Castres and the houses on the Agout

A GETAWAY ALONG THE AGOUT RIVER

Explore Castres from Le Rousieux Campsite

Just 20 minutes from the Le Rousieux Campsite, Castres is a must-see destination during your holiday in the Tarn. With the River Agout running through it, the town charms visitors with its colourful houses along the riverbank, its gardens, its museums and the bustling streets of its historic centre.

Known as the ‘Little Venice of the Languedoc’, Castres has a very different character to Albi. Here, a visit centres on the river, the former bishop’s palace and the pastel-coloured façades reflected in the water. The town centre is relatively compact, making it easy to reach the main sights on foot.

From Serviès, this proximity means you can spend a day exploring heritage sites, going for walks and enjoying culture, before returning to the peace and quiet of the countryside at Camping Le Rousieux in the late afternoon.

WITH THE FLOW

The houses on the River Agout, the symbol of Castres

Lined up along the river, the houses on the Agout are Castres’ most iconic sight. Their colourful façades, half-timbered walls and corbelled sections are reflected in the water, creating a particularly photogenic scene.

The first houses date back to the late 12th century. For several centuries, they housed the workshops of tanners, chamoisers, parchment makers, dyers and weavers. These craftsmen took advantage of the river Agout’s immediate proximity to wash, rinse and work the hides and fabrics.

To admire them, head to the quays and bridges in the city centre. The views change as you stroll along, with pastel-coloured façades, wooden balconies and reflections on the river. In the warmer months, a trip aboard a traditional river boat also offers the chance to admire these houses from the River Agout.

ART AND HERITAGE

The Goya Museum and the former Bishop’s Palace

Housed in the former bishop’s palace, the Goya Museum It houses one of the largest collections of Hispanic art in France. The paintings, sculptures, prints and artefacts on display take visitors on a journey through several centuries of Spanish art, from antiquity to the present day.

The museum is named after Francisco de Goya, several of whose works are housed in Castres. The collections also showcase the work of numerous Spanish artists and offer an experience that is accessible to both art lovers and visitors who are simply curious to discover one of the Tarn’s major cultural attractions.

The building itself is also well worth a look. Built in the 17th century to plans by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, one of the architects of Versailles, the former bishop’s palace now houses the museum and the Town Hall. Its courtyard, classical façades and proximity to the Jardin de l’Évêché create a particularly harmonious ensemble on the banks of the Agout.

A BREAK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

The Bishop’s Garden, a remarkable garden

Situated behind the former bishop’s palace, the the Bishop’s Garden offers a pleasant break between visits. Designed in the 17th century by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener, it is one of the few examples in France of embroidery parterres that are still fully preserved.

Its boxwood arabesques, its pond, its paths and its vistas have been designed to follow the irregular contours of the land. Awarded the A remarkable garden, it winds its way freely and offers lovely views of the bishop’s palace, the municipal theatre and the banks of the Agout.

This garden is particularly enjoyable during a visiting with children. It offers a chance to take a break in peaceful, well-kept surroundings before continuing your walk towards the cathedral, the historic centre or the houses along the Agout.

Stroll through the historic centre and around Saint-Benoît

Centred around Place Jean-Jaurès and the former bishop’s palace, the centre of Castres is home to shopping streets, squares, half-timbered houses and several mansions built between the Renaissance and the 17th century.

Opposite the palace stands the St Benedict’s Cathedral, built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Its architecture reflects the religious significance that Castres once held. Nearby, the Italian Rococo-style municipal theatre, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Platé and the mansions of Nayrac, Viviès and Poncet round off a tour of the Castres’ heritage.

Take the time to wander through the streets without sticking to a strict itinerary. The outdoor cafés, shops and historic façades create a lively atmosphere, whilst the quays offer a quick escape to the tranquillity of the Agout.

Practical tips for getting ready for your day

Allow about A 20-minute journey from Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès.
The houses along the Agout, the Goya Museum, the Bishop’s Garden and the historic centre are all easily explored on foot.
There are several car parks from which you can reach the town centre: please check the official information regarding the parking in Castres before you leave.
Check the Goya Museum opening hours and the departure times of the water bus, which vary depending on the season.

A day trip to Castres: our suggested itinerary

Start the morning by exploring the houses along the River Agout and the quays in the city centre. Continue on to the former bishop’s palace to visit the Goya Museum, then enjoy the Bishop’s Palace Gardens before having lunch around Place Jean-Jaurès.

In the afternoon, explore Saint-Benoît Cathedral and the streets of the historic centre. In the warmer months, you can round off the day with a trip aboard the Le Miredames water trough. This wooden boat connects the town centre to Gourjade Park, following the leafy bends of the River Agout.

If you’re travelling with children, Gourjade Park is a brilliant way to round off the day, with its walking trails, play areas and picnic spots.

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Our FAQs

Visiting Castres from the campsite

Plan your trip to Castres with the answers to the most frequently asked questions about sightseeing, distances and organising your day.

How far is Camping Le Rousieux from Castres?

Castres is situated about a 20-minute drive from Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès. This proximity makes it easy to visit the town for half a day or a full day, whilst still enjoying the activities and your accommodation at the campsite.

What are the must-see attractions in Castres?

The must-see attractions are the colourful houses on the Agout, the Goya Museum, the Bishop’s Garden, the former bishop’s palace and the streets of the historic centre. A stroll along the quayside allows you to visit several of these places in a single walk.

How much time should you allow for a visit to Castres?

Half a day is enough to explore the houses along the Agout, the Évêché Gardens and the historic centre. Allow a full day if you’d like to visit the Goya Museum, have lunch in town and enjoy a ride on the water bus or a stroll through Gourjade Park.

Is Castres a good place to visit with children?

Yes, the centre of Castres is easy to explore with the family. Children will love the colourful houses, the river, the Jardin de l’Évêché and the ride on the water bus. Gourjade Park also offers play areas, walking trails and spots perfect for a break in the open air.

Why is Castres known as the ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’?

This nickname stems mainly from the colourful houses built right on the banks of the Agout. Their half-timbered façades, their old workshops opening out onto the river and their reflections in the water lend this part of Castres a very special atmosphere.