Aspet is a municipality of Haute-Garonne, in the region Occitanie, 15 km southeast of Saint-Gaudens.
Excertached from 400 to 1240 m altitude, its territory of 26 km² belongs to the natural and historical region of the Commins, at the foot of the Pyrenean chain, dominated south by the peak of Cagire overlooking the valley. Much of its environment is protected under Natura 2000 for its fauna and flora.
The village has developed in the Middle Ages, a seat of a seigniory, one of the representatives participates in the third crusade and another, in the 15th, is fighting alongside Joan of Arc. Erected in Barony, Aspet which had favorably welcomed the reform is attached to the Kingdom of France in 1606. The village remains, however, capital of a chatellenie.
Today populated by nearly 1,000 inhabitants, the municipality has retained an agricultural economy, but it also highlights its environment and landscapes that particularly appreciates green tourism enthusiasts.
Near the major sites and stations of the Pyrenees, Aspet is full of resources.
The heritage of the commune reflects its history. The village has indeed developed around two poles: a religious (the seigneur entertained chapel then in the church of the parish), the other economic (the halls, now disappeared, and the town hall).
On the civilian level, a walk in the city makes it possible to observe in the center of wooden dwellings with galleries on floors but also, rather on the outskirts, private hotels in stone and newer bricks.
In the center again, we notice galleries with carved wooden bodyguards or wrought iron, giving houses a precious and picturesque character.
With regard to religious heritage, the chapel of Miegecoste, which dominates the city, half a hill, was rebuilt in the 19th century. The building retains since the seventeenth century a statue of the black virgin to the child called Our Lady of Aspet. It consists of three pieces of wood, only one of which the face, the bust and the right hand of the Virgin as well as the child Jesus are carved in polychrome wood. A restoration campaign of the statue ended in 2014. Volunteers realized his clothes: a sub-garment protecting the wooden structure, a golden silk mooring dress and a carminated red pooled fabric coat.
In the village, the parish church Saint-Martin has been the subject of numerous reshuffles and was almost entirely rebuilt in the nineteenth century. Note however that the bell tower is actually revealed the old square dungeon of the old fortified city that dominated and protected the main door. In addition, the small door that gives access to the stairs of this bell tower date from the fourteenth century. The neo-Gothic inlet portal is noted.
After a fire, in 1955, the interior of the church was repainted. However, during the work, a fresco of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries representing the Annunciation has been updated at the master altar.
Finally, it is still possible to admire the old seigniorial chapel (15th) converted a time in sacristy. It is accessed at the church choir. It has a sculpted quality decor.
On the religious level, the church of the hamlet of Gouillou was rebuilt in 1865. We notice its wall bell tower and the neo-Gothic portal. It houses a 97 cm high wood statue representing St. Eugenie, dating from the 17th or 18th century and restored in 2011 by the municipality. Three valuable nineteenth century vases in Valentine porcelain are also kept.
Finally, on the hamlet of Girosp, the reconstructed church throughout the nineteenth century is adorned inside paints with the stencil of beautiful effect.
Culture side, the municipality media library has a digital access point and regularly offers readings and meetings. Information at +33 5 61 88 52 55.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure, fishing enthusiasts are at the party (with watercourses down the peaks). Contact the local association at +33 5 61 90 17 76 for the appropriate sites and the regulations to be respected.
Are also located on the locality a speleology club which offers animations discovery in the summer season for adults and children (inquire at +33 5 61 88 44 51 or +33 6 37 50 65 51) and a club dedicated to the ski in winter (information. +33 6 79 27 90 10).
We will not forget the tennis enthusiasts (reserve a court at +33 6 19 86 16 98) and of course the joys that can provide the outdoor swimming pool, open every day in July and August. Its large basin is long by a solarium for laziness and pleasure of swimming are combined. Entrance: 1 and 2 euros. Information at +33 5 61 95 85 68.
Stay the tremendous potential offered by the village and its surroundings in terms of hiking or ATVs, some routes that may obviously have some difficulties due to relief. On the other hand, wonderful panoramas and landscapes punctuate all marked loops.
Cards and information at +33 5 61 94 86 51. It is also possible to join the local club's outings: contact on +33 6 81 57 65 61.
