Near Le Phénix Chambres d�Hotes - Rabastens
(5 minutes from Le Phénix)
Rabastens
Rabastens Church
The very ancient town of Rabastens originally served as a refuge for the inhabitants of a vast Gallo-Roman villa destroyed at the beginning of the 5th century. It was very powerful in the medieval era and survived the albigensian War without sustaining too much damage. Notable elements of its past remain in tact; the Notre Dame de Bourg church is one of the most prestigious monuments of the Albigensian period. Built in the southernmost Gothic style, it preserves a splendid entrance wonderfully carved in the red brick. Inside are remarkable mural frescos from the 13th through to the 16th century. The red brick ramparts, dating from the Middle Ages, rise proudly above the river Tarn forming an impressive skyline. They shelter the historical centre of Rabastens, where half-timbered houses rub shoulders with smart townhouses.
Every Saturday morning in the square is a wonderful bustling market which has a mixture of traditional old peasants selling what they picked that morning and of course stalls where you can buy any fruit or vegetable. On Tuesday mornings a few fruit and veg stalls are open. At the end of May every year, a three day Organic market takes place which fills the entire length of both squares in Rabastens and people come from far and wide to visit.
Useful Links:
Rabastens Tourist Office