Paulinet: Discover Landscapes and Heritage

Paulinet can be explored through two interests: its wooded valleys and trails, and its heritage, which ranges from medieval architecture to sculpture and pilgrimage. If you’re looking for a hotel in Paulinet, this distinction can help you plan your days: you can consider the Sentier des Bergers as a specific hiking option while deciding which historic sites you’d like to learn more about. The attractions therefore offer different ways to experience the landscape and history.

Landscape and the Sentier des Bergers

Paulinet has deeply incised, wooded valleys, including the valleys of the Dadou, Oulas, Assou and Ambias. Springs, rivers, rocks and meadows add to the landscape.

The Sentier des Bergers is free to access and open year-round. Its route passes through the village of Notre Dame d’Ourtiguet; along the way, the trail offers an exceptional view of Château de Paulin. It thus combines a hike with two specific points of interest: the village and the view of the château. Since operating information may change seasonally, check the trail details again before your trip.

Château de Paulin: Architecture and Visitor Access

Château de Paulin overlooks the Oulas gorges from a height of more than 100 metres and is an important part of Paulinet’s heritage. Its oldest section is the west wing, dating from the 15th to 16th centuries and ending in a tower. Access is also important for your plans: the château is not open to the public for visits. Since this status may change, check again before your trip. The view from the Sentier des Bergers offers a way to see the château from the outside; it does not mean that the property is open for visits.

Sculpture, Pilgrimage and Local History

The Sentier des Bergers passes through the village of Notre Dame d’Ourtiguet; the church of Notre-Dame d’Ourtiguet is one of the churches in Paulinet that house sculptures by Laclau. Pierre-Paul Laclau (1840–1908), creator of numerous wooden works, came from the parish of Notre-Dame d’Ourtiguet in Paulinet. The connection between his place of origin and the sculptures adds another aspect of local heritage to the château architecture.

The pilgrimage to Notre Dame de la Garde is documented in a papal bull from 1208. This relates to a different period than the dating of the oldest wing of the château to the 15th–16th centuries: 1208 is the year the pilgrimage was documented, not a date associated with the château.

Saint-Jean-de-Jeannes offers another perspective on local history: this very old mining site lies at the confluence of the Dadou, Ambias and Ambiasselle valleys. While the château is primarily associated with architecture, Saint-Jean-de-Jeannes points to the long history of mining at this confluence.

Educational Activities at La Bourrelié

The Au Fer à Cheval educational farm in La Bourrelié, Paulinet, organises holiday camps, discovery classes and school trips. If you’re planning a stay as part of a school trip or discovery class, check the current programmes and availability directly with the operator.

Discover more destinations: Mouzieys-Panens, Giroussens, Virac, Sorèze, Viterbe, Trévien, Le Garric, Castelnau-De-Lévis.

For the regional travel overview: Tarn.