Le Donjon

This defensive keep dates back to the early 13th century. It could be seen from all the entrances to the village and provided continuous surveillance. Access was via a staircase on the left-hand side of the building, through theold gateway. The stonework at the bottom is worn from the many times soldiers passed through it. The ground floor housed the shop and ammunition depot, the 1st floor the living quarters and food depot, and the 2nd floor the machinery.

The building has a square base and stands 20 metres high, with walls the same thickness as the ramparts of yesteryear. The best-preserved original wall is the one on the left (facing the keep). In the 19th century, the front wall was blown up with dynamite to create openings.

This medieval keep has had several functions: a prison during the Revolution, a charity home after the Revolution to house the destitute, and then a library.

Today, it is an archaeological museum housing copies of some of the sculptures found on the site of the Gallo-Roman villa at Chiragan. The busts on display here were made with the support of the commune and the Martres-Tolosane archaeology association.