Tourism in Tarn
Encyclopedia
From the Gaillac Vineyard
to the Sidobre, the Montagne Noire
and the stunning Gorges du Tarn
, the Tarn department, in the southwest of France, offers a great range of sights and tourist attractions.
While the south-western houses are mostly stone-built, cities from the northwest of the department are often made of the local red brick, typical of the region.
The department is also known for its heritage of remarkably well-preserved bastides
(forfified villages built in the 13th century to protect the population from the Wars of Religion). Famous bastides include:
Other renowned villages in the Tarn:
Tourists can also go swimming, fishing or sailing in the various lakes, either in the natural parks or in the rivers.
Close to Carmaux, Cap'Découverte, one of the greatest European leisure and adventure parks, located in a former open-sky mine, offers a wide range of activities: skiing or snowboarding on a synthetic track, swimming, biking, and such facilities as a luge track, a giant zip-line, a skate park, mini go-karts, a Mining Museum...
The Tarn offers golf courses for every level, from beginners to professional players. (see the Lasbordes Golf course in Albi).
Further South, the Regional nature park of Haut-Languedoc and the Sidobre
, a 245-million-year-old granite plateau, are nice places for a relaxing stay.
In Albi or in Castres
, mini-cruises in barges inspired by the traditional wooden boats are a good way to discover the secrets of the Tarn and Agoût Rivers.
The Chemin de Fer Touristique du Tarn (CFTT), or “Tarn Light Railway”, organises trips in the countryside in an authentic steam train.
Several parks and gardens are visible throughout the department.
Other events :
The Grand Prix d’Albi takes place each year in September in the Circuit d’Albi-Le Sequestre..
The major family-oriented festivals and events in the Tarn include:
The Gaillac wine
, one of the great wines of Southwest of France, is a testimony of the rich and authentic culture of the Midi Toulousain. Gaillac winemakers still use today the specific grape varieties and methods this millenary vineyard if famous for.
The Pink Garlic
of Lautrec
comes in the form of a bulb with cloves (or bulblets) of a beautiful pink color. Its long period of dormancy gives it exceptional natural features of dry conservation.
Pork is a local specialty in Lacaune
, where many sorts of delicatessen are produced: famous varieties of ham, sausages, and typical meats such as the melsat and the bougnettes...
As of 2010 there were:
Each site is subject to an inspection conducted by trained assessors for this purpose.
In the Tarn, about thirty providers are already accredited (accommodations, museums, etc).
- From Paris via the A6 - A10 - A20 - A62 - A68 motorways.
- From Bordeaux (through Montauban) via the A62 - A6 motorways.
- From Toulouse via the A68 motorway.
- From Nice (through Montpellier) via the A8 - A54 - A9 motorways and the N112 route.
- Railway Stations in Albi, Castres, Mazamet, Gaillac, Cordes-Vindrac, Toulouse.
- Connections from Paris (Eurostar…).
- Castres-Mazamet Airport.
- Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (connections from the main european airports).
Gaillac AOC
Gaillac AOC is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in South West France in the département of Tarn, just north of Toulouse.-History:...
to the Sidobre, the Montagne Noire
Montagne Noire
* Not to be confused with the Montagnes Noires in Brittany.The Montagne Noire is a mountain range in central southern France. It is located at the southwestern end of the Massif Central in the border area of the Tarn, Hérault and Aude departments...
and the stunning Gorges du Tarn
Gorges du Tarn
The Gorges du Tarn is a canyon formed by the Tarn River between the Causse Méjean and the Causse de Sauveterre, in southern France. The canyon, mainly located in the Lozère département, and partially in the Aveyron département, is about -long and 400m to 600m deep.-Geography:The architecture of...
, the Tarn department, in the southwest of France, offers a great range of sights and tourist attractions.
Statistics
In 2009, there were :- Nightly rentals : 8.6 millions ;
- Beds available : 23,100 ;
- Business hotels represented 305,000 tourists for a total of 470,200 nights ;
- Campsites represented 54,000 tourists for a total of 254,000 nights ;
- 152,353 nightly rentals booked from the 2 main centers (Tarn Reservation Tourisme and Gîtes de France).
Historical and cultural attractions
Steeped in history, from the Cathar era to the Industrial Revolution, the Tarn department has a rich heritage of fortified villages, castles, churches and museums.While the south-western houses are mostly stone-built, cities from the northwest of the department are often made of the local red brick, typical of the region.
- Albi and its CathedralCathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'AlbiAlbi Cathedral, formally the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia , is the most important religious building in Albi, southern France, and the seat of the Archbishop of Albi...
, dedicated to Saint-Cecilia. A unique red-brick fortified cathedral, renowned worldwide for its ornamented stone roodscreen. Together with the Berbie palace, a former bishops’ estate now home to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, it is the core of the Vieil-Alby, the ancient centre of the city, with its half-timbered and corbelled houses, that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2010. - The peninsula of Ambialet, with a breathtaking view on the Tarn River from the Priory.
