Being situated 5 km from Castelnaudary , very near from the Black mountain, the Benedictine abbey, would have been set up in the VIII-th century by Charlemagne, himself, on the grave of Holy Papoul, who was a disciple of Saint-Sernin, himself wanting to evangelise the spot of Lauragais. He became a martyr celebrated in the medieval hagiography.

It is a jewel of the Romanic art with a convent in Gothic style dating from the first half of the XIV-th century. The river called lambe flows through it and it offers you a green environment, a haven of peace and serenity.

Many miracles would have occurred on the grave of Saint-Béranger, which of course attract a plenty of pilgrims towards the convent. The convent of Gothic construction dates from the first half of the XIV-th century.

It is made up of four galleries possessing each one archways which are based on small octagonal twin columns which themselves support splendid capitals that tells stories involving monstrous animals and foliages.

In the apse of the old cathedral, you can have a look at the top of the half-columns, capitals and medallions sculptured in a very artistic great quality, assigned to the Master of the city called Cabestany who did the same also in Saint-Hilaire , Lagrasse ...

This apse is of greatest interest because of its roof which looks like scales.

Photo : advertising plaque "Saint-Papoul, quoted from the Cathar Country"