Saint-Julia is a commune of Haute-Garonne, in the Occitanie region, 40 km west of Toulouse.
Its vast territory of 11 km² belongs to the historic and cultural region of Lauragais, which crosses the Canal du Midi, known for its agricultural wealth.
Formerly known as "Saint-Julia of Gras Capou", in reference to the reputation of its farms of "fat" capons and poultry, the locality already inhabited during Prehistory and Antiquity really developed in the Middle Ages, when a closed village surrounded by fortifications was erected on a promontory.
He had to suffer during the Hundred Years War, the crusade against the Albigensians or during the Wars of Religion.
Once a property of Queen Marguerite de Valois (from 1580 to 1606), Saint-Julia has since emancipated some of its ramparts but has preserved from this period several major buildings (church, door) and a picturesque charm.
In the heart of bucolic landscapes, the small town of about 420 inhabitants where many artists and artisans have opened workshops and shops is a pleasant step for lovers of green tourism during a stay in the Lauragais.
The church Sainte-Agathe and Saint-Julien is the jewel of the village in terms of historical heritage. Its bell tower is protected as historical monuments since 1925: consisting of two floors, its paired stones were erected over the wall-gable. The first level is pierced by two semicircular bays and the second floor, narrower, cushioned by two pyramids, has two bays also. The top of the bell tower is crowned with battlements. Note that it houses five bells, one of which is known as the oldest in the region and dates from 1396. They were hidden under the Revolution.
As for the building itself, it dates for its parts the old fourteenth century and belongs to the Gothic style. But only the west facade has been preserved intact. At the initiative of Marguerite de Valois, the church was several times restored and remodeled. It is registered in its entirety since 2009.
Inside, you will admire beautiful 19th century stained glass windows, rich woodwork and many paintings and statues from different periods.
For guided tours of this large church, call +33 5 61 83 62 11.
Another monument has been protected since 1926: the old Cers gate, which dates back to the 16th century. Semicircular door surmounted by a floor, it is framed by buttresses and we still see traces of the harrow which she was once equipped.
In the historic heart of the old fortified village, 18th-century timber-framed dwellings, a medieval-style castle dating back to 1905 (now a guesthouse), or the covered market hall of the The nineteenth century, which houses the typical fat markets of the region, also testify to the richness and the picturesque character of the small city.
In the surrounding countryside, windmills and dovecotes (some of the eighteenth century) attest for their part of the agricultural prosperity of Saint-Julia...
Guided tours of the town with the rich past are proposed in the summer. Information on +33 5 34 66 67 68.
In terms of recreation, note that a playground adjacent to a picnic area and a bowling alley is available to visitors (who also benefit from the site pretty views of the campaign Lauragais and even the chain of Pyrénées in clear weather), which can also enjoy a tennis court. Information on +33 5 61 83 00 64.
The main sites of the village and its surroundings are finally crossed by hiking trails that allow you to enjoy a preserved environment and even, in some farms, to taste the local specialties (duck and foie gras, in particular). Maps and information on +33 5 34 66 67 68.