© Didier Descouens
Castres, another side of the Tarn to discover from Revel
About 45 minutes from Revel, Castres is an ideal destination for discovering another side of the Tarn. A town of art and history, it charms visitors with its colourful houses along the Agout, its historic centre, museums and gardens.
From the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi in Revel, Castres is easy to visit in a day, alongside other sights such as Lake Saint-Ferréol, the Canal du Midi or Albi.
Castres is especially well suited to a day trip from Revel, before returning to sleep at the hotel.
The houses on the Agout, Castres' iconic view
This is certainly Castres' most recognisable scene.
The old houses once belonging to tanners and craftsmen line the Agout and give the town a special atmosphere. From the riverbanks, the view of these colourful façades is one of the highlights of a stroll through the town centre.
A walk along the Agout also leads to the main sights of the historic centre.
© Didier Descouens
The historic centre of Castres
Castres has a charming old town, pleasant to explore on foot. Old streets, grand townhouses, squares and façades reflect the town's rich past.
Place Jean-Jaurès, at the heart of Castres, is a great starting point for exploring the town and enjoying its cafés and shops.
© Didier Descouens
The Goya Museum
Housed in the former episcopal palace, the Goya Museum is devoted to Spanish art and holds an important collection of Spanish paintings.
The museum is one of Castres' must-see cultural visits and pairs perfectly with a stroll through the historic centre.
© Didier Descouens
The Bishop's Garden
Next to the Goya Museum, the Bishop's Garden (Jardin de l'Évêché) offers a pleasant break at the heart of town.
Designed by André Le Nôtre, this formal French garden is remarkable for its geometric flower beds and its view over the Agout.
© Didier Descouens
Castres and rugby
Castres is also a town deeply connected to rugby. Castres Olympique, the area's iconic club, is part of the town's sporting identity. For rugby fans, a stop in Castres is a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere and sporting culture of the Tarn.
What to do in Castres in a day?
For a first visit, you can easily plan your day around a few must-sees.
Discover the colourful houses on the Agout
Stroll through the historic centre
Visit the Goya Museum
Discover the Bishop's Garden
Enjoy Place Jean-Jaurès
Walk along the Agout and its banks
Discover Castres' rugby history and identity
Where to stay to visit Castres?
Staying in Revel makes it easy to branch out to several of the region's attractions.
The Hôtel Restaurant du Midi, in the heart of Revel, is a convenient base for discovering Castres, Lake Saint-Ferréol, the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne, Toulouse or Albi.
After a day of sightseeing, you can return to the calm of Revel and enjoy the hotel's restaurant on site.
Castres from Revel
Thanks to its proximity, Castres is especially well suited to a day trip from Revel. Whether you want to explore heritage, museums, gardens or simply stroll along the Agout, Castres adds a wonderful complement to a stay in the Lauragais and the Tarn. From the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi in Revel, you can build a trip combining heritage, nature, gastronomy and the discovery of the region's towns and villages.