The Bastide de Saint-Gauzens was founded on February 20, 1270, at the end of the reign of Saint Louis. The brothers Amaury and Bertrand de Lautrec, who were viscounts, founded the bastide.
The Bastide de Saint-Gauzens was founded as a free bastide; houses and agricultural or vineyard land were offered, and an exemption from the taille tax was granted for ten years.
Culture and History
At the Église Saint-Pierre-de-Monestiers, the Romanesque portal is the only surviving part of the original building. The rest of the building was reconstructed in the 16th century and restored again in the 19th century.
By decree of July 1, 1960, the portal of the Église Saint-Pierre-de-Monestiers was classified as a Historic Monument.
Those choosing Saint-Gauzens as a destination and wishing to rent a holiday apartment can include this in their travel plans.
Things to Do
The Sur les traces de Gaudentius trail is an easy 9.3 km circular route with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It bears the FFRandonnée® quality label.
The trail follows the former Route de Lavaur, which connected Lautrec with Ambres, passes the Église Saint-Martin de Casselvi, and continues to the former Prône quarries.
The starting point of Sur les traces de Gaudentius is at the Salle des fêtes opposite Saint-Gauzens Town Hall. The trail passes through a hilly landscape with fields, wooded areas, and rural paths; panoramic views of the surrounding countryside open up from the heights.
At the former Prône quarries, Briatexte limestone comes to the surface. Fossils have been discovered in these rocks, which are several tens of millions of years old.
Bus route 705, with the “Eglise” stop, is listed for the Sur les traces de Gaudentius trail.
Leisure
The Saint-Gauzens leisure area has play equipment for young children, some exercise equipment for older children, tables and benches, and seating beneath two small kiosks for picnics.
At Les Ruchers de Mathieu in Saint-Gauzens, the visit experience announced for August 29, 2026, includes opening beehives, viewing the honey extractor and beekeeping facilities, and tasting artisan products.
The Musée de l'Abeille at Les Ruchers de Mathieu presents the history, organization, and importance of bees.
Les Ruchers de Mathieu offers introductory beekeeping courses as well as activities for groups, schools, and companies.
More local pages: Prades, Lisle-Sur-Tarn, Gijounet, Saint-Amans-Soult, Escoussens, Teyssode, Ferrières, Viane.
