Travel Guide Avignonet-Lauragais

Located halfway between Villefranche-de-Lauragais and Castelnaudary, Avignonet-Lauragais overlooks the Canal du Midi. This peaceful and picturesque village has known an eventful history. In the 13th century, it was the scene of the Massacre of the Inquisitors, a major event in the fight led by the Catholic Church against the Cathars. About fifty knights from Montségur joined Avignonet to massacre the Inquisitors. Thanks to the complicity of the villagers who feared the Inquisition, the knights arrived discreetly at the castle that housed the Inquisitors. It is then a real massacre with axes! The reprisals were heavy for the inhabitants of the village who were accomplices of this massacre.Whether you arrive by boat, by bicycle or by any other means of transportation, the view of the bell tower of the Notre Dame des Miracles church is a must. The bell tower is almost 50 m high and is topped by a 10 m high gothic spire with hooks. One appreciates the narrow streets lined with sandstone buildings and their whiteness which distinguishes itself from the other villages of the Toulouse South of pink brick. During the pilgrimage to the Virgin, which takes place since the end of the Cathar episode, starts on the first Tuesday of May and lasts for the whole month, the village knows a renewal of animation and devotion. The villagers carry the statue of the Virgin in procession to inaugurate the pilgrimage. The houses are decorated with flowers for the occasion. Also worth seeing is the beautiful pepperpot tower located in the heart of the village, which was once part of its fortifications.