Molières is a commune in the Occitania region of Tarn-et-Garonne, about 20 kilometers north of Montauban in the former province of Quercy.
At the heart of a region favorable to the development of a fertile agriculture (cereals, orchards), the locality takes its rise in 1270 when Molières becomes a bastide (city free and freed of the feudal power) endowed with an enclosure.
Remained French during the Hundred Years War, the commune is not spared during the wars of Religion. Its rich land and its geographical position (crossroads of communication) make it over the centuries however a small prosperous city. It must even acquire new infrastructure in the 19th century (church, hall) to meet the needs of a growing and commercially active population.
The rural exodus in the 20th century, however, affected the locality (almost 1,300 inhabitants), who still lived on agriculture (cereals, fruit, vines) but also opened up tourism to the development of a Lake and a leisure base in the 1980s. Molières is now a step and a place to stay appreciated by lovers of green tourism.
In the oldest part of Molières, half-timbered houses, vestiges of ramparts and the very plan of the streets testify to the past of the country house.
In terms of built heritage, we will be interested in Notre-Dame church, rebuilt at the end of the nineteenth century to replace the previous building, too cramped. The old bell tower of the 17th century has been preserved, but it is now separated from the church. Note that the interior paintings were made in 1923.
In Saint-Nazaire, the church of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre in Espanel (15th century) or the church of Saint-Nazaire, classified, rebuilt in the 16th century, or the chapel of Saint-Paul Of-Fustin.
Hamlets, buildings or small patrimonial vestiges (mills) that can mark a hike in this green and slightly hilly landscape. Brochures with marked itineraries and tips are available on +33 5 63 67 76 37.
The leisure center of the Malivert is then the ideal site to conjugate idleness or sporty and fun pleasures. The 10-hectare lake is bordered by 3500 m² of sandy beach and the bathing is monitored every day during the summer season. Canoeing is possible.
Picnic and sports areas (volleyball courts, tennis courts, mountain bike routes) have been laid out. Prices in July and August: 3 euros (adults and teenagers) and 1,50 euro (children). Free the rest of the year. Information on +33 5 63 67 70 15 during the summer period and at +33 5 63 67 64 53.
Fishing enthusiasts must obtain a "day" or "holiday" card: contact the +33 5 63 67 76 37.
Every Friday morning, the market is an opportunity to learn more about and taste the products of the rich local terroir...
In mid-August, a "hunting and nature" festival. Meals, dog show, entertainment.
On the first Saturday of October, the duathlon (running and cycling) of Molières takes place over two courses.
In November, on the occasion of the Tarn-et-Garonne literary festival, "Lettres d'automne", reading evening and meeting with an author in the multipurpose room.
