The 10 essential things to do in the Tarn

Want to escape in the heart of France in the Occitania region? The Tarn department has multiple faces to discover. Here is an overview of the must-sees in the Tarn

This typical department of the Occitanie region is a rural and green territory. Its industrial past has marked the region economically, but it is for its agriculture, vineyards and medieval cities that we love to visit the Tarn.

Its advantageous geographical location allows to offer a large number of attractions. Whether for nature with its mountains, forests, rivers or vineyards. Or for its heritage and architectural richness with its many character villages, the Tarn has everything to seduce.

Let yourself be carried away by this department of character that will make you want to come back to contemplate and taste its flavors. Discover our selection of the must-see in the Tarn.

1. The city of Albi

The episcopal city of Albi has been listed in the Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010. There are many beautiful things to see in the city, such as the Cathedral of St.Cécile, which is the largest brick cathedral in the world. Views on the striking Tarn, or exceptional museums like the one on the famous painter Toulouse Lautrec .

The city of Albi also reflects an intense history with its orange tints and its famous Pont-Vieux on the Tarn, one of the oldest in France.

2. The vineyard of the Gaillac

You can’t visit the Tarn without discovering one of the oldest vineyards in France. Indeed, the wine has been produced since Antiquity. Diseases, world conflicts and wars have, however, greatly tarnished its reputation. Fortunately, today, young wine growers are reviving the torch and intending to redouble their coat of arms.

The native grape varieties of the vineyard and the special know-how give a range of wines of a very varied character.

3. The villages perched

It is one of the most beautiful treasures to see absolutely in the Tarn. These villages are fortified by a history and a rich and picturesque heritage. Here it is a break in the heights and medium mountains that will allow you to contemplate the beauty of the places of the Tarn.

Brassac

This atypical village is perched in the heart of the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park. The old bridge of Brassac that connects the two sides of the river is classified as a historic monument.

It is a perfect stop to make a natural break in the Tarn. Rent a mountain bike or canoe to enjoy the lakeside. Some enthusiasts will enjoy it for a moment of fishing. The place is ideal for these leisure and relaxation activities to share.

Castres

Find here a sweetness of hispanic life. The birthplace of Jean Jaurès presents terraces that also remind the aperitif and antipasti of Italy. The charm of the village has only one of the other villages perched when you go to the Tarn. We know his colors thanks to the famous painter Francisco Goya who loved to represent them. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tarn, not to be missed under any pretext in the region.

Penne

Many names are used to describe this village. The citadel of vertigo or the eagle nest, all say long on its height. In any case, this hilly village is worth a visit. Built on a rocky grove, this incredible medieval building will bring you back time. Don’t miss visiting the fortified castle of Penne for a dive in the heart of the history of the Middle Age builders.

Note that the village is located in the forest of Grésigne with a view of the Aveyron.

The Cammazes

This is a village that soothes with this walk bracket on the Canal du Midi. If you’re looking for beautiful hikes or rides to do in the Tarn by bike, this is where you have to go. It is a true little green paradise!

Green and atypical walks with the passage under the mountain by the vault. A moment of pure happiness for water and forest enthusiasts.

Lautrec

This medieval city deserves more than just a stop. Here we admire the last windmill still in operation in the southwest. We also enjoy its famous pink garlic and visit the Halles of the village dating from the 15th century. The other is one of the more beautiful French villages for many reasons.

Castelneau de Montmiral

It is a sense of security and splendor that invades spirits by entering the medieval city of Castelnau. The cultural heritage of the village is very present everywhere where your gaze will arise. This haven of peace is essentially walking what makes the visit peaceful.

Carmel

Visiting this village is learning more about art and how to work glass. Coal mines in the area have long been exploited for their resources and fed the glass industry.

Jean Jaurès himself defended the rights of the workers of this industry who had his golden age in the nineteenth century. He was elected a Member of Parliament and launched modern socialism as we know in France since Carmaux. Discover this sparkling past, but also made political battles by visiting the glass museum or the mine museum.

