The connection between church, parish and municipality tells a precise story of the area: before the Revolution, Vigoulet had its own church, but ecclesiastically it belonged to the parish of Pechbusque. This distinction between having its own church and belonging to a parish is one of the defining historical features of the area.
Saint-Martin and the development of the municipality
The church of Saint-Martin, dedicated to Saint Martin, was built around 1377 as a chapel of ease for the church in Pechbusque. Its brick bell gable is characteristic of churches in the Toulouse region and gives the building a clearly identifiable regional style. The church underwent extensive renovation in 2010 and 2011, when it received a new ceiling and new stained-glass windows.
The dates mark different stages: around 1377 refers to the founding of the chapel of ease, while 2010 and 2011 refer to specific renovations to the building. The administrative history has its own chronology, too. Vigoulet and Auzil were established as two municipalities in 1789 and administratively united in 1842. Thus, the earlier ecclesiastical affiliation and the later municipal development stand side by side, although they describe different kinds of belonging.
An estate and the name Vigoulet
Vigoulet’s history is connected with a very old estate, on which a noble residence known as the Château de Vigoulet was built. The field name also bore the name Vigoulet. The name therefore links the area’s history both to the estate and to its designation. Pierre de Vigoles, a Capitoul of Toulouse, was the first known owner of the Château de Vigoulet.
Culture and equestrian activities in Vigoulet-Auzil
In the context of the municipality of Vigoulet-Auzil, cultural and equestrian activities add to the picture of the area. The Espace Persik cultural centre was completely renovated, expanded and redesigned to offer residents of Vigoulet-Auzil and the wider Coteaux area a high-quality cultural programme. Activities run there by local associations include dance, music, singing and yoga.
The Vigoulet-Auzil media library offers its members a selection of books and CDs. The library also organises temporary exhibitions. For travel planning, these are different kinds of cultural points of interest from the architectural and local history of Saint-Martin: here the focus is on media and changing exhibitions, while there it is on the historical development of a church building.
Manoir d’Auzil and the equestrian tradition
The Manoir d’Auzil in Vigoulet-Auzil is also known as the “Château d’Auzil”. It was once inhabited by Capitouls and includes, among other features, two towers and several outbuildings. The Manoir lies on a walking route and catches the eye of many walkers. Its former residents and surviving parts of the building give the site its own historical dimension.
Equestrian sport is also part of life in Vigoulet-Auzil: three independent riding centres carry on the area’s equestrian tradition. The Écuries du Bois de Bordeneuve are located in the forest of Vigoulet-Auzil, in the hills of the Lauragais. They offer numerous bridle paths and the opportunity to enjoy horse or pony riding, for sport or leisure. The listed facilities include a 60-by-30-metre riding arena, an 18-metre-diameter lunge ring and an indoor riding arena measuring 30 by 40 metres, which can be used for lunging. Since facility details may change, it is advisable to check the information is up to date before visiting.
The Club Hippique de Vigoulet offers lessons supervised by qualified professionals, as well as facilities for leisure and competitive riding. The club also puts on equestrian displays involving riders of all ages. This brings together different aspects of riding in the municipality: lessons, leisure and competitive use, and displays.
Geographical setting
Vigoulet and Auzil lie on the southern slopes of the geographical Lauragais, but are not part of the historic Lauragais. This distinction is useful when considering the area’s history alongside its regional setting: the geographical designation describes its location, while historical affiliation refers to a different boundary.
For the broader travel overview: Vigoulet-Auzil.
