Castelnau-de-Montmiral (castellum novum montis mirabilis, « the new castle on the hill from where you can watch the area ») is a fortified bastide town in the Tarn, founded in 1222 by Raymond VII, count of Toulouse, in order to replace the fortresses which were destroyed by the crusades against the Albigensian. In fact, historically one should distinguish between "bastides" and "castelnaus". Contrary to the Provence, where «bastide» means a walled farm, in south-west France a bastide meant a fortified town, with an independent city council; a castelnau was also a fortified town, depending from the feudal lord in his nearby castle. Montmiral thus was originally a castelnau, not a bastide. However, at an early stage it would be granted an own city council, and hence the difference vanished.
The village has a rather turbulent history, similarly to the majority of bastides. In 1355 English soldiers tried to take the city, whereas during the wars of religion it was the turn of the Huguenots to attack Castelnau, a catholic bastion. The city walls were no defence against the 1628 plague: the population was decimated.
The structure of the centre of Castelnau de Montmiral has not been altered much throughout the centuries, although the city wall have been demolished. The oldest buildings are from the XVI & XVII centuries. The market place (La Place des Arcades) still presents a range of old-style houses with archways, around a central square. The Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church is well preserved; inside you will find the pride of Castelnau, a XIV century relic (Armagnac cross). Few remains of the city walls: a gate (La Porte des Garrics) and a tower (la tour de Toulze).
Castelnau-de-Montmiral belongs tot the few selected “most beautiful villages” in France. The Gresigne Forest a well-preserved public domain of 3000 hectares, is located within its boundaries. Visiting the small village doesn't take much time; its perfect location on both tourist roads covering the bastides and the Gaillac vineyard suggest a more extended stay for visiting the whole region.
It might sound preposterous to say that B&B Artichaud is one of the best guest-houses in the Tarn; in any case, this is what you can learn from the comments posted by our guests.
We have travelled a lot, both professionally and privately, and we surely know what we love ourselves: a quiet and comfortable stay, delicious and healthy food and a nice wine, visiting enchanting places, walking in full nature, knowing other people... Our bed and breakfast is surely a great place for discovering the Tarn, for a holiday which will later revive your finest memories.
