A little history...
The origins of the town of Gaillac date from 972. Named after the Gaillac vineyard, the town's importance grew as the reputation of the Gaillac wines spread further afield. The vines were maintained by the monks from the St-Michel Abbey (built in the 13th century) and they did much to blend and develop the grapes. In 1253, King Henry III of England ordered 20 barrels of Gaillac wines, as did Henri IV of France three centuries later. The River Tarn was used for exporting the wines west as the wine business gradually expanded.
Architecture
L'Abbaye St-Michel (13th-century abbey), incorporating the Maison de la Vigne et du Vin; Château de Foucaud (17th-century castle) with Italian & French gardens; Medieval & Renaissance architecture throughout the town.
Things to see
Musée des Beaux Arts; Musée d'Histoire Naturelle; Musée de l'Abbaye St Michel (with exhibits about Gaillac vines and wines); Market Day is every Friday; Small vegetable market on Tuesday mornings; Evening markets in July & August.
Things to do
Fête des Vins (August); Apéritif-concerts at the Abbey (July & August); Singing competition (August); Tarn folklore festival (August); Theatre festival (October); Water sports & golf at the Aiguebelèze leisure lake. |
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