Initial construction 1227-1252 (≈ 1240)
Foundation of the convent outside the ramparts.
1373-1380
Integration into the city
Integration into the city 1373-1380 (≈ 1377)
Expansion of the walls of Castres.
1562
Taken by Protestants
Taken by Protestants 1562 (≈ 1562)
Start of the destruction of the convent.
1574
Partial destruction
Partial destruction 1574 (≈ 1574)
The Protestants ravaged them.
1634
Reconstruction
Reconstruction 1634 (≈ 1634)
Convent rebuilt after destruction.
1791
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1791 (≈ 1791)
Convent sold during the Revolution.
1973
Registration of the bell tower
Registration of the bell tower 1973 (≈ 1973)
Protection for historical monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Isabelle de France - Sister of Saint Louis
Fits up a vault for Armoise de Lautrec.
Armoise de Lautrec - Friend of Isabelle de France
Buried in the vault of the convent.
Origin and history
The convent of the Cordeliers de Castres is a Franciscan monument built in the first half of the 13th century, between 1227 (foundation of the order) and 1252. It was originally erected outside the walls of Castres, before being integrated into the city during their expansion between 1373 and 1380. His origin was linked to Isabelle de France, sister of Saint Louis, who had a cellar built there for her friend Armoise de Lautrec.
In 1562 Castres was taken by the Protestants, and the convent suffered major destruction in 1574. It was rebuilt in 1634, but sold as a national good in 1791 during the Revolution. Today, only the chapel and the bell tower remain, integrated into the Collège Jean-Jaurès. These remains, including the bell tower that was listed as historic monuments in 1973, bear witness to its turbulent past.
Archaeological excavations carried out during the construction of the Commune Maison Emploi Formation revealed remains of the convent, including part of the cemetery. These discoveries have helped to understand the original extent of the building, most of which have disappeared over the centuries. The site retains heritage importance, despite the transformations since the Middle Ages.
