Labarthe-Inard: Discover its heritage

Get to know Labarthe-Inard through its churches, historical traces and special outdoor places. The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité, the Chapelle Saint Genest and the washhouse tell different chapters in the area’s history. There is also a short walking path by Lac de la Hierle and a monthly market. When planning your stay, these features can shape how you see the area—from sacred architecture to local meeting places.

Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité: architecture and works of art

The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité is fully protected as a historic monument. It was listed on 7 March 2024. Above the entrance portal is a reused marble chrism, dated to the 12th century and probably a remnant of the original Romanesque church. This architectural feature is therefore connected with an early building history that should be treated with caution.

Historical details have also been preserved in the choir: when the 18th-century altarpiece was removed for restoration, wall paintings were discovered below the cornice on the three eastern sides of the pentagonal choir. The church also contains two bas-reliefs depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Cyr and Saint Julitte. These reliefs are protected as movable monuments; they were listed on 12 November 1997. The protection designations therefore apply to different objects: the church as a building and the two reliefs.

The Chapelle Saint Genest and its history

A cartulary entry from 1249 mentions what is now the Chapelle Saint-Genès de Labarthe-Inard, near the church of Saint-Cirice. The chapel may have served as a parish church in the 13th century. It was later rebuilt in 1838. These details refer to different periods: the entry dates from the Middle Ages, its possible role as a parish church is stated cautiously, and the rebuilding took place in the 19th century.

Washhouse and Côte de la Canaou

The Labarthe-Inard washhouse was built towards the end of the 19th century at the foot of the Côte de la Canaou hill. Its large basin is fed by the very clear water of the La Canaou spring, which rises just above it. Its location, spring and basin together offer a vivid glimpse into the area’s history: water flows directly from the spring above the washhouse into the large basin. Anyone interested in historic places from everyday life will find a different way to explore Labarthe-Inard’s history here, alongside its sacred buildings.

Walks, the Stations of the Cross and other activities

A 1.3-kilometre walking trail runs around Lac de la Hierle. Its manageable length makes it a well-defined walking stop to include in your plans. Check local access conditions before your visit. Another feature of Labarthe-Inard is an outdoor Stations of the Cross. Its stations consist of metal crosses set into stone bases. The number of each station and the corresponding episode from the Passion of Christ are engraved on each base. The crosses, stone and inscriptions together make up the stations.

The war memorial is also one of the village’s historic sites; it dates from 1922. For those interested in outdoor activities, the municipal sports complex has a mountain-biking trail. As the facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current status before visiting.

Market of local producers and craftspeople

A market of local producers and craftspeople takes place in Labarthe-Inard on the last Sunday of every month. Its timing sets it apart from the historic sites and walking trail: the specific date is key when planning a visit to the market. As the organisers may change the dates, check before your trip whether the market is taking place on your planned date.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Montréjeau, Grenade, Rouffiac-Tolosan, Lagarde, Fenouillet, Le Plan, Gaillac-Toulza, Portet-d'Aspet.

Back to the main travel guide: Haute-Garonne.