Goya Museum, Bishop's Garden and architectural treasures
Castres possesses a remarkably rich cultural and architectural heritage. From the Goya Museum, which houses the most important collection of Hispanic art in France after the Louvre, to the Bishop's Garden designed by Le Nôtre, and the Episcopal Palace by Mansart, the town reveals treasures that rival the greatest French sites.
The Goya Museum holds the most important collection of Hispanic art in France after the Louvre. It houses three paintings by Francisco de Goya: Self-Portrait with Spectacles, Portrait of Francisco del Mazo and The Assembly of the Philippines. Works by Velázquez, Zurbarán, Murillo and Picasso can also be discovered here. This exceptional collection was born from the Briguiboul bequest in 1894, which laid the foundations of a museum that has become essential for lovers of Spanish art.
In 2026, the Goya Museum presents two major exhibitions. From 13 June to 27 September, 'Lumières d'Espagne 1880-1920' showcases Spanish artistic currents at the turn of the century. An exhibition dedicated to contemporary artist Abraham Poincheval also opens on 13 June, offering a dialogue between tradition and current creation. These events make Castres a leading cultural destination.
The Episcopal Palace in Castres was designed between 1666 and 1673 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect of the Palace of Versailles. This majestic building now houses the Town Hall and the Goya Museum. Its classical architecture, characteristic of the Grand Siècle, bears witness to the importance of Castres at the time. The elegant facades and symmetrical volumes reflect the genius of one of France's greatest architects.
The Bishop's Garden, attributed to André Le Nôtre and landscaped in 1696, is a jewel of the French formal garden. Labelled Jardin Remarquable and listed as a Historic Monument in 1995, it displays embroidery parterres evoking the fleur-de-lis, the bishop's mitre and the Occitan cross. From its terraces, one admires perspectives towards the Montagne Noire. This garden is one of the rare testimonies to Le Nôtre's art in southern France.
The Cathedral of Saint-Benoît, former abbey church, stands in the heart of Castres. It recalls the town's monastic origins and houses religious heritage of great value. Its architecture commands respect and invites contemplation, bearing witness to the faith that has shaped Castres' identity over the centuries.
