Former Royal Cloth Factory

The former royal cloth manufactory

At the entrance to the Pont-Vieux, the Carcassonne audio-guided tour reveals the former royal cloth manufactory. Restored in 2013, this building bears witness to a major chapter in the town's economic history, long centred on the cloth trade.

Carcassonne, a cloth-making town

From the 12th century, Carcassonne focused its economy on the cloth trade. In the 14th century, it was even the leading textile production centre of the kingdom, exporting its woollen cloth as far as Constantinople and Alexandria. The peak came in the 18th century with the rise of manufactories. Built in 1694, this one was raised to the rank of royal manufactory two years later, which earned it state support and many privileges favouring its production.

What there is to see

A manufactory was then a place bringing together on a single site all the operations of cloth-making, shaped by hand by workers. The restored building helps to understand this organisation of work and the importance of the cloth industry in the town's prosperity. Nearby, the House of Wool and Cloth continues this story, on Rue Trivalle.

Practical information

The former royal manufactory is at the entrance to the Pont-Vieux, on the lower-town side. The building can be seen from the outside during the walk; to learn more about the history of cloth, the House of Wool and Cloth, on Rue Trivalle, offers a dedicated presentation whose hours vary with the season.

Why was Carcassonne renowned for cloth ?

From the 14th century, it was the leading textile centre of the kingdom, exporting its woollen cloth as far as Constantinople and Alexandria.

What is a royal manufactory ?

It is a manufacturing establishment supported by the state, which granted it privileges; this one received the status in 1696.