Mazamet, France

I'm taking you on another visit to Southwestern France.

This time we are in Mazamet which started as a textile center in 1586 manufacturing woollen blankets called 'cordelots'.

Later, in the second half of the 19th century, the growth of the wool industry was thwarted by problems in the local supply (from Provence and the Languedoc) of raw materials so sheepskins were imported from Argentina, and later Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. By 1930, importation of sheepskins (50,000 tons a year) made Mazamet an influential town in French international trade.

Mazamet nestles in the Arnette River valley beneath the

Montagne Noire.

Stunning windows and a lovely woman.

Perhaps you think these images were captured in one of Mazamet's beautiful mansions built for the wealthy wool merchants. No, this was the local tourist information office! Only in France would a public building house such beauty and make it available to travelers stopping in to pick up a brochure or ask directions. The young lady behind the desk was delightful also ~ she loved speaking English to us and was most helpful.

A vintage album open to show old photos of the town.

No practical contemporary fluorescent lighting fixtures here ~ gorgeous chandeliers and the loveliest ceiling rose I've ever seen.

Look at the hand painted tiled floor, the gold table legs and the antique books.
Don't you agree this is a beautiful public space? It makes me think that vandalism and thievery does not exist in France, well at least not here.

Houses built on the very edge of the river.

Overlooking Mazamet from Hautpoul.

Next time I will take you to the Cathar village of Hautpoul perched high above the town. The history is amazing and the village, though austere from the distance, beckons to you as you drive below the dark wooded hills on the road to Mazamet.........and you have to back track up through the steep hills along a winding road. See you there at the top soon.