For a stay focused on nature and culture, Labarthe offers several specific highlights: the Prairies humides wet meadows, the Circuit des oiseaux de Labarthe and churches dating from different building periods. There is also the Moulin de Saint-GĂ©raud, which can be visited by prior arrangement. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Labarthe, these differences can help you plan your stay.
Wet Meadows and Trails
The Prairies humides de Labarthe are designated as a continental Type 1 ZNIEFF (natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest) in the commune. They comprise three areas in the valleys of the Lemboulas and Lupte rivers and include numerous wet meadows, ponds and small watercourses. The wet meadows are home to the snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), a threatened species protected at département level. The INPN information sheet, updated on 12 June 2024, lists the snake’s head fritillary with this status. The Prairies are among the species’ last remaining sites in western Tarn-et-Garonne.
The Circuit des oiseaux de Labarthe is 7.9 kilometres long, has an average elevation gain of 135 metres and takes approximately two and a half hours. It is considered a family-friendly circular trail. The route passes through the Lupte Valley, across meadows and slopes with diverse agricultural land use, and offers panoramic views and wooded areas along the way. Its length, elevation gain and approximate duration help you estimate how much time to allow. As route information may be updated, check the details again before setting out.
The Circuit d'interprétation du Pigné offers a different focus: this two-kilometre educational trail is located in a landscaped wetland and was created to protect and explain the ecological diversity of wetlands. At two kilometres, it is considerably shorter than the Circuit des oiseaux; at the same time, its focus is on explaining wetland ecology. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in focus.
Churches and Mill History
The Église Saint-Martin de la Capelle is a simple building dating from the 17th or 18th century. Its elongated rectangular plan, flat-ended chancel and small bell gable with a single arched opening give the architecture its clearly defined form. The first document mentioning the church dates from 1252.
Written sources attest to the existence of the Église de Nevèges from the 11th century. The medieval church was rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The adjoining presbytery dates from the 16th to 18th centuries; the bell tower and portal were renovated in 1861. The original place of worship may have been located on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa. Column shafts, mosaic fragments and floor tiles were excavated there in the 19th century. There is a historical information panel at the church.
The Moulin de Saint-Géraud is documented in a deed of sale from 1776; a bakery operated there until the mid-20th century. After it was purchased in 1999, the mill was restored and put back into operation. A collection of objects from everyday life in the past is part of the visit. Forgotten crafts are also demonstrated; these demonstrations depend on the operator’s availability.
Visits are available year-round by telephone appointment. Only guided tours are offered, starting at 10:00, 14:30 and 16:30. Confirm your booking and the times by phone before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bourg-de-Visa, Saint-Beauzeil, Valeilles, Piquecos, Dunes, Caussade, Montagudet, Boudou.
For the main travel overview: Tarn-Et-Garonne.
