The Abbey Saint-Michel of Gaillac, in the Tarn, was founded in 972 by Benedictines to which the bishop of Albi had entrusted an already occupied area during antiquity by the Romans, on the edge of the river.
After the religious cleared the land, they cultivated the vine. The rise of their production was rapid and justified that a port was created to export the wines to Bordeaux.
Attached to the Abbey of Moissac and therefore Cluny then to that of the Chair-Dieu, the abbey of Gaillac is relatively spared during the crusade of the Albigensis and can be rebuilt and enlarged in 1273.
Canons replace monks in 1524, and during wars of religions, Protestants are defended from the abbey before being drowned in the Tarn.
A restored again after these disorders, it is rebuilt and redecorated between 1570 and 1620 in a southern Gothic style and the prosperous wine trade like that of the pastel ensure the radiation of the abbey.
The revolution is fatal, and the site is sold as a national.
Classified Historical Monument As early as 1840, together with red bricks and OCRES tones finds a new life in the twentieth century. The church becomes parish and some of the old conventual buildings now house the Wine House of Gaillac (with tasting, presentation of vineyard techniques and specificities of vineyards of the vintage) and the tourist office of the city.
In addition, in July and August, Friday evening, the gardens of the abbey welcome aperitif concert.
Information at +33 5 63 57 14 65 and 0 805 400 828.
