Castres, in southern France, is located in the Tarn department in the
Midi-Pyrénées region. It sits between
Toulouse and
Montpellier.
Castres is the third largest industrial centre in the
Midi-Pyrénées region. But don’t be put off by this as it is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, and the Tarn countryside is full of sunflower filled fields and lovely chateaux.
The name comes from the Latin Castrum which translates as fortified place.
Castres developed around the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Benoit founded in 647AD.
Castres was an important stopping point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In the 12th century it was an important centre and after
Albi,was the second town of the Albigeois.
During the 16th century
Castres was one of the largest Protestant strongholds in France but the Protestants were defeated by Louis XIII in 1629 and the town’s fortifications were dismantled by Richelieu’s forces.
Castres prospered mainly due to its fur and leather dressing, tanning, and wool trades. In the 19th century the economy of
Castres continued to expand and the town developed beyond its Medieval centre. The first mechanised wool mill was established in 1815 and the industry expanded until by 1860 the town boasted 50 wool mills.
Castres is a town full of charm. It is built on the River Agout and it has old houses with upper stories which lean precariously out over the water. The town’s weavers and dyers lived in these houses. Interesting monuments to see include the Church of Saint Benoit, the Town Hall in the old Bishops Palace and the Quay des Jacobains. The largest collection of spanish paintings outside of the Louvre can be seen at the Goya Museum.
The Town’s centre is a bustling place with two daily markets, fresh produce in the main square and a flea market in the Place Albanique. On Saturday mornings a large market runs along the riverside attracting many visitors as well as the town’s inhabitants.
