Lauzerte, Moissac, Auvillar: listed sites from the medieval period

Situated near the Moulin de Salazar, Moissac, Auvillar and Lauzerte share a rich medieval past and still welcome pilgrims to Compostela...

Although the Salazar Water Mill dates back to 1863, its origins are much older, as the first traces of it date back to the early Middle Ages in 1423.Medieval history is indeed very rich in the Tarn et Garonne region, and it has left many traces in the heritage and the environment. You don't need to be a medieval history buff to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of historic sites such asAuvillar, Moissac and Lauzerte:

Lauzerte, a medieval village classified as the most beautiful village in France

Less than 7 kilometres separate the Salazar estate from Lauzerte, a small medieval bastide perched on the heights and classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Built in the 12th century on the initiative of the Count of Toulouse, Lauzerte dominates the valleys and hills of the Quercy Blanc and offers magnificent views, in particular that of the famous Jardin des Pèlerins where the walkers of the via Podensis stopover.

Lauzerte is indeed situated on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and continues to welcome many visitors. But Lauzerte is also a village of arts and crafts: you can discover small workshops displaying their creations with multiple inspirations. The talent of these numerous craftsmen, holders of a rare and precious know-how, is moreover highlighted each spring on the occasion of the european arts and crafts daysand every summer during the Potter's market.

Moissac: Great Occitania Site 17km from the Moulin de Salazar

Moissac is the leading tourist destination in the Tarn et Garonne.
Moissac's reputation is partly due to its famous 12th century cloister, theabbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissacwhich was the setting for the film The Name of the Rose directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud in 1986 after the best-seller by Umberto Eco.

A true masterpiece of Romanesque art, the cloister of Moissac It is considered one of the most beautiful cloisters in southern Europe and attracts many architecture lovers. The cloister of Moissac is also one of the major stops on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela and as such is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tourist site of Moissac extends well beyond the Abbey of Saint-Pierre: its canal, the Tarn and the bridges that cross it, as well as the many historical and religious buildings built over the years, have earned it the status of "Grand Site". classified as a Grand Site d'Occitanie.

Auvillar (30km from Moulin de Salazar)

Built around a port on the Garonne and a circular market hall, the village ofAuvillar offers an original image of medieval architecture. The port of Auvillar is very old and probably dates back to Roman times. The construction of the upper town ("haut villar") dates back to the 19th century. Its architecture is also marked by the influence of Pope Clement V, who had the old Carolingian chapel located on the port rebuilt in the 14th century.

The town of Auvillar is famous for its earthenware, the oldest of which dates from the 18th century and is on display in the Musée du Vieil Auvillar. It attracts many visitors each year on the occasion of the Potter's market which brings together artists from Occitania but also from all over France, Spain and Germany.

Just like Lauzerte and Moissac, Auvillar seduces walkers with its half-timbered houses, its old church and its narrow streets. Auvillar is also classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Only 3 villages are so classified in Occitania. The third of these, Bruniquel, is located 1 hour's drive from the Moulin de Salazar and Auvillar is halfway there.

Long stay : Special offers for long weekends 2023 and weekly rentals

At the Moulin de Salazar, we offer long stay packages for extended weekends in a guest room or for the complete rental of the mill for a whole week.

Your vacation and holiday bridges in 2023