens
18 min ride. by car
Roumens
The ancestral know-how of pastel dye had fallen into oblivion from the 90th century until the XNUMXs. Denise Lambert is the origin of the revival of pastel in Occitania. She opens the doors of her workshop to you to discover pastel dyeing. You can buy in the small shop products dyed at the workshop for a souvenir 100% local.
By appointment only on 06 41 93 39 25
Loubens Lauragais
20 min ride. by car
Loubens-lauragais
Stroll through the narrow streets full of charm with half-timbered facades and blue shutters. THE fortified castle was built by the Loubens family in the XNUMXth century. In the sixteenth century ingolden age of pastel, the castle was enlarged and renovated to the tastes of the Renaissance. The church also dates from this period.
It's your turn
What color is the little fountain in the hall?
Verte
Bourg-saint-bernard
10 min ride. by car
Bourg-saint-bernard
The beautiful church was born in the 1585th century thanks to the pastel manna. Around XNUMX, 20 pastel mills revolved around the village. Fairs and markets supported many craftsmen and merchants. Aftergolden age of pastel, Bourg-Saint-Bernard became a village with an essentially agricultural activity. The place is still known today for the feast of Fadaise Meadow, the oldest festival in France, which takes place during the week of Pentecost.
It's your turn
In what year did Bernard de Clairvaux come to take refuge in Le Bourg? Search at the foot of the Holy…
In 1145,
Tarabel Castle
18 min ride. by car
Tarabel Castle
The first mention of the castle dates from 1362. It then belonged to Bertrand de Palais, Capitol of Toulouse. From 1540, it changed owners. Pierre de Coustous undertook major modernization works there. Today, you can still admire this Renaissance-style architecture. A chapel was located on the site of the current church. During the French Revolution, the building suffered great damage.
The castle is private and can only be visited from the outside.
Land of Pastel in Labège
23 min ride. by car
Pastel Earth
The Terre de Pastel museum in Labège, unique in its kind, will allow you to deepen your knowledge of the world of pastel through guided or independent visits.
Opening hours :
- Monday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13 p.m. to 17 p.m.
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m.
