Old fortified town founded at the end of the 13th centurye century, Giroussens is recognized as a “City and Crafts of Art”. A land of potters, it is home to the Ceramics Center which, drawing on a centuries-old tradition, now opens up new fields of expression for the art of contemporary ceramics.
Giroussens, bricks and ochre
Giroussens offers a magnificent view of the Agout and its valley. The work of clay and earth is an integral part of its history and is written throughout its pink and ochre brick facades.
As you wander through its alleyways, you will be charmed by these brick buildings. Continue your walk to the viewpoint, which takes in the entire valley.
The Church of Saint-Salvi
Built at the end of the 13thᵉ century, then burned down in the 16the century by the Protestants of Lavaur, it saw the light of day again at the end of the 15the century. The main walls remain original but the vaults have been rebuilt and raised. The exterior view of the building made of red bricks, gives little hint of the richness of its interior decoration, which combines gilding, blue and red dyes, wood carvings and paintings, as well as altarpieces, one of which with fine vine ornamentation is listed as a historic monument. The church also has very good acoustics.
Belbèze Castle
Or also called the castle of Lucie Bouniol after its owner, a famous sculptor from the beginning of the century, contemporary and confidante of Colette whom she met at the Palais Royal in Paris. Ceramics Center occupies a former outbuilding of the castle, ceded to the municipality on condition that a space dedicated to the memory of the artist be preserved.
A story of potters
Au 11ᵉ century, Giroussens is a small fortified town founded by the Viscounts of Albi to defend access to their castle of Pech Mascou, now destroyed.
Au 13e century, Amalric de Lautrec granted the inhabitants of the bastide certain privileges. The inhabitants of Giroussens had in particular the rights to elect their consuls, to fish in the rivers, to hunt in the forest, but also and above all to take from it all the wood necessary for their heating, for the construction of their house or for their work.
This will allow them to supply the ovens and thus develop the pottery that will make the village famous for its production of painted terracotta in the 16th century.ᵉ century, reminiscent of Italian lead-glazed ceramics.
From 17e, pottery was no longer fashionable and was replaced by earthenware and porcelain. During the Revolution, potters lost their privileges. The kilns were gradually destroyed and production ceased in the 19th century.e century.
The revival of ceramics
In the 90s, ceramics returned to the village thanks to the will of potters who no longer grouped themselves into a brotherhood, but into an association. Terres & Terres and the municipality created the Centre de la Céramique Contemporaine in 2001. And since then, Giroussens has (re)become a major place for ceramics and is known for its annual contemporary ceramics market. In 2022, the city was awarded the “City and Crafts of Art” label.
