Juzes

Juzes ( Occitan: Jusas ) is a southern French village with 78 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Tarn department in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

Location

Juzes lies in the cultural landscape of Lauragais about 35 km ( driving distance ) away in the south-east of Toulouse. A further 26 kilometers to the southwest lies Castelnaudary; the remarkable Saint- Félix- Lauragais is located just ten kilometers to the east.

Demographics

Until the mid- 19th century, the city had consistently 220-350 inhabitants; then the number of inhabitants declined continuously.

Economy

As in most places of Lauragais played the cultivation of woad ( pastel) in the Middle Ages and in early modern times a major role. Today, the town lives mainly from agriculture and of letting vacant apartments.

History

The first written mention of the village dates from the year 1230; the second from the year 1384. Around this time came, the place in the possession of the famous noble family of La Tour d' Auvergne, which was built and the castle.

Attractions

• Built from largely unprocessed rubble Château de Juzes was built in the 15th century and enlarged in the 16th century. The zweieinhalbgeschossige building is framed by a square and two round corner towers, all of which are equipped with small windows; the living quarters (corps de logis ) shows a simple circular portal and rectangular windows with stone mullions. Below the roof is half a storey for the chambers of the servants who were being converted later to storage rooms. The castle is privately owned and is recognized as a monument historique since 1973.
• The single-nave parish church ( Église Saint -Léger ) is a erected from breakage and brick building from the early 16th century, but in the time of the Wars of Religion ( 1562-1598 ) was twice set on fire. Later, the building was given - to stabilize - side chapel extensions. The present state derives largely 19th century.
• An impressive dovecot ( pigeon ) dates from the 18th century.