Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Church · Castelnaudary, Occitanie
Collégiale Saint-Michel de Castelnaudary
Gothic church high in the old town, raised to collegiate status in 1318, with a bell tower of about 50 meters and an 18th-century organ, protected as a historical monument.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Collégiale Saint-Michel de Castelnaudary
The collegiate church of Saint Michael dominates Castelnaudary’s old town. The Gothic church was raised to a collegiate church in 1318 by decision of Pope John XXII, and was rebuilt and enlarged in subsequent centuries. The bell tower, about 50 meters high, can be seen from far away across the Lauragais plain.
The wide nave, typical of southern French Gothic, is lined with chapels. The main entrance passes under the bell tower through an opening that allows you to cross the street.
The organ was built between 1774 and 1778 by Jean-Pierre Cavaillé and expanded in 1860 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, one of the great organ builders of the 19th century. The instrument is protected as a historic monument and is used in concerts.
The church is close to the old streets that descend to the Canal du Midi and to the former Presidial, the royal court, which houses the Lauragais museum.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes.
Best time
In the afternoon, when it is usually open for free visits. Check the opening hours before you go, because they change with the season and for ceremonies.
How to get there
It stands on the high part of the old town, about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Basin.
Tip
Watch for the organ concert schedule, especially in summer. From the churchyard, walk to the Cugarel mill, a few minutes away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Collégiale Saint-Michel de Castelnaudary
What is a collegiate church?
A church served by a college of canons, without being a cathedral. The church of Saint Michael received that title in 1318.
Is the organ of the collegiate church of Saint Michael important?
Yes. It was built between 1774 and 1778 by Jean-Pierre Cavaillé and expanded in 1860 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It is protected as a historic monument.
Is the collegiate church of Saint Michael near the canal?
It stands on the high part of the old town, about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Basin of the Canal du Midi.