Small village in the Tarn, Giroussens takes place in the heart of Haut-Languedoc, more than 200 meters above sea level. It is located about forty kilometers from Albi and its cathedral or Toulouse, in the Albigeois.
Originally located one kilometer from its current location, the village of Giroussens was originally a Gallo-Roman villa located on the banks of the Agout. Occupied in the fifth century by the Visigoths, it develops quietly in the course of the Middle Ages. From the sixteenth century, the town has a certain reputation for its painted terracotta and lead glazed, and until the nineteenth century with the destruction of ovens.
Ideally located for exploring one of the most beautiful regions of France, Giroussens also seduces with its architectural and historical heritage of great interest.
Originally built in the 13th century, the castle of Pech Mascou became a royal prison in the first half of the 15th century. Burned by the Protestants in 1562, it was replaced by a second castle, that of Belbèze in the middle of the 17th century. Square plan with four towers covered with pyramid roofs, it is sold as national property under the French Revolution in the late eighteenth century.
Created in 1970 and opened in the mid-1990s, the Martels Garden covers 3.5 hectares, unveiling more than 2500 varieties of plants from all continents. English-inspired, it is divided into four very distinct surfaces, a walk along the canal with multicolored massifs, a tropical aquatic greenhouse rich in lianas and banana trees, a rainbow garden and finally a garden terrace. its torrent of water. At the end of the course, it is possible to buy some plants admired on the spot and produced in the neighboring nurseries. The youngest will also appreciate the mini-farm, the labyrinth or the little steam train.
Built in the 14th century, Saint-Salvy church deserves a stop. Inside, it is possible to admire altarpieces and paintings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The walls of the nave are covered with frescoes of the twentieth century Fernand Augé and Paul Prouho.
If you want to learn more about the history of the region, head to the Museum of the Rabastinois Country to appreciate the collections dedicated to archeology, painting and local history. Housed in a former private mansion of the late seventeenth century, it allows to admire the works of local artists such as Paul Prouho or Georges Gaudion, a collection of embroideries of the famous Parisian embroiderer Rene Bégué, a room dedicated to the chefs work of Roger Bellegarde's housekeeper, or everyday objects from the Gallo-Roman era and a large mosaic. Thematic temporary exhibitions are regularly organized. Do not forget to visit the Ceramics Center to discover the history of this production to the great fame.
A garage sale is proposed for Thursday of the Ascension.
The potters market is held every last weekend of April, unveiling the works of artists from around the world.
In April, the most athletic will be able to go to the Giroussinaise, a hike or cyclist with multiple courses from 8 to 45 km.
In early June, place at the market of the Contemporary Ceramics.
In mid-September, the town offers its famous local festival with its carnival and its many events.
