Villefranche-de-Lauragais is a town in Haute-Garonne, Occitania, located about 35 km east of Toulouse.
It is one of the urban entities of the historical and cultural region of the Lauragais, between the agglomerations of Toulouse and Carcassonne, along the Canal du Midi which connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. A flourishing agricultural land, the Lauragais was nicknamed the Pays de Cocagne.
Bastide (literally "new town") founded in 1270, Villefranche-de-Lauragais grew through the cultivation of cereals and livestock and became a prosperous commercial city in the seventeenth century. It has retained remarkable testimonies of its architectural past.
The city now has more than 4,200 inhabitants, a population that has doubled since the Second World War, notably by setting up business districts close to communication routes, such as the motorways connecting Toulouse to Narbonne (A61) and Andorra (A66).
Due to its geographical position, its environment and its heritage, Villefranche-de-Lauragais is a tourist stop of choice.
Erected by the Count of Toulouse and then enjoyed privileges, notably by tax, by King Philippe Le Bel, in 1280, Villefranche-de-Lauragais was partly devastated by the English in 1355 (thus, the original ramparts are no longer visible) but in the center, The main part of its architectural originality (long streets intersecting at right angles) has been preserved. The same goes for a number of public or private buildings: what makes its discovery, on foot, a pleasure for the visitor.
The church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, dating from 1271, is built in brick-built Gothic style and features a turreted bell-tower, typical of the region.
Next to the building, a hall with high arcades testifies to the commercial vitality of the city which was authorized by Louis XIV to organize a market every Friday and several annual fairs. This tradition lasted over the centuries and the city possessed up to six places for transactions of different types of goods and products (livestock, poultry, grain...).
In the center of the bastide you can still admire beautiful half-timbered houses dating from the 15th to the 17th century, and along the streets and alleys several buildings are worth a detour such as the castle and the water mill of Barelles or several Small bridges ("bridges" spanning streams).
To appreciate again, the lane of the Priests where covered air passages testify of the medieval past of the city.
In order to better understand the richness of Villefranche-de-Lauragais, visiting and hiking circuits are proposed, which allow you to crisscross the streets of the city center (to visit other riches in terms of buildings, such as the bandstand, the fountain of Barreaux Where the wedding banquets took place) but also to follow the banks of the Canal du Midi (where a bike path has been laid out) and the hilly and green surroundings of the city.
Bike rental is also possible. For more information, please contact us at +33 5 61 27 20 94.
In summer, a break in one of the shady public gardens of the city will be welcome, or even a refreshing moment at the outdoor swimming pool equipped with two pools. Information on +33 5 62 71 19 03.
Inheritances of the medieval and commercial past of the city, many events mark the calendar.
In this rich gastronomic region (foie gras, cassoulet), we will appreciate every Friday morning place Gambetta a market called "full wind" (outside) where local producers are at the party.
The festival of gardens in April and the votive festivals of 15 August are other popular and convivial meetings.
From September to November, Villefranche-de-Lauragais is part of the cities of the region hosting the Occitania festival (music, dance, folklore, cinema).
Finally, before the holidays, the fair Gras the 3rd Sunday of November, under the covered market, then the Christmas market conjugate greed and conviviality.
