In Lagarde, several layers of history trace the town’s development from an early settlement to a fortified site and, later, to religious and cultural landmarks. The first known mention of the town dates from 1140, when it was called “La Garde du Lauragois”. Its development had begun between 800 and 1000 AD around a feudal motte. The elevated location was once used for surveillance and defence. The landscape and the town’s history are therefore closely connected.
In the 12th century, the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, based in Caignac, built Lagarde Fort on the castle motte. It was surrounded by a double fortification. The fort was destroyed around 1573; shortly afterwards, a new church was built on its remains. This sequence marks the transition from a fortified site to a later church and a clear turning point in the town’s history.
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 oldest dates from 1710 and is kept inside the church. The largest bell still in use weighs 650 kilograms and was cast in 1895. These details refer to two different bells: one is the oldest, and the other is the largest still in use.
Fountain, Path and Park
The “Fontaine du village” is a reminder of Lagarde’s former water supply. Historically, it was the town’s only fountain that provided drinking water year-round. The municipal “Chemin de la fontaine” leads to the village fountain, connecting a named path with its destination. The fountain’s historic role and the path leading to it offer another perspective on the town, distinct from the fort and the church.
Another aspect of local life is the “Parc de la mare”, which was created as a children’s park in the 2000s. Together with the fountain and the path, it shows that the town’s history is not reflected only in its older fortifications and church buildings. The different sites represent different themes and periods, without needing to be combined into a fixed sightseeing route.
Remembrance at the Museum
The “Les Sillons de la Mémoire” museum honours the heroes of the two world wars and the Spanish Civil War. The exhibits include collection items and family mementoes. The chronological tour features display cases, explanatory panels and tableaux with costumed mannequins. Here, the town’s history meets an exhibition that focuses on several conflicts and personal memories.
There is an important condition to bear in mind when planning a museum visit: visits are possible by prior appointment only. Visitors are asked to call or send an email at least five days before their preferred date. Arrange your visit in advance rather than planning to drop in on the day of your trip.
The museum is less than a ten-minute walk from the “LAGARDE – Village” bus stop. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current service in advance. The walking distance and the need to book ahead are practical points to consider when planning your visit; the history of the carillon, the fountain and the museum offers different ways to discover Lagarde.
Discover more destinations: Cabanac-SĂ©guenville, Benque, Boulogne-Sur-Gesse, Mauzac, Sauveterre-De-Comminges, Melles, Paulhac, Montespan.
View the wider travel guide: Haute-Garonne.
