The three façades with mullioned windows connected by two corner towers and, naturally, stone and brick, are a fine example of 17C civil architecture from Toulouse.

The Musée Goya is known for its superb collection of works by Francisco de Goya ( Ferdinand VII presiding over the Junta of the Philippines , extremely critical while appearing to be quite neutral, a hard-hitting Self-portrait with Glasses , th..

The centre is devoted to the life and work of Jean Jaures as well as to subjects that concerned society at the end of the 19 C and the start of the 20 C.

The Place Jean Jaurès is a fine classical ensemble with sandstone façades. The statue of native son Jean Jaurès by sculptor Gaston Puech dominates the square, where a colourful market is held three times a week.

The Quai des Jacobins affords the nicest view of the brightly coloured façades of the former tanners’ and weavers’ dwellings that give onto the Agout river. For a closer view, you could take a ride on a tow-boat.

Isidore and Antoine Baratta , disciples of Bernini, had a field day in this Baroque building. Their Assumption of the Virgin in Carrara marble stands at the centre of the high altar. Notre-Dame-de-la-Platé also has a fine 18C organ.

Strange caryatids support the balustered terrace of this elegant 17C townhouse. Inside there is a monumental staircase.

The Hôtel de Ville is a former bishop’s palace built in 1669 and designed by Mansart. Saint-Benoît Tower , in the courtyard, is a massive Romanesque construction with an elegant doorway, the only vestige of the former Abbey of Saint-Benoît.

The Hôtel de Viviès , a 16C building with a fine square corner tower at n° 35 Rue Chambre-de-l’Édit, frames a courtyard reached through a monumental doorway. At n° 31, the 16C Hôtel Jean-Leroy has pretty mullioned windows and a corner tower overlo..

Castres Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Benoit) succeeded a Benedictine abbey-church founded in the 9C. The (18C) interior is exuberantly Baroque, with a canopied high altar supported by Caunes marble columns, a choir surrounded by four marble statues, a..

The peacocks wander freely alongside the walkers in this park of 53 ha, equipped with mini-golf, volleyball areas, skateboard and roller blade tracks. Near by are a swimming pool and an ice-skating rink.