Hotel l'Occitan

Couleur du Monde

by Renteboy

During the first 2 weeks of August a festival is held in the city, containing groups of all over the world... from Brazil to South Africa... BUT IT IS FREE!! Bear in mind that if there is "bad weather" the show is held indoor, meaning: less chairs, so more disillusioned people (incl. me :-( )
In the 2005 edition many groups programmed where replaced by others ... or even not replaced (?) ... :-(

Castres -

by grimbolero

"Pre-Christmas"

The town square with lights - the white stuff is simulated frost and snow, but the temperature was really -5C. Though this place is in the south of France, it gets very cold.

"Where"

Castres is about 50KM due east of Toulouse, and similarly due north of Carcasonne, from which it is seperated by the Black Mountain.

Travelling through the mountain roads in the depths of winter can be ... interesting.. The hoare frost on the trees here shows how cold it gets.

"What"

Castres is a lovely town without having any major architectural monuments or important role in history. It does have associations with Toulouse Lautrec who was born up the road in Albi, and was the birth place of Jean Jaures, the great French Socialist leader.

However, its modern draw is that it is home to one of France's top rugby teams, and has become a visiting place for many of Europe's club rugby followers.

Here, Castres take on Sale Sharks, the english national champions of 2006.