Gaillac-Toulza: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

The foundation of the bastide of Gaillac-Toulza in 1270 was based on a religious and political alliance between the Crown and the Abbey of Calers. Those who choose Gaillac-Toulza as a place to stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

History and culture

The foundations of the Église Saint-Étienne date back to the 13th century. The church contains a gilded wooden statue of the Virgin and Child from the 17th century. The gallery also houses a wooden organ made by Frédéric Jungk in the 19th century. The furnishings include wall and ceiling paintings by the Pedoya brothers, mentioned in connection with the construction phase dating from the 13th century.

In a small valley that opens onto the plain of Auterive and lies opposite Cintegabelle are the surviving buildings of the former Abbey of Calers. The Cistercian monastery is located approximately 4.5 kilometres from the centre of Gaillac-Toulza. The Fontaine sainte de Saint-Julien is a pilgrimage site.

Landscape and trails

The Église Saint-Julien stands on a hilltop surrounded by fields in the municipality of Gaillac-Toulza. The town’s green or wooded hills and valleys offer views of the Pyrenees mountain range. Several hiking trails cross Gaillac-Toulza and connect with trails in the neighbouring municipalities, particularly in Ariège.

The Gaillac-Toulza–Mairie stop is served by the Daujas–Gaillac-Toulza–Auterive and Saverdun–Miremont–Toulouse routes.

Festivals and local produce

The Fêtes d’Escayre take place every year on the last weekend of July. They include a day with horses and horse-drawn carriages, as well as a route through the hills for riders and carriage drivers. The festival also features a small market selling products from local producers. The Fêtes d’Escayre usually begin with a local cassoulet prepared with “cocos de Pamiers” and cooked over a wood fire.

At a farm, the Ferme-Malterie-Brasserie La Bourdette offers tours of a small malt house and microbrewery. Tastings and sales are also available on site.

Other places: Cardeilhac, Castelnau-D'estrétefonds, Beauteville, Portet-D'aspet, Eaunes, Argut-Dessous, Labastidette and Montgaillard-Lauragais.

For the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Garonne.