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Viewpoint · Castelnaudary, Occitanie
Moulin de Cugarel
Last of the windmills that once crowned Castelnaudary’s hill, restored in 1962, with views over the Lauragais plain, the Black Mountain and, on clear days, the Pyrenees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Moulin de Cugarel
The Cugarel mill sits at the highest point of Castelnaudary. It is the last of the many windmills that crowned the hill and ground the cereals of the Lauragais, a wheat-producing region known as the granary of southern France. The region’s steady winds—the autan and northern winds—turned the sails.
The mill operated until the early 20th century and was restored in 1962. The round stone tower follows the model of the region’s mills.
The site is primarily a lookout. From the top of the hill you can see the Lauragais plain, the Black Mountain to the north and, on clear days, the line of the Pyrenees to the south. The old town and the bell tower of the collegiate church of Saint Michael lie just below.
Access to the lookout is free. The interior of the mill opens on certain occasions, such as Heritage Days in September.
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
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the light over the plain, or on a clear winter day from December to February, when the Pyrenees appear with snow.
How to get there
It is on the high part of the town, about a 10-minute walk from the collegiate church of Saint Michael, up through the streets of the old town.
Tip
Choose a clear day to see the Pyrenees. The wind is often strong at the top of the hill: bring a jacket.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Moulin de Cugarel
What can you see from the Cugarel mill?
The Lauragais plain, the Black Mountain to the north, Castelnaudary’s old town and, on clear days, the Pyrenees to the south.
Does the Cugarel mill still operate?
No. It operated until the early 20th century and was restored in 1962. The interior opens only on certain occasions.
Why were there so many mills in Castelnaudary?
The Lauragais is a wheat-producing region, and the steady wind made it possible to grind cereals. The town’s hill had many mills; Cugarel’s is the last one.