Lavaur and the Martels Gardens
IN THE HEART OF THE LAND OF PLENTY
Visit Lavaur from Le Rousieux Campsite
At about 25 minutes from the Le Rousieux Campsite, Lavaur makes for a pleasant day out during your holiday in the Tarn. Situated on the banks of the Agout, the town charms visitors with its red-brick architecture, its gardens, its ancient alleyways and its history, which is closely linked to the Pays de Cocagne.
Dominated by Saint-Alain Cathedral, Lavaur has a relatively compact historic centre that is easy to explore on foot. The cathedral, the Jacquemart, the Tour des Rondes, the Esplanade du Plô and the Bishop’s Gardens allow you to take in several centuries of history in the course of a single stroll.
The proximity of the Jardins des Martels, situated in Giroussens, means you can combine heritage and nature in a single day. Starting from Serviès, this day trip thus offers a lovely balance between cultural exploration, walking and family visit, before returning to the tranquillity of the countryside at the campsite.
A MUST-SEE MONUMENT
Saint-Alain Cathedral and its Jacquemart
A major example of Southern Gothic architecture, the Saint-Alain Cathedral is Lavaur’s most iconic monument. Its imposing silhouette, brick walls and bell tower tower above the town’s rooftops and serve as a reminder of the religious significance that this former episcopal see once held.
Inside, the murals and the polychrome wooden organ case contrast with the building’s austere, defensive exterior. Take the time to observe the proportions of the nave, the decorative features and the various traces left by the building’s successive alterations.
Near the cathedral is the famous Jacquemart of Lavaur. Perched atop a square tower, this wooden clock strikes the hours and half-hours. It is described by the tourist office as the only one still in operation in the South-West and is an integral part of the city’s identity.
A BOTANICAL INTERLUDE
The Martels’ Gardens: a journey through the flowers
In Giroussens, just a few minutes from Lavaur, the Martels Gardens offer a real escape into nature. This floral park in 35,000 m², laid out as an Asian-inspired English-style garden, features around 3,000 species of plants in very different settings.
As you walk along the trail, you’ll discover flowerbeds, a pond covered with lotus and water lilies, an exotic and aquatic conservatory, a banana grove, a viewing point and several spots perfect for contemplation. The blooms change with the seasons, offering a different landscape depending on when you visit.
The tour usually lasts about two hours. There is also a mini-farm where you can see fish, tortoises, ducks, goats, sheep and even cows, making it a particularly enjoyable outing with children. The trail is accessible with a pushchair, and there is a shaded picnic area outside the park. So make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the gardens at your own pace.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY
The Tour des Rondes and the medieval quarter
The Tour des Rondes is one of the last remaining examples of Lavaur’s ancient fortifications. It serves as a reminder of the town’s turbulent past and the events that marked the crusade against the Cathars in the early 13th century.
The walk continues towards the Esplanade du Plô, the former site of Lavaur Castle. A memorial stone there honours the memory of Dame Guiraude and the townspeople who fell victim to the siege of the town. Today, this tree-lined esplanade offers a much more peaceful setting, popular for a break or a family picnic.
As you make your way into the town centre, you will also come across cobbled alleyways, old half-timbered houses and the Church of Saint-François. These various features make up a heritage that is more understated than that of Albi, but which offers a better understanding of the history and identity of this ancient Cathar town in the Tarn.
STROLLING BETWEEN THE BISHOP’S GARDENS AND THE BANKS OF THE AGOUT
Near the cathedral, the the Bishop’s Gardens offer a pleasant place to stop off during your visit. Their paths, flowerbeds and shaded areas allow you to enjoy a moment of tranquillity whilst admiring the surroundings of Lavaur and the Agout Valley.
You can continue your walk to Square Bressoles, the Esplanade du Plô or the riverbanks. From certain vantage points, you’ll be able to see the Saint-Roch Bridge and its large arch spanning the Agout.
On Saturday mornings, the market brings the town centre to life, bringing together producers, traders and specialities from the South-West. If your visit happens to fall on a Saturday, do take the time to browse the stalls before continuing your exploration of Lavaur.
Practical tips for getting ready for your day
- Allow about A 25-minute journey between Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès and the centre of Lavaur.
- Lavaur’s main sights are relatively close together and can easily be explored on foot.
- The Jardins des Martels are situated in Giroussens, about 10 minutes from Lavaur.
- Allow for approximately two hours to explore the Martels Gardens at your leisure.
- The flower park is open seasonally: please check the Opening times and practical information for the Jardins des Martels before you leave.
- Flowering seasons, opening times for monuments and access conditions may vary depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Visiting Lavaur and the Jardins des Martels in a day: our suggested itinerary
Start the morning with a visit to Saint-Alain Cathedral and the Jacquemart. Then head to the Évêché Gardens, the Tour des Rondes and the Esplanade du Plô before exploring the narrow streets of the historic centre.
After lunch in Lavaur or a picnic, head towards Giroussens to visit the Jardins des Martels. Spend the afternoon exploring the flowerbeds, the lotus pond, the exotic greenhouse and the mini-farm.
This itinerary allows you to visit the main attractions without having to travel too much. At the end of the day, head back to your Accommodation at Le Rousieux Campsite and the tranquillity of the countryside in Serviès.
Our FAQs
Visiting Lavaur from the campsite
Plan your trip to Lavaur and the Jardins des Martels with the answers to the most frequently asked questions about distances, tours and organising your day.
How far is Camping Le Rousieux from Lavaur?
Lavaur is situated about A 25-minute drive from Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès. The Jardins des Martels can be reached in about thirty minutes. This proximity makes it easy to combine both visits in a single day.
What are the must-see attractions in Lavaur?
The main sights to see are Saint-Alain Cathedral, the Jacquemart, the Tour des Rondes, the Esplanade du Plô and the Évêché Gardens. The narrow streets of the historic centre and the banks of the Agout make for a lovely stroll.
Is it possible to visit Lavaur and the Jardins des Martels in a single day?
Yes. You can see Lavaur’s main sights in a morning, whilst the afternoon can be spent at the Jardins des Martels. The two sites are about a ten-minute drive apart.
How much time should you allow for a visit to the Jardins des Martels?
The website recommends allowing for approximately two hours to explore the various gardens, the exotic greenhouse, the lotus pond and the mini-farm. You can make the most of your visit by using the picnic area outside the park.
Are the Jardins des Martels suitable for children?
Yes. The paths are accessible with a pushchair, and the mini-farm is particularly popular with families. Children can observe various species of animals whilst exploring the park’s different plant zones.
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