The best places to see are not necessarily on the top of a tourist guide’s to-do list.

Castelnau de Montmirail is a place where you feel like you’ve gone back in time a few centuries. No cars and few tourists.  Fortifications, a town square, and a breathtaking view of the countryside.

Castelnau de Montmirail history.

Origins.

Originally named Castelnou de mon Mirailh, it litterally meant new castle on top of a great hill in Occitan language.

Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, ordered its construction in 1220. This allowed to regroup the regions’s peasant population for better administrative, legislative and economic control. Castelnau’s inhabitants are granted priviledges so as to entice local populations to relocate there.

Four councils were chosen by the sovereign from a list of eight applicants presented to him by the former consuls. They were in charge of effectively administrating the village and castle.

Hundred Year War.

While the English, led by the Black Prince,  invaded the Albigeois region in 1345, they stopped before the Castelnau walls and did not dare attack.

Religion Wars.

Castelnau resisted the rising influence of Protestantism and gave refuge to the Catholics in Gaillac as they were persecuted and exiled by the protestant majority. In 1587, a protestant attack is repelled.

Practice your French!

Visit the Castelnau de Montmirail website.

Southern France – Castelnau de Montmirail is an article from: 2-0

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