In Avignonet-Lauragais, the Église Notre-Dame des Miracles defines the townscape with its long history and a bell tower that can be seen from far away. The church dates from the first half of the 14th century and from the 16th century. Its bell tower is 40 metres high and visible from several kilometres away.
Culture and History
The Église Notre-Dame des Miracles is open daily and admission is free. The historic fortifications include the Tour en poivrière, which reinforced the fortifications at the Porte de Cers. The Chemin des fossés runs halfway up the slope along the former walls of Avignon and leads to the eastern and northern gates.
In the 13th century, Avignonet-Lauragais was the scene of the massacre of the Inquisitors during the conflict with the Cathars. The appearance of the village also differs from that of nearby Lauragais: the buildings in Avignonet-Lauragais are made of white limestone, while other villages in nearby Lauragais were built with pink bricks.
Cuisine
Avignonet-Lauragais has resumed producing a high-quality dry bean used to make cassoulet. Every year, the town organises a cassoulet competition under the direction of the Confrérie des Grands Gousiers.
Landscape and Trails
The green cycle route along the Canal du Midi runs past the village of Avignonet-Lauragais. The Way of St James crosses the Canal du Midi. The main GR653 route connects Avignonet-Lauragais with Baziège and Toulouse; the variant preferred by most pilgrims runs along the canal.
Navicanal rents electric boats for one- to two-hour trips between Port Lauragais and the Naurouze lock. The boats accommodate between two and five people. Port-Lauragais also offers travellers on the Canal du Midi fifteen berths for mooring.
A guided tour of the Avignonet-Lauragais wind and photovoltaic park offers views from the heights of the Coteaux. The viewpoint on Rue de la Tour de Guet overlooks the Lauragais landscape.
Orientation
Avignonet railway station is located on the Toulouse–Carcassonne–Narbonne railway line. From Rue de la Tour de Guet, you can see the route of the N113, which connects Toulouse with Carcassonne.
Events
The Festival d’Avignonet takes place every summer, featuring concerts or performances.
Anyone planning a stay in Avignonet-Lauragais may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Other destinations include Fougaron, Montgaillard-Lauragais, Mauzac, Portet-Sur-Garonne, Labège, Rouffiac-Tolosan, Gragnague and Saint-Élix-le-Château.
