Castres

Castres is a small town, that, from the beginning of the 9th century, was known to be one of the stages of pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela. In Middle-Ages, Castres had already become a prosperous city thanks to its textile industry. The charm of Castres comes partly from the old houses of tanners, weavers, dyers, paper-makers craftsmen on the river Agoût. Not far from there is the Bishop's Palace, built in the XVIIth century from the plans by Mansart, which today shelters the town-hall and the Goya museum with one of the best collections of painting by this artist.

 

Tanner's houses on the Agoût river 

Goya (self-portrait)

Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Garden, designed by Le Nôtre in the XVIIth century, is a beautiful example of a classical French garden. The theater built in an Italian and new art style, has frequent plays and operas while its gallery holds regular photographic exhibitions. The birth-place of Jean Jaurès, Castres is proud of its National Jean Jaurès Museum which honours the memory and work of this famous humanist.
 
Bishop's Garden
Theater
Jean Jaurès
 

Three religious buildings in Castres are classified as Historical Monuments. Near the Bishop's Palace, the Saint Benoît Cathedral, dominated by the tower, houses a collection of paintings of the Toulouse school of the XVIIIth century, and also a baroque piece of quality: retable, canopy, high-altar. The present Saint Jacques Church dates from 1626, but its belfry was built in the XIVe century. Lastly Notre Dame de la Platé is remarkable by its baroque retable, its choir decorated with a marble sculpture. Its fine organ is frequently used to give concerts of baroque music.

Nayrac Mansion
Rennaissance staircase
 

St Benoît Tower
Strolling in the streets of the old part of the town allows you to discover delightful renaissance mansions three of whom (Nayrac, Poncet and Viviès) are classified as Historical Monuments and testify to the architectural history and the previous prosperity of the city. The Viviès mansion houses the Center of Contemporary Art.

Among the various discoveries to be made (portals, half-timberings, old narrow streets) staircases are a fascinating theme reflecting technological advances and aesthetic talent. From the Saint Benoît tower to mansions of the XIXth century, Castres has so many fascinating staircases just waiting to be admired and climbed!

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ÓChantal Moret & Mike Briley 1999-2006