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PLACE NAMES


 
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Saint-Félix-Lauragais
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Saint-Félix-Lauragais is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France.
The village was previously called Saint-Félix-de-Caraman or Carmaing. In 1167 the Cathars held a Council here, attended by many local figures and also by the Bogomil papa Nicetas, the Cathar bishop of (northern) France and a leader of the Cathars of Lombardy.
The first written record of the primitive castle dates back to 1035, it was built on the highest point of the village, it was composed of a keep and surrounded by ramparts, and offered 360° visibility.
This castle was totally destroyed by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade. All that remains today is the round tower of the ramparts, known as the Montfort Tower.
After the passage of Simon de Montfort, the current castle will be rebuilt on the ruins of the primitive castle with mainly a corner tower, called "Donjon". It was only at the beginning of the fourteenth century that the castle was transformed into a medieval fortress, with the arrival of new owners, the Duèze. They undertake a major campaign of works to make the castle a stronghold and protect, with walkway, guard tower, ramparts with defensive system and drawbridge.
The singularity of this castle is to be able to pass from one room to another, cross the centuries. Each piece is a demonstration of stately life at a given moment. The Duèze gave it its medieval fortified and seigniorial appearance with a ceremonial room of 270m², the Aula.
The Marquis and the Marquise Moriès de Mourvilles will bring their sophisticated taste of the court with magnificent molded stuccoes in the small reception rooms. They will also be at the origin of the magnificent English garden at the foot of the castle.
The Marquis d'Auberjon will add his personality with decorative arrangements such as painted ceilings and especially this superb Florentine mosaic.
Unmissable events take place in the heart of the castle:
The great Historical Festival of La Cocagne, which always takes place during the Easter weekend, allows everyone to dive back into past centuries. Costumes from all eras, trades of yesteryear, historical show... and of course the Mât de Cocagne! Come and discover this traditional festival!
Every year since 1972, Saint Felix opens its doors wide during the Easter weekend. This bastide with a rich historical past welcomes several thousand visitors during these days of traditional festival in the heart of Lauragais.
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