With its 12th century arcaded square, surrounded by half-timbered houses, Briatexte is a pretty little country house where it is good to stay.
Briatexte, a peaceful country house
Founded in 1287, Briatexte was fortified in the 14th century during the Wars of Religion. Today, it is a charming village where it is pleasant to stroll before setting off on the hiking trails.
The bastide of Briatexte was founded in 1287 by Simon de Briseteste, seneschal of Carcassonne, on behalf of King Philip the Fair, on the site of the Cathar village of Touelles, razed by the troops of Simon de Montfort in 1212. It was intended to thwart its neighbour of Saint-Gauzens and follows a typical bastide organisation, in a grid plan with a beautiful square bordered by covered paths.
Fortified in the 14th century, Briatexte was at the heart of the Wars of Religion. The inhabitants, converted to Protestantism, made it a real bastion, which no attack would make yield. The church, which occupied the southern half of the square, was destroyed around 1574. A Protestant temple was built. However, an exceptional building dates from this troubled period, located on Rue du Château. It was the home of Messire de Montalivet, Protestant consul of the city at the beginning of the 17th century. The window frames and the wide semicircular arches of the ground floor, made of stone, form a vibrant contrast with the brick.
During the first Huguenot rebellion in 1622, the Catholic troops of Caesar, Duke of Vendôme, 7 infantry and 000 cavalry, laid siege to Briatexte after taking and burning Lombez. The place was commanded by Captain Faucon, whom Henri de Bourbon, Marquis of Malauze, the leader of the Protestants in the region, had placed at the head of 500 soldiers.
Thanks to the reinforcements and gunpowder provided by the Marquis de Malauze, Captain Faucon withstood the siege for a month and repelled five assaults. Recalled as reinforcements by the king who was besieging Montpellier, the Duke of Vendôme lifted the siege after firing 2 cannon shots and losing 000 men.
Returned to the official religion after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, the fortifications of the bastide were razed in 1629, then its temple destroyed in 1685.
The village dovecote mill
Today, the church stands outside the old fortifications, and the Dadou remains the last defensive ditch of the city. From the bridge, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the dovecote mill. Also worth seeing is the fortified mill whose foundations were built by the monks of the Candeil Abbey around the 14th century. It was the mill of the Lord of Briatexte, Baron of Aiguevive, before the French Revolution. Today, it is a magnificent setting for romantic walks along the Dadou.
The dovecote of Briatexte dates back to the end of the 17th century and was magnificently restored in 2011. It is a very fine example of the importance that this typical breeding of the region could have had. Also discover the farm campsite for unusual accommodation, or the gîtes of the commune, which will reserve you the best of welcomes.
