Many Medieval villages in France hold rich histories and exhibit beautiful architecture. Most subscribe to the French label ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ an independent association created in 1982 to boost tourism in rural France.
Our plan is to visit as many of these villages as possible and write a brief summary on each. Are they worth visiting? Places to eat, park, a brief history and of course, photos!
Arriving At Lautrec
As our nearest medieval village is Lautrec, which is in the Occitanie Region we’ll start here.
Lautrec is located on a hill between Castres and Graulhet, 15kms to each.
It is possible to overlook Lautrec from certain directions, however, it is certainly worth a dedicated visit or a detour.
There is free parking on the roads leading to the medieval centre and a carpark. You should park on the outskirts of the village as the centre has very limited parking.
The Benedictine Convent houses the Tourist Office which you’ll encounter first upon entering the village. It’s definitely worth stopping and getting a little information and seeing if any events are taking place. There is also a pretty garden and fantastic viewpoint in front of the Tourist Office.
Lautrec was founded in 940 and its church, St Rémy, began construction in 1394.
In the Middle-Ages, there were eight entrance gates to the village. Only one remains now, the Gate of Caussade dating from the Thirteenth Century.
The Windmill
The windmill, Moulin à vent de la Salette, dates from the seventeen Century. This building is open to the public from April to October and was renovated in 1991. It is one of the rare windmills to still produce flour in Midi-Pyrénées and is the last working Windmill in the Tarn.
The Pastel Of Pays de Cocagne
Pastel is the plant which has given the region, Pays de Cocagne it’s name. Pastel is a dye plant that produces a beautiful pale blue colour. Between the 14th and 16th Century it brought great wealth to the region.
The cultivation of pastel is a real know-how inherited from master dyers. The leaves of the plant have a purple pigment and are firstly crushed, drained, moulded and left to dry into balls: the famous cocagnes!
After fermentation, they give agranate, a blackish granular paste. Once dried, this agranate was then crushed into powder and then used in dye vats to produce this inimitable pastel blue. The Pastel would have been traded underneath the windmill.
Lautrec Pink Garlic
There are still producers of Pastel (Woad) but now more Pink Garlic is grown in Lautrec. The garlic produced is famous for its taste and longevity and has been popular in Lautrec since the middle-ages.
The Pink Garlic Fair
Every year, Lautrec holds its Pink Garlic Fair. In August, the town celebrates the garlic festival which attracts thousands of visitors. Try some free garlic soup that is being handed out!
The Pink Garlic of Lautrec is a Protected Geographical Label, like champagne. Only pink garlic produced in the area is permitted to carry the French Red Label of ‘Ail Rose de Lautrec’.
Amenities
There are plenty of amenities in Lautrec. A chemist, doctors, convenience store, bank, post office, bars and restaurants and obviously boulangeries to name but a few.
We have visited Cafe Plum, which also has a book shop attached to it. They host regular live music and events ranging from bands to karaoke. If possible, the food is sourced locally, and there is always a vegetarian option available.
Aquaval Water Park
Heading out of Lautrec is Aquaval. A small water park, fishing lakes, childrens play area and motorhome park. It’s very popular in the summer and worth checking out on a hot afternoon.
The walk around the fishing lakes is flat so is accessible to all for a lovely wander, summer or winter.
Summary
Although quieter in the winter months, you will still be able to grab a drink or a bite to eat. In the warmer months, take a guided tour of the village or join in the many fetes and festivals. You can also go on guided hikes and mountain biking.
Lautrec 81440 is definitely worth a visit.
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