Lautrec

Lautrec (or Lautrèc in Occitan), in the department of Tarn, is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. A former city and seat of the local viscount, it is now a rural settlement of 1,755 (2018). The Toulouse-Lautrec family originates in the town, although by the time Henri was born, the family had relocated to Albi. Aside from its tenuous link with the famous 19th-century painter and poster artist, Lautrec is known for its pink garlic (ail rose), a product which is celebrated by a festival every August.

Orientation
Lautrec is in the heart of the pays de Cocagne territory, at more less the geographical centre of the Tarn department in Occitania, south-western France.

The tourist office (open Feb-Dec: Tu-Su 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30) is housed at the Benedictine Convent.

History
Lautrec has archaeological records of human habitation for at least 2000 years. It was first occupied by a Celtic tribe, and later by the Romans who apparently constructed a temple to Eleuisis, a goddess of fertility and harvest.

In 940 CE, Bernard, Viscount of Albi, divided his lands between his two sons; the younger son, Sicard, took the title as first Viscount Lautrec. By 1306, the viscounty was yielded to Philip IV (Philippe le Bel), King of France. The viscounty lasted in one form or another until the French Revolution in 1789.

Lautrec saw some turbulence in the late middle ages. It was captured by English troops in 1426, until recaptured the following year by the Count of Foix; nevertheless, the English made off with 7000 gold coins for their troubles. The Wars of Religion in the 16th century also left a painful mark. In 1565, Catholic canons from Saint Pierre de Burlats sought refuge, which ended in Protestant forces besieging and capturing the town, burning the churches and massacring around 400 inhabitants.

Today
Tourism became increasingly important in the second half of the 20th century; Lautrec was classed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France in 1983. The town's pink garlic was awarded the Label Rouge assurance of quality in 1966, and has been protected at the European level since 1996. There are some 1000 ha dedicated to garlic production, which results in around 4000 tonnes of yield per annum. Lautrec is also home to a number of artisan stonemasons, metallurgists and woodworkers.

By plane
Castres-Mazamet Airport (18 km) is linked by twice-daily flights from Paris Orly. However, Toulouse-Blagnac (75 km, in the neighbouring department of Haute-Garonne) is much better served by airlines from all over Europe.

By train
Lautrec is on the Toulouse to Castres railway line. For more info, see the SNCF website.

By bus
The regional bus system, Lio, provides several connections each day from Castres on line 704.

By car
From Toulouse, leave the A68 autoroute at junction 7, and follow the D12, D631, and D83 roads. From Albi, drive south on the D612. A for campervans is available by the Aquaval leisure centre on route de Vielmur (D92). Other car parks are found around town, e.g. at place du Mercadial.

Get around
Very small town, easily walkable. In the village of Lautrec, you can get around by bike, car and bus.

By taxi

 * Hep Taxi: 05 63 70 94 11

Landmarks
Lautrec has a very rich heritage for its size:










 * From the windmill, a path contours up the hill to a (Calvaire) at the summit. From here, a magnificent view southward awaits you. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Pyrenees.

Museums




Do
The local tourist office has a number of walking route suggestions, from a simple 4-km circuit of the town to a 16-km trail linking two châteaux. Download the full itineraries here.


 * The shoe maker workshop, to able to see the machines used.
 * You can take bike rides, to see the beautiful landscapes.
 * You can go to visit the medieval village.
 * The shoe maker workshop, to able to see the machines used.
 * You can take bike rides, to see the beautiful landscapes.
 * You can go to visit the medieval village.

Festivals and events












Buy

 * You can buy local products at the ferme au village or
 * You can go to fabric dyeing and prinying company, to buy fabric.
 * There is a craft shop, with local products.
 * You can go to fabric dyeing and prinying company, to buy fabric.
 * There is a craft shop, with local products.

Sleep

 * In this village you can sleep in the bedrooms of the Caussade, you can bring your animals with you. You can go to guest apartment "Temps de Pause", this apartment is in the medieval city of Lautrec, twenty meter from the collegiate church Saint-Rémy. Then you can also sleep at the "belle étape" it is an accommodation of the 15th century. Finally you can sleep at the hotel "La calvetié", this institution has implemented actions to respect the environment, there is a swimming pool.