Built around 1220 at the end of the Albigensian Crusade by Raymond VII, the fortified town of Castelnau-de-Montmiral resisted the English who, led by the Black Prince during the Hundred Years' War, gave up attacking it. The people of Montmiral then knew how to defend themselves during the Wars of Religion and thus preserved an inestimable heritage which is today one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France®.
Castelnau-de-Montmiral, the “Mountain from where you can see”
A reputedly impregnable stronghold from the Middle Ages, Castelnau-de-Montmiral offers an unrivaled view of the Grésigne forest and the mosaic of shapes and colors offered by the fields and hills.
This fortified town dominates from its promontory a magnificent landscape where it is good to lose your gaze. This unique location and its orientation table will be a privileged starting point for your walks in the heart of nature and hikes in the Gaillac vineyard.
But Castelnau-de-Montmiral also contains many other treasures. Its tangled streets and alleys are an invitation to a contemplative stroll. Magnificently renovated, the bastide is full of mazes in which it is good to pretend to get lost, to discover a new piece of history with each step. And it is for all these reasons that the village is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France®.
In 2018, Castelnau-de-Montmiral and Puycelsi joined the prestigious circle of Grands Sites Occitanie, under the aegis of the Cordes sur Ciel & Medieval Cities destination.
Visit Castelnau-de-Montmiral differently
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Strolling around the Place des Arcades
This is one of the treasures that Castelnau-de-Montmiral has in store. Bordered on 4 sides by houses on arcades, the square exudes a crazy charm! Its finely restored facades offer a very medieval diversity of red bricks, white stones and wooden panels and half-timbering.
It is an intimate and friendly place, where it is good to stroll and meet in the benevolent shade of the covered areas (covered areas behind the arcades) and terraces. The square thus perpetuates its role as a place of exchange and meetings. It is home to the town hall and the tourist office, a café, restaurants and a hotel. You can still admire the old pillory from the Middle Ages, which was used to expose to the crowd both market animals and thieves or, unfortunately, unfaithful women, often subsequently banished from the village.
In July, the festival of Red lands takes up residence between the square and the leisure center for 3 days of concerts. In August, find Castel'rock from August 15 and the honey fair.
The Church of the Assumption
Dating from the 15the century, the Treasury Room contains the magnificent Cross of the Consuls, a masterpiece of religious goldwork. Rumor has it that during the French Revolution, it was hidden by a priest in a grain tank to protect it. It was almost forgotten and found after the attackers left… thanks to a pig looking for food!
At the bend in an alley, you will discover the Place de la Rose, from where pilgrims left for Rome or Santiago de Compostela, a 17th century wash housee century, the remains of ancient fortifications, elements of medieval architecture, magnificent old residences and the statue of the Virgin, which from the top of Pechmiral embraces the magnificent panorama of the Grésigne forest. The castle (which has nothing to do with that of Godefroy de Montmirail in the film Visitors) was destroyed on the 17the century and only a few elements of fortification remain visible.
The restoration of the Notre-Dame church
gourmet break
Where to sleep in Castelnau-de-Montmiral?
Walks, hikes and outdoor activities
Castelnau-de-Montmiral gives you immediate access to the Vère valley, the Grésigne forest and the Gaillac vineyard. It provides access to numerous trails and paths for bucolic walks or more sporty hikes on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback!
And for family outings, the Vère-Grésigne leisure center and its lake await you for a refreshing break.
The tourist office in Castelnau de Montmiral
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