Christmas. This town in Tarn offers a spectacle more fabulous than the others for almost a month

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This city of Tarn already has the market Noël the largest in the department. Last year, it attracted more than 300,000 visitors. But for several years, it has also offered plus grand mapping. With more illuminated sites than in Albi.

It is in Castres that you have to go to see the greatest number of facades shine, during the seventh edition of the Frescoes of Light of December 6 to 31, 2024.

Six places

Six emblematic places of Castres heritage will light up every evening at dusk. Free of charge of course. All this in an economical way. According to the City: “The Frescoes of Light have a consumption equivalent to that of a domestic socket”.

Here are the six locations:

The courtyard of the Town Hall. A dreamlike spectacle inspired by the history and architecture of the episcopal palace of Castres, listed as a historic monument since 1927, the paintings transform the facades of the building one by one. A ballet of choreographed water jets, reminiscent of 17th century French gardens^e century, closes the projection. Duration: 12 minutes.

The water coach shed. On board the Miredames, the emblematic Castres barge, embark on a mini-cruise on the Agout and enjoy a Christmas light show with a magical atmosphere. This immersive journey recalls the traditions and timeless magic of Christmas with captivating sound and visual effects, to be contemplated over a hot drink. Duration approximately 45 minutes. Price: €10. By reservation at 05 63 71 58 31 or [email protected].

Saint-Benoît Cathedral. It is with a poetic touch that trompe-l'oeil and multiple perspectives invite you to an immersive visual and sound spectacle. Contemplate the architecture, decorative and religious elements that make up Saint-Benoît Cathedral. References to the medieval past and the history of the cathedral then create a magical and captivating universe. Duration: 14 minutes.

The Saint-Jacques-de-Villegoudou church. A visual and historical spectacle, it evokes the importance of Castres as a stopover for pilgrims on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle who were welcomed at the Saint-Jacques hospital. The symbols of the pilgrimage and major works of Art, such as the frescoes of Nicolaï Greschny and the paintings of Charles-Joseph Natoire, are highlighted there. Duration: 12 minutes.

The Notre-Dame de la Platé church. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1987, the Notre-Dame de la Platé church, founded in the 9th century, is a place steeped in history. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, discover the major events that marked its existence. Painted decorations, organ, carillon, the elements which make it valuable will also be revealed to you. Duration: 12 minutes.

The municipal theater. Immerse yourself in a relaxing atmosphere to discover the visual transformation of the municipal theater. At the heart of the majestic and soothing scenography, nature celebrates Art Nouveau and its floral motifs, taking inspiration from the garden of the neighboring Bishopric. The architectural elements of the theater are also revealed through the lighting effects to emphasize the structure of the place. Duration: 12 minutes.

And also

And then of course, there are the illuminated facades along the Agout, which can be admired by boat or on foot…

Frescoes of Light, in Castres from December 6 to 31, 2024. From 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Sunday. Until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and during school holidays.

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