Escazeaux is a former walled village on the Route des Crêtes. If you would like to include local history and landscapes in your travel plans, you can treat them as two distinct areas of interest: the village’s historic structures and the route through the surrounding countryside.
Fortifications and local history
The former fortifications included four gates with drawbridges leading to the moats. The walls were equipped with machicolations and, in places, watchtowers connected by a rampart walk. Machicolations are projecting features on defensive walls with openings that served for defence. The gates, moats, walls and towers together give an impression of the village’s former fortifications. Old houses have been preserved in the village centre; sights in Escazeaux also include farmhouses dating from the 19th century.
A fortress is mentioned in connection with Escazeaux in 1403. The lordship belonged to the Viscounts of Terride from the 13th century until the French Revolution. As early as 1271, Bernard d'Astaffort and his son granted Escazeaux its customary rights. The extensive municipal archives also date back to the 14th century. These historical references complement the architectural evidence with the history of the lordship and local rights.
The Church of Saint-Séverin
The Church of Saint-Séverin was built from 1887 to 1889 on the site of its demolished predecessor. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and its bell tower is square. Six stained-glass windows were made in 1903 by the Bordeaux glass artist Dagrant. The church’s furnishings also include a bell from 1594 bearing the Latin inscription “Post tenebras spero lucem” – “After darkness, I hope for light” – as well as a Neo-Byzantine altar set with a cross and six candlesticks. If you would like to visit the church during your trip, check visiting arrangements in advance.
Route and landscape
The Route des Crêtes near Escazeaux offers views of agricultural hills, green valleys and forests. Another natural feature is the Bois de la Crambe in the municipality: it is designated as a wooded biodiversity corridor, or a reservoir of biodiversity.
For a broader regional perspective, the Lomagne Tarn-et-Garonnaise area has ten marked PR circular trails for hiking and mountain biking. They pass through hilly landscapes featuring architectural heritage, viewpoints and villages in bloom. This means the local history and views along the Route des Crêtes differ from the hiking and mountain-biking opportunities described for the wider area.
So, if you are choosing a focus, the history of the fortifications and Saint-Séverin offer a cultural perspective on Escazeaux; the Route des Crêtes adds landscape views, while the PR circular trails open up the wider region.
Discover more destinations: Bourg-de-Visa, Sérignac, Saint-Marcel-Campes, Goudourville, Saint-Arroumex, Loze, Labastide-Saint-Pierre, Albefeuille-Lagarde.
For the regional travel overview: Tarn-Et-Garonne.
