Castelnaudary is not only the cassoulet capital of the world, it is also a historic place which has dominated the Lauragais plain for many centuries.
Take the narrow streets of the old town and discover a rich heritage, between epic cathar et canal du midi.
If you think you know the Chaurian territory, stop at Castelnaudary and be surprised by its cultural heritage., sometimes discreet, its scenery and his "terroir".
Castelnaudary and its heritage
Stroll through the heart of the old town and be surprised by some hidden monuments ou picturesque corners.
From the highest point of the city, the Cugarel mill bears witness to the cereal wealth of Lauragais... and its climate. With 300 days of wind per year on average, don't be surprised to see so many windmills in our territory!
In front, there Saint-Michel collegiate church, admire the southern Gothic style of the building and push open the door to discover the interior and see its Cavaillé-Coll organ.
Don't hesitate to get lost in the streets: the old Carmelite convent, mansions, the old one Grand Bazaar of the Town Hall or the Well Street are so many gems to discover during a stroll in town!
Do not leave Castelnaudary without following the canal du midi. It is here that there are some unique works on the 240 km of the length of this work listed in the Unesco World Heritage : the Grand Bassin and 4 Saint-Roch locks.
To discover
Be curious, go back in time through the streets of the old town.
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Castelnaudary, a whole story
Castelnaudary is full of history. The city, an important roadhouse since the Iron Age, has experienced the bloody conflicts of the crusade against the Albigensians, Sling and, of course, saw the inauguration of the canal du midi in 1681.
The town enters history, almost under its current name, thanks to a document from 1118 where it is named "Castellum Novum Arri", that is to say the new castle of Arius. It was around this castle that the city was built, which became a strategic stronghold during the crusade against the Cathars.
In 1355, in full Hundred Years War, the city will be burned by the black Prince, son of King Edward III of England. Lauragais and its capital would only regain serenity under the reign of Henry II. His wife, Catherine de Medici, Countess of Lauragais even before being Queen of France, made Castelnaudary the seat of this Sénéhaussee, an administrative and judicial district. She built the presidial, a civil and criminal court which will attract many lawyers and judges from Toulouse to Castelnaudary.
The XNUMXth century marked a turning point for the city with the creation of the Royal Canal of Languedoc, today called Canal du Midi. Pierre-Paul Riquet, its brilliant inventor, made Castelnaudary an important port by developing the Grand Bassin.
During the Revolution, Castelnaudary became sub-prefecture of Aude, a title which it lost in 1926 to Carcassonne.
Since 1976, the city has hosted the Foreign Legion and in particular the 4th foreign regiment which is the training regiment.
Castelnaudary, world capital of cassoulet
Castelnaudary is one of the key destinations for epicureans.
Of course, we taste the real cassoulet, the one, the only, but we also know how to delight the taste buds in general.
Because Lauragais is also the granary of Languedoc, landscape identity shaped for centuries. No less than 32 mills stood in Castelnaudary in the XNUMXth century. From this fertile land emerge wheat, corn, and of course the famous ingot bean from Castelnaudary to name just a few examples. Land ofLivestock, above all we cultivate here the values of live well and friendliness to offer a range of flavors which will not leave you without a smile on your face.
A territory of gastronomy
Let yourself be seduced by everything that Chaurian and Lauragais gastronomy has to offer you.
Things are happening in Castelnaudary!
Very close to Castelnaudary
Are you spending your holidays in Castelnaudary? Discover Lauragais Audois!
