Maison Laguens

Maison Laguens is a historic townhouse in the center of Rieux-Volvestre, a small town in the Haute-Garonne department, roughly 30 kilometers south of Toulouse. It stands on rue de l'Évêché, right next to the former Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary, and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the town's old quarter.

What is this building?

Maison Laguens was once the residence of the bishopric of Rieux, rebuilt at the start of the 16th century. Its defining feature is the Tour Valtan, a hexagonal tower topped with an elongated pyramid roof and a crenellated walkway running around the top. Next to it stands a small bell turret whose silhouette has been compared to a minaret — an unusual combination for architecture in this part of southwestern France.

The courtyard-facing side of the building kept its timber-framed construction, typical of townhouses built at the turn of the medieval and Renaissance periods. The street-facing façade dates from the 18th century and is decorated with wrought-iron balconies. Several doorways feature elaborately carved lintels, sculpted stonework, and coats of arms, left behind by the various owners and renovations the house went through over the centuries.

The façades and roofs were listed as a historic monument on July 18, 1973. The building is now owned by the municipality of Rieux-Volvestre.

How do you get there?

Rieux-Volvestre sits in the Volvestre region, in the valley of the Arize river, and is easiest to reach by car — about 30 to 40 minutes south of Toulouse. Maison Laguens stands in the heart of the old town, within walking distance of the market square and the former cathedral, so once you park near the center you can explore the whole historic quarter on foot.

What will you see?

The building is best appreciated from the outside. Walking the narrow streets of the old town, you'll catch the distinctive outline of the Tour Valtan from several vantage points around Rieux-Volvestre. Look out for the carved lintels above the doorways, the wrought-iron balconies on the 18th-century façade, and the contrast between the timber-framed courtyard side and the stone, fortress-like tower. Maison Laguens fits naturally into the character of the old town, built around the former cathedral and lined with the red-brick-and-timber houses typical of southern France.

When should you visit?

Since a visit mostly means viewing the architecture from the street, Maison Laguens can be seen at any time of year. Spring and early autumn make for comfortable walking weather, avoiding the summer heat common in this part of France. It's worth pairing the visit with a stroll through the rest of the old town and the former cathedral right next door.

Frequently asked questions

What is Maison Laguens? It's a historic townhouse in Rieux-Volvestre, once the residence of the bishopric of Rieux, rebuilt in the early 16th century and best known for its hexagonal Tour Valtan.

Can you go inside? The building belongs to the municipality, and visits are limited to viewing the façades and tower from the streets of the old town.

Why is the tower called Valtan? The name refers to the hexagonal tower topped with an elongated pyramid roof, the building's most recognizable feature.

How long does a visit take? Viewing the building itself takes only a few minutes, but it's worth planning a longer walk through the whole old town of Rieux-Volvestre, including the former cathedral nearby.