A 17th-century dovecote, a 13.5-kilometre circular trail and defining traces of local history give Damiatte a range of places to discover. The Circuit des Plateaux is described as an easy hike marked with PR trail signs and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. Other highlights include the washhouse on Avenue de Lavaur, Saint Martin Church, and activities involving horses, Lac de la Cahuzière and local farm produce. To plan your visit, you can first decide which of these interests will shape your stay.
Heritage in Damiatte
Damiatte was founded in 1295 by Jean de Monfort, Lord of Castres. One notable historical landmark is the Pigeonnier de la Brunié, a 17th-century dovecote. It was classified as a Monument historique by decree dated 13 August 1990. Alongside the story of the town’s founding, this provides a clearly dated example of its architectural heritage.
The washhouse on Avenue de Lavaur was built in 1893 and renovated in 2018 to preserve the heritage. On the steps leading to the washhouse is a portrait of Félicie, created by Monsieur BAÏLE in 2021. Saint Martin Church is also among the town’s historical attractions: it contains stained-glass windows and paintings depicting the conversions of Saint Augustine and Saint Paul. Those interested in different forms of heritage will find both a building associated with everyday life and religious art, as well as a more recent portrait.
Hiking between the valley and rolling hills
The Circuit des Plateaux starts at Plan d’eau de Saint-Charles and climbs from the Agout valley to higher hills. The landscape is described as having a Tuscan feel and pastel colours; fields and woods shape the route. The trail passes the Ecuries de Corbière equestrian centre before continuing along woodland paths. As a circular hike marked with PR trail signs, it offers a practical way to explore the landscape on foot. The approximate duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes can help you estimate how much time to allow when planning your day.
Horse-riding activities and Lac de la Cahuzière
There are two different places to visit if you are interested in horse riding. Ecuries de Corbière offers riding lessons and introductory rides in a natural setting and welcomes people of all ages. Poney City offers, among other activities, introductions, lessons, rides, competitions and sessions for baby riders. Riding lessons with ponies and horses are available there, along with fun riding instruction for all age groups from one year old. These details describe different formats; they do not mean that every activity is intended for every age group.
At Lac de la Cahuzière, there is a fishing platform and step-free access for people with disabilities. The lake also has a fitness trail and a carp pond. These features set the lake apart from the historical sites and hiking route: the focus here is on exercise and the facilities by the water. When choosing what to do, you can decide whether you would prefer to plan a marked hike, horse-riding activities or time at the lake.
Farm produce and travel planning
The farms offer a range of different specialities. La Ferme aux Prim’Verts holds an on-farm shop on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; an open day is also planned for the first Sunday in May. The farm’s medicinal plants are harvested by hand at the right time and dried to make herbal teas. Check the dates for the on-farm shop or open day before planning your visit.
Cavailles Thibault sells farm produce directly from the farm and offers home delivery. The 32-hectare organic farm grows cereals and produces organic poultry, eggs, young cattle and pigs; the feed is produced on site. Damiatte station is a local passenger station with two platforms. If you plan to travel by train, check the connections and travel times for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Rivières, Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, Labastide-Dénat, Rabastens, Mont-Roc, Noailhac, Cuq, Monestiès.
For the broader travel overview: Tarn.