4. The rocks of the Sidobre

It is north of Castres, in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park that you can find this unique geological exception in Europe. According to the legends that surround these granite stones, these huge rocks are having fun at the side of the sky. A magical place not to be missed if you go to visit the Tarn.

5. Cordes-sur-ciel

Can we float above the heavens when we are on earth? If you like to take height and to perceive from above the world around you, go to Cordes-sur-Ciel.

The paved alleys lead you from artists’ workshops to the shops of jewelers and crunchy shops. Indeed, you will not be able to escape the city’s culinary specialty, based on almonds, eggs and sugar. Don’t try to resist it, you’ll need strength to explore the medieval city that is on foot.

6. Gardens of Martels

If you visit the Tarn, stop in the village of Giroussens where there is an enchanting place. This fascinating park has no less than two thousand five hundred varieties of plants worldwide. There is no doubt that its exotic greenhouse, its banana plantation and its giant lotus temple will delight small and large.

It should be noted that a picnic area and a mini farm are on site. The steam train will conquer the hearts of the youngest.

7. The black mountain

This mountainous massif has only the name. It is rather the green color that dominates the valley. The southwest tip of the Central Massif departing four departments. This is why you can observe a strange botanical phenomenon.

The northeast slope is dominated by fir trees, beech and oak. It is he who gives a rather dark aspect to the mountain that is worth his name of black mountain. On the south side, it is another botanical observation that strikes in the eyes. Here, it is the vineyards and olive trees that reign. Thus, its highest point is a thousand two hundred eleven meters very precisely of altitude.

8. The Abbey-Seven School

This former Benedictine abbey has become an innovative place of teaching. To date, the property is home to the Museum of Dom Robert Tapestry. There is also the Abbey-Sorèze School which visits, plus a hotel. The place was labeled Maison des Illustres thanks to its setting where nature, art and knowledge blend harmoniously.

9. The Ambialet peninsula

This is a nice surprise in the heart of the Tarn valley. Located between Albi and the Gorges du Tarn, it is a three-kilometre loop designed in the valley. This loop forms the incredible rocky island of Ambialet.

The peculiarity of this village is to be built on the narrowest isthmus in Europe. Indeed, there are barely ten meters that separate the two banks of the Tarn. The walks are inevitably magical with a beautiful view from the Priory.

10. Museums

What to do in the Tarn when the weather is not the beautiful fixed? Visiting a museum is the best way to continue exploring this rich cultural territory. The offer does not miss the call:

• The Departmental Textile Museum: located at the bastide of Rouairoux which is an old 19th century factory.
• The Château-musée du Cayla: He testifies to a poetic and literary past in Andillac.
• The Tarn jump museum: installed in an old power plant. It contains more than two hundred years of industrial and social adventures thanks to numerous animated models.
• The museum mine in Cagnac: this great visit nature is unusual. You will relive the history and daily life of the 19th century miners with helmets on your head while heading underground.

How do I go to the Tarn?

Like every step in France, if you plan to visit the Tarn, there are several options available to you:

• By plane: arriving from anywhere in France directly to the airport of Castres-Mazamet. Consult the various offers on an online flight comparison such as Skyscanner to make an idea.However, the airport Toulouse offers more regular and often affordable flights.
• Thanks to the train: most of the cities and villages mentioned in this list have a SNCF station.
• With the bus: thanks to the regional offer liO, for greater flexibility and combination of transport in the region.
• By the road: From Paris, the simplest way is to reach the A20 motorway.

Where to stay in the Tarn?

One of the best ways to visit the Tarn is to find where to stay after your long days of discovery. Given the density of the department, a large offer of accommodation is available to you. To find one of the best hotels in the region, visit an online hotel comparison .

You also have many homes of all types directly in the home. Options on Airbnb are numerous and at reasonable rates. The other most popular way for travellers is to make camping . In this way, you can fully enjoy nature and surrounding views.

You now have a more precise idea of what awaits you and what to do in the Tarn. Whether with friends or with family, everyone will find pleasures to share in this typical department of southern France.