Montagne Noire… Don’t be misled by its name ‘Black Mountain’ – it’s pretty green! Be inspired by the magic it exudes, the stories told about it and the heritage it hosts. The Pays d’Autan, which stretches from Castres to Labastide-Rouairoux, is amazing by its variedness and the way of life there.
In Castres, the gentle pleasures of life are tempered by Spanish good humour and Italian dolce vita! Climb aboard a water boat for a relaxing ride. You’ll meet Goya and Jaurès in their respective museums, sit on a terrace and let yourself be carried away by the cobblestones of the streets… perfect for a romantic break!
CASTRES
In Castres, the gentle pleasures of life are tempered by Spanish good humour and Italian dolce vita! Climb aboard a water boat for a relaxing ride. You’ll meet Goya and Jaurès in their respective museums, sit on a terrace and let yourself be carried away by the cobblestones of the streets… perfect for a romantic break !
Mazamet
Located between the Atlantic and Mediterranean meridian lines, Mazamet, at the foot of the Montagne Noire, is still characterised by an important industrial heritage. Although the village is now turning towards the development of green tourism, it has not forgotten its heyday in the 19th century, when the wool trade played a leading role in Mazamet. The past has left some traces in the streets, like these elegant and impressive town houses, witnesses of this privileged era… A story of an attractive conversion.
An industrial era
Mazamet became known for the quality of its fabrics in the 18th century and from the 19th century onwards became the world centre of délainage, an innovative industry which was very quickly associated with the megisserie and leather work. Today, the urban paths take you back to the city’s industrial development and reveal the elegant and impressive town houses, witnesses of this privileged era.
Cathar tales
At the Maison des Mémoires, you’ll learn about the Cathars and their history. Sound effects, videos and reconstructions of the interior of a peasant’s house explain the daily existence of the Cathars persecuted by the Crusade and the Medieval Inquisition.
A vibrant nature
Jean-Louis Etienne and Laurent Jalabert are local children and if, like them, you have a taste for exploring and sports achievements, you’ll love roaming around here! There is plenty to do around Mazamet: walking, horse riding or cycling on the Passa Païs Greenway (Voie Verte), car rallies, water sports at the Montagnès lake, discovering the flora and fauna… are you tempted?
Heading south, Mazamet, Hautpoul, the Montagnès lake, Labruguière or Labastide Rouairoux are revealed and in turn tell the story of the Cathars, the textile industry and the passions of this rugged, but so beautiful region.