Lagarde, Ariège

Lagarde ( Occitan: La Garda) is a small village with 183 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Ariège in the southern French region of Midi -Pyrenees.

Location

Lagarde is in the west of the historic county of Razès near the river Hers - Vif (also Grand Hers ) about 32 km ( driving distance ) away to the west of Pamiers. Mirepoix, the capital of the canton is, about nine miles northwest.

Demographics

Economy

In Lagarde as in the entire historic province Razès much farming is done. But the rental cottages ( gîtes ) plays an important role in the economy of the small community.

History

Little is known about the history of the village. Already in the early Middle Ages it was dominated by a castle that was probably destroyed during the Albigensian Crusade ( 1209-1229 ). Renewed in the 13th century under Alfonso II of Aragon, it was enlarged in the 16th century by Jean de Levis and - with larger windows - adapted to the new tastes of the Renaissance. In the 17th century the gardens were created or redesigned.

Attractions

Ruins of the castle of Lagarde

Other

• A curiosity is the oblique, about 100 meters long, about four feet wide and resting on several arches ramped driveway ( allée ) from the village to the castle; it probably dates from the 18th century.
• The parish church ( Eglise de la Sainte Vierge de la Nativity ) of the town dates from the 15th century; the west facade with its bell tower was rebuilt in the 19th century, however, perfect. The low rib vaulted interior is - as in the Midi usual - only one nave; occur more spacious chapels in the place of the aisles. Nave and side chapels are mostly painted. Facilities include a crafted from a stone baptismal font belongs to the organ loft.