1. Visit the museums in Castres
Castres is a colourful town with a rich cultural heritage. After landing at Castres-Mazamet Airport, be sure not to miss its museums during your stay.
The Goya Museum
Art lovers will appreciate the Goya Museum, which houses a collection unique in France, entirely dedicated to Spanish art. The museum displays three major works by Goya: *The Philippine Junta*, *Self-Portrait with Spectacles* and *Portrait of Francisco del Mazo*, as well as other engravings by the Aragonese master.
The exhibition programme also features masterpieces by famous Hispanic artists such as Picasso, Murillo and Velázquez. The Goya Museum is housed in a 17th-century building. It is the former episcopal palace, built between the River Agout and the Roman tower of Saint-Benoît at the request of the Bishop of Castres.
The Jean Jaurès Museum
As the birthplace of this famous orator, it is only natural that Castres has dedicated its Jean Jaurès National Centre and Museum to the work of this French politician. The chronological exhibition traces the life of this local son, born in Castres in 1859 and assassinated in Paris in 1914.
Photographs, press cuttings, films, display panels and even caricatures bear witness to the many battles fought by Jean Jaurès, who was elected as France’s youngest MP at the age of 26.
2. Visit the Théâtre de Castres
Directly opposite the Goya Museum, you can admire an exceptional building in the purest Rococo style. The Castres Theatre, inaugurated on 17 April 1904, is the work of the architect Joseph Galinier, a pupil of the famous Nicolas Garnier, who designed the Paris Opera House.
Whilst the building is imposing from the outside, it is equally remarkable inside, with its paintings and its dome painted by Jean-Paul Laurens.
Boasting excellent acoustics, the Castres Theatre offers a cultural programme featuring plays and opera performances, as well as dance, circus acts and concerts…
3. Stroll through the Jardin de l’Évêché
Near the Goya Museum and the Théâtre de Castres, take the time for a stroll through the Jardin de l’Évêché. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1995 and designated a ‘Remarkable Garden’ in 2004, this is none other than the work of André Le Nôtre, gardener to King Louis XIV and the architect behind the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
As you stroll through this French-style garden, you can admire one of the few remaining embroidery parterres in France. Bordered by the River Agout, the parterre is divided into four sections featuring boxwood arabesques, ending in spiralling patterns supported and crowned by palm leaves and volutes. A fountain and a pond form the central axis of this ensemble, which has been preserved in its entirety.
4. Take a river coach ride to discover the houses along the Agout
It’s no coincidence that Castres is nicknamed ‘the Little Venice of Languedoc’. Climb aboard the river coach ‘Le Miredames’ and enjoy a tour of the town from the water. Modelled on the old river coaches, this sightseeing boat takes you from the town centre to Gourjade Park.
A peaceful cruise offering a unique perspective on the houses along the Agout. These pastel-coloured half-timbered houses, which you may have spotted from the riverbanks, date back to the 13th century. Resembling a picture-postcard scene, they also bear witness to Castres’ industrial past. The town was, in fact, a renowned centre for the textile industry. The houses along the Agout were once the workshops of craftsmen: weavers, tanners, dyers…
From the sightseeing boat, you’ll have a front-row view of the vast stone cellars on which the houses are built. These cellars open directly onto the water through pointed-arch doors.
5. Stroll through Gourjade Park
The river boat can drop you off directly at Gourjade Park. But you can also reach this 53-hectare nature reserve by other means. Situated on the outskirts of Castres, this freely accessible estate is regarded as the city’s green lung.
It’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities after landing at Castres-Mazamet Airport. It’s a chance to work on your swing at Gourjade Golf Club, for example.
As evidence of human settlement on the site dating back to Neolithic times, you’ll also find the Castrais Centre for Archaeological Studies and Research, which showcases the prehistoric remains of the Tarn region.
6. Go in search of the scallop shells along the Way of St James
Castres is ideally situated on the Arles route. As such, the town is a stopover point between two sections of the Way of St James. Arriving in Castres marks the end of the Boissezon–Castres stage, whilst setting off from here marks the start of the Castres–Dourgne stage.
Pilgrims are guided along this route by yellow scallop shells, which serve as signposts. Whilst visiting the town, you can see various depictions of this shell, including several fountains modelled on its shape.
7. Watch a rugby match at Castres Stadium
In terms of sport, the town is renowned for its rugby club, the legendary Castres Olympique. Founded over 100 years ago, the club has retained the colours and values that have enabled it to win the Brennus Shield five times.
During your stay in Castres, do come and witness a display of strength, courage and team spirit at a rugby match if the opportunity arises.