- Cagnac-les-Mines, its Mining Museum and the amusement park Cap découverte, located in a former open-sky mine.
- CastresCastresCastres is a commune, and arrondissement capital in the Tarn department and Midi-Pyrénées region in southern France. It lies in the former French province of Languedoc....
and its houses on the Agoût River, the Goya Museum and Jean Jaures Museum. - CarmauxCarmauxCarmaux is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.Carmaux was famous for its important coal mining and its glassworks . "In 1892, Jean Jaurès supported the miners of Carmaux when they went on strike over the dismissal of their leader, Jean Baptiste Calvignac."...
and its Glass Museum, in an old chapel transformed into a workshop, with demonstrations on site. - Graulhet with its Pont Vieux (the “Old Bridge”), built in 1244 and classified a “Monument Historique”, and the medieval district of Panessac (16th-and-17th-century timbered and corbelled housing). L'Hostellerie du Lyon d'Or, built in the 15th century and also listed a “Monument Historique”, was reportedly cherished by Henry de Navarre, the future King Henry IV, for gourmet moments.
- GaillacGaillacGaillac is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-Geography of Gaillac:Gaillac is a town situated between Toulouse, Albi and Monatauban. It has gained a large amount of recognition due to the wines that bear the towns name. The Tarn river runs along the border of the town by the...
is also a red-brick city, famous for its wine. You can also visit the St Michel Abbey. - LavaurLavaur, TarnLavaur is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.It lies 37 km southeast of Montauban by rail.-History:Lavaur was taken in 1211 by Simon de Montfort during the wars of the Albigenses, a monument marking the site where Dame Giraude de Laurac was killed, being thrown down a well...
and the St Alain Cathedral.
The department is also known for its heritage of remarkably well-preserved bastides
Bastides
Bastides are fortified new towns built in medieval Languedoc, Gascony and Aquitaine during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, although some authorities count Mont-de-Marsan and Montauban, which was founded in 1144, as the first bastides...
(forfified villages built in the 13th century to protect the population from the Wars of Religion). Famous bastides include:
- Cordes-sur-CielCordes-sur-CielCordes-sur-Ciel is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.The fortified town was built in 1222 by Raimon VII, the Count of Toulouse, who, though not a Cathar himself, tolerated the heresy. The village is now a popular tourist spot...
the very first bastide, built in 1222. - Castelnau-de-MontmiralCastelnau-de-MontmiralCastelnau-de-Montmiral is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.- Demography :-History:While traces of activities dating back to the Bronze Age such as dolmens and oppidums can be seen in the nearby forest La Grésigne, the village was founded as an albigensian bastide in 1222 by...
- Labastide-de-LévisLabastide-de-LévisLabastide-de-Lévis is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-References:*...
- Lisle-sur-TarnLisle-sur-TarnLisle-sur-Tarn is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-Geography:The city is located halfway between Toulouse and Albi on the A68 motorway, in the Gaillac vineyard, on the banks of the Tarn. Historically speaking, it is also located on one of the ancient Ways of St...
- PuycelciPuycelciPuycelci is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.It is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association.-Demography:-Geography:...
- Rabastens
- Réalmont
Other renowned villages in the Tarn:
- Vabre and Brassac, with ruins of the Wars of ReligionFrench Wars of ReligionThe French Wars of Religion is the name given to a period of civil infighting and military operations, primarily fought between French Catholics and Protestants . The conflict involved the factional disputes between the aristocratic houses of France, such as the House of Bourbon and House of Guise...
- Ferrières and its Protestantism Museum.
- LacauneLacauneLacaune is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-References:*...
, with its casino, a remainder from its past as a spa town. - MazametMazametMazamet is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.It is the second-largest component of the Castres-Mazamet metropolitan area.-Geography:...
, an industrial city, world capital of wool pulling, and Hautpoul, a medieval village nearby.
Sports
Many outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, canoeing and canyoneering can also be ways to discover the department and its landscapes.Tourists can also go swimming, fishing or sailing in the various lakes, either in the natural parks or in the rivers.
Close to Carmaux, Cap'Découverte, one of the greatest European leisure and adventure parks, located in a former open-sky mine, offers a wide range of activities: skiing or snowboarding on a synthetic track, swimming, biking, and such facilities as a luge track, a giant zip-line, a skate park, mini go-karts, a Mining Museum...
The Tarn offers golf courses for every level, from beginners to professional players. (see the Lasbordes Golf course in Albi).
Further South, the Regional nature park of Haut-Languedoc and the Sidobre
Sidobre
The Sidobre is a mountainous area located in the south of the Massif central, in central France. It is a 15.3 km long, 6.6 km wide plateau made of granite, covered with forests...
, a 245-million-year-old granite plateau, are nice places for a relaxing stay.
