Castelnaudary

Founded by the Visigoths , Castelnaudary is today recognized as the historical capital of the Lauragais region . In 1987 , it also distinguished itself as the modern capital of pastel culture , reviving an ancestral know-how.

The town was the scene of one of the greatest battles of Catharism , which took place at the foot of the old medieval fortified town, now vanished. It owes its title as capital of the seneschal's court to Catherine de Medici , then Countess of Lauragais, who conferred this prestigious status upon it.

Crossed by the famous Canal du Midi , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castelnaudary sees this 17th-century jewel, built between 1666 and 1681 , regaining life and renown among visitors from all over the world.