Musée du Lauragais
Musée de France housed in the former prison of the Présidial in Castelnaudary, open in summer, with exhibitions and a view of the Montagne Noire.
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About the museum
The Musée du Lauragais occupies the town’s former prison, adjoining the Présidial, on the heights of Castelnaudary’s old town. It stands on the ruins of the founding castle, Castel nou d'Ari, and overlooks the Grand Bassin, with views of the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees.
The Présidial, a civil and criminal court, was built from 1554 by Catherine de Medici, Countess of Lauragais, to establish the seat of her new sénéchaussée. Construction was completed in 1585. The castle was demolished in 1623, while the court operated until 1926. The mullioned windows of the buildings are listed as historic monuments. The former prison was converted into a museum.
The museum holds the “Musée de France” label and opens during the summer season, from July to late September. Temporary exhibitions are held there every summer. Within the building, a small Saint-Pierre chapel houses two 18th-century bust reliquaries.
Highlights
- Former prison adjoining the Présidial of Catherine de Medici
- View of the Grand Bassin, the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees
- Mullioned windows listed as historic monuments
- Saint-Pierre chapel with two 18th-century bust reliquaries
- Annual summer exhibition
- Operated by
- Ville de Castelnaudary
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Reduced rate (conditions not specified) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 24 · Free for under-25s. |
Prices for the 2026 summer exhibition: full price €3, reduced €2, free for under-25s.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the Occitanie Musées listing, the museum is not fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Castelnaudary – Monument aux Morts · 4-min walk · 357 m
Castelnaudary railway station about 12 minutes on foot; liO bus stop “Castelnaudary – Monument aux Morts” about 4 minutes on foot.
By car
Parking available
Parking Blaise d'Auriol.
The museum is in the town centre, near the collegiate church. The railway station is about 1,056 m away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
