Lagarde: History between the motte, church and carillon

If you are looking for local history on your trip, Lagarde offers several distinct themes: the early motte and the fort, the village church and its carillon, the historic fountain, and the museum. The timeline stretches from the development of the village in the early Middle Ages to an exhibition about 20th-century conflicts.

From the Motte to the Fort

Between 800 and 1000 AD, Lagarde began to develop around a feudal motte. Its elevated position served for observation and defence in early times. In the 12th century, the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, based in Caignac, built the Fort of Lagarde on the castle motte. A double fortification surrounded the site.

The first known mention of Lagarde dates from 1140; at the time, the village was called “La Garde du Lauragois”. The fort was destroyed around 1573. A new church was built on its remains shortly afterwards. This sequence traces the site’s development from an early motte to a fortified complex and, later, to religious use.

Village Church and Carillon

The present-day village church of Saint Remi was built in 1864. Its bell tower houses a carillon with 19 bells. The bells represent different dates: the oldest dates from 1710 and is kept inside the church. The largest bell still in use weighs 650 kilograms and was cast in 1895.

The dates describe different aspects of the church’s history: the age of one bell, the casting year of another, and the construction of the present-day village church. Together with the history of the fort, they provide several points of reference for exploring Lagarde’s past. The bell tower represents the carillon, while the village’s earlier history is linked to the motte and fortifications.

Fountain and Parc de la mare

The “Fontaine du village” also has historical significance for the water supply: it was the only well in Lagarde that provided drinking water year-round. The municipal “Chemin de la fontaine” leads to this village fountain. The fountain and path form a distinct, locally named point of interest alongside the architectural history of the motte, fort and church.

The “Parc de la mare” represents a different period. It was created as a children’s park in the 2000s. Lagarde thus brings together historical themes such as the former water supply and a park created later, as distinct aspects of the village. The term children’s park describes its original purpose; by itself, it says nothing about current facilities or opening hours.

Les Sillons de la Mémoire

The “Les Sillons de la Mémoire” museum pays tribute to the heroes of the two world wars and the Spanish Civil War. The exhibition includes objects from collections and family mementos. Its chronological route passes display cases and explanatory panels, and features displays with costumed mannequins. Its focus differs from the older local histories: here, memories and events of the 20th century take centre stage.

Visits are possible by prior arrangement only. Please call or email at least five days in advance to request your preferred date. Allow for this lead time if you would like to include the museum in your stay. The museum is less than a ten-minute walk from the “LAGARDE – Village” bus stop. Check public transport information again before travelling.

The local history offers a clear guide when choosing a hotel in Lagarde: the motte, fort and church represent the area’s architectural development; the fountain and path point to the historical water supply; and the museum focuses on the culture of remembrance. Which of these themes matters most to you can help shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Proupiary, Saint-Lys, Fronton, Francarville, Portet-Sur-Garonne, Beauzelle, Saint-Élix-le-Château, Lévignac.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Garonne.