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The village is about 1 hour's drive from Toulouse, on the northern edge of the Gaillac wine district, close by the vallee de Teco, noted for its Vin de Passion. CdM. has minimal amenities, an epicerie, a patisserie, a doctor's surgery, a pharmacy, a post office, a hair dresser, an office de tourism, and two hotels restaurants. On Tuesdays there is an amusing little market offering fresh local produce and arts/crafts by local artisans.
Historical
The word 'Castelnau' means 'new castle', and 'Montmiral' means 'hilltop with a view', from the Occitan language that was spoken in Southern France at the time of the town's foundation, and which is still spoken by many local people today. It is not just Celts who remember their origins. Founded toward 1222, a commune of some 8000 hectares. Today much remains of this charming village. A beautiful place with arcades and its pillory around which is still organized the social and religious life.
Castelnau de Montmiral is one of many medieval bastides which are fortified hill top towns, found in South West France, and mainly constructed during the period of the crusades against the religious sect known as the Cathars, and later during the period of expansion of royal power under the Capetian and Valois Kings.
It is possible that after the random destruction of the district by Northern barbarians in 1220, led by Simon de Montfort, le Comte de Toulouse, Raymond VII, la seigneurie de Castelnau de Montmiral fortified this place.
Subsequently the town witnessed most of the regional history; Castelnau was besieged by the English in 1345, led by the Black Prince. Castelnau de Montmiral suffered in many des Guerres de Religions, the town being bons catholiques. Castelnau de Montmiral had the honour of one Royal visit, on Friday 24 June 1622 by the King, Louis XIII.
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