Monuments from Auvillar

introduction history monuments contact us Monuments in Auvillar
The Clock Tower The visitor arrives at the Clock Tower where one enters into the old village by the door of Arnaud Othon, the name of an old viscount of Auvillar. This door is within the Clock Tower. This is an elegant construction of stone and brick, dating from the time of Louis XIVth; the doors and windows are fully arched and each storey is aligned with the moulding carved in the brick.

The Market We pass under the Clock Tower and go along the street (rue de l’Horloge) towards the Market Place. In the middle of this triangular place is a curious circular building with columns and arches in the very centre, which is remarkable for its symmetry. The building, which is relatively recent (1824), presents a certain interest because of the originality of its circular plan. In the interior, there are 2 types of measures of grain: - One of metal dating from the construction of this market. - The other measure in the stone originates from the old rectangular market, which could be found in the centre of the place.

Picture from Jay Dickman see other circle halls in France see old project hall in 1823

The Market Place This pleasant triangular Market Place dates from the Middle Ages. There are cornices in the archways: the timber-framed houses date from the 17th and 18th century. There are signed forged iron crosses, used as strengthening devices for the walls, showing on some buildings. After the archways have stopped halfway down the hill, the ‘rue des Nobles’ starts, but in 1904 several houses here, were destroyed in a large fire. Leaving the Market Place, heading further down the hill towards the Port, there are two 16th century houses still showing their attractive original timber-framed supports and balconies. Continue to the site of the old city gate, where you will also find the site of the old fountain demolished in 1921. The old city fortification walls can be seen from here, with the ancient house of Pope Clement V built into the wall. The house boasted a series of ornamental Episcopal coats of arms.

The Church of St. Peter The church of St. Peter is very much worth mentioning. It is probably contemporaneous with the first Viscounts of Auvillar, after the period of construction by Canon Pottier. The church existed in 1186, and has been used as a Benedictine priory and a parish church. It was founded under the dependence of Moissac Abbey until the 18th century. On November 20, 1261 the priory was reattached to the abbey and it remained until the Revolution. After that it was partly demolished, then reconstructed as a parish church. Classified a historic monument, it is arguably one of the most beautiful churches in the diocese of Montauban.

The Washhouse The Washhouse is situated a little way down the ‘le chemin du Peyrat’, the narrow road leading from Auvillar centre to Le Port, used by many people to go to the market, curious tourists, and pilgrims on the route of Saint Jacques de Compostelle. Within it, some Auvillarais have re-discovered ‘le Putet’, an underground fountain that supplies water to the washhouse and a drinking trough. Below is a diagram of the plan of the washhouse and its various parts. Today, the old washhouse is used as an aquarium, full of various fishes, and the nearby area is a paradise for frogs. Below the plan, are photographs, taken in November 1998, after discovery of the underground part. The underground part is situated under ‘le chemin du Peyrat’. In order to access it, it is necessary at first, to climb up upon the arched roof over the pool, and then descend, turning left in order to enter into a gallery measured more than 12 metres in length. An approximate plan, not drawn to scale, is shown below, together with some photographs.

A l'entrée du Putet.	B salle principale.
C couloir final.	D arrivée des drains.
E photo à venir.

F

G arrivée des sources.

Other Tunnels Worryingly, it is known that many other tunnels exist under the streets of Auvillar. Shown below are photographs of an example of one that passes near the Clock Tower. It may have been used at one stage as a main sewer.

Le château de Lassaigne, à proximité du village, a accueilli la famille De goth, dont l'un des enfants devint le pape Clément 5.
cliquer pour agrandir	La Chapelle de Marchet, qui était en très mauvais état au début du 20ème siècle a été démolie et il a été édifié en 1953 un petit édicule qui abrite la statue de la Vierge et la cloche de l'ancienne chapelle. On ignore de quelle époque elle date. Par contre on sait qu'elle était le lieu de rencontre de la confrérie de la Saint-Noé. Elle existait avant la révolution. La procession des Ardudets ( entonnoirs ), qui a lieu la veille de la Saint-Noé, part de ce lieu.
Chrisme en pierre sculptée, au dessus de la porte de la Chapelle du Port, très détérioré et illisible de nos jours. C'est un monogramme du Christ du 9ème siècle. Au dessus et au dessous des 2 lettres grecques ( Alpha et Oméga ), 2 lettres romaines sont sculptées S et P. P est le Rho et le S est l'abréviation de " sauveur ".
Chapelle du salut

Ancienne école des frères de l'école chrétienne, puis école laïc en enfin salle des fêtes.

Lors de la restauration de la place de la Halle, en 1990, deux anciens silos à grains ont été découverts. Ils sont en fait enterrés et affleurent le sol, sous les cornières. Un système d'éclairage à minuterie permet de les voir à travers des grilles.
Silo vu du dessus.
Old bridge of Poutoy See more

L'ancien couvent Communauté fondée en 1275, fermée à la révolution. Sépulture des Vicomtes d'Auvillar A remarquer : Le mur, reste de l'église et la porte du 18ème siècle. Actuellement siège de la gendarmerie nationale.