Nature attractions
From the Tarn Valley to the Monts de Lacaune and the Montagne Noire, you can discover the “Pays de Cocagne” from various angles: along with the stream, up in the air, among the trees, or with the many routes and GR Trails.In Albi or in Castres
Castres
Castres is a commune, and arrondissement capital in the Tarn department and Midi-Pyrénées region in southern France. It lies in the former French province of Languedoc....
, mini-cruises in barges inspired by the traditional wooden boats are a good way to discover the secrets of the Tarn and Agoût Rivers.
The Chemin de Fer Touristique du Tarn (CFTT), or “Tarn Light Railway”, organises trips in the countryside in an authentic steam train.
Several parks and gardens are visible throughout the department.
Nature walks and hikes
The 3,500 km of hiking trails of the department can be explored trekking, biking or on horseback, with several regional horse farms organising riding tours.Festivals and Events
The Tarn offers a great diversity of cultural events. The Albi Carnival sets the tone in February and marks the kick-off of many festivals:- the “Optimômes” festival in Mazamet in May.
- the “Cinéfeuilles” festival in GaillacGaillacGaillac is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-Geography of Gaillac:Gaillac is a town situated between Toulouse, Albi and Monatauban. It has gained a large amount of recognition due to the wines that bear the towns name. The Tarn river runs along the border of the town by the...
in June. - Pause Guitare in Albi in July.
- Extravadanses in CastresCastresCastres is a commune, and arrondissement capital in the Tarn department and Midi-Pyrénées region in southern France. It lies in the former French province of Languedoc....
in July. - the « Musique sur Ciel » festival in Cordes sur Ciel in July.
- the « Couleurs du Monde » festival in CastresCastresCastres is a commune, and arrondissement capital in the Tarn department and Midi-Pyrénées region in southern France. It lies in the former French province of Languedoc....
in August. - the Summer Festival in Vaour in August.
Other events :
- the « Fêtes médiévales du Grand Fauconnier » in Cordes sur Ciel in July.
- the “Fête des Vins” (Wine festival) in GaillacGaillacGaillac is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-Geography of Gaillac:Gaillac is a town situated between Toulouse, Albi and Monatauban. It has gained a large amount of recognition due to the wines that bear the towns name. The Tarn river runs along the border of the town by the...
in August. - the “Fête de l'Ail Rose” (Pink Garlic festival) in LautrecLautrecLautrec is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.- Demography :-Remarkable sites:Lautrec is listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" as well as a "Remarkable Site for Taste" thanks to its renowned pink garlic...
in August.
The Grand Prix d’Albi takes place each year in September in the Circuit d’Albi-Le Sequestre..
Family activities
- Various museums, guided tours or promenades offer the opportunity to discover the know-how, traditions and local customs that connect the generations.
- Water is everywhere in the Tarn: swimming pools, lakes, ponds, rivers…
- Horses, donkeys and farm animals are common in the region. Many farms organise practical trainings, visits and tours for tourists.
- Parks such as Cap’Decouverte, Adventure Park or the “Cri de Tarzan” park are designed for kids, with activities such as tree climbing, trampolines or zip wires…
- Children can discover the heritage of our ancestors the Gauls, the mysteries of our solar system or the story of the Wild Boy of Aveyron through fun and exciting sites.
The major family-oriented festivals and events in the Tarn include:
- the Albi Carnival in February.
- the "Spring and Chocolates" festival in Sorèze for Easter Sunday.
- the "Tarn from Farm to Farm" festival in April.
- the "Optimômes" festival in Mazamet in May.
- the "Cinéfeuilles" festival in Gaillac in June.
- the "Grand Fauconnier Medieval Festival" in Cordes-sur-Ciel in July.
- the Summer Festival in Vaour in August.
- various baking festivals in September.
Gastronomy
The Tarn is known for its terroir cuisine, local gastronomy and regional products that include: the delicatessen of Lacaune, the Pink Garlic of Lautrec, Gaillac wines…The Gaillac wine
Gaillac AOC
Gaillac AOC is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in South West France in the département of Tarn, just north of Toulouse.-History:...
, one of the great wines of Southwest of France, is a testimony of the rich and authentic culture of the Midi Toulousain. Gaillac winemakers still use today the specific grape varieties and methods this millenary vineyard if famous for.
The Pink Garlic
Garlic
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. Dating back over 6,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent...
of Lautrec
Lautrec
Lautrec is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.- Demography :-Remarkable sites:Lautrec is listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" as well as a "Remarkable Site for Taste" thanks to its renowned pink garlic...
comes in the form of a bulb with cloves (or bulblets) of a beautiful pink color. Its long period of dormancy gives it exceptional natural features of dry conservation.
Pork is a local specialty in Lacaune
Lacaune
Lacaune is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-References:*...
, where many sorts of delicatessen are produced: famous varieties of ham, sausages, and typical meats such as the melsat and the bougnettes...
Tourist Accommodations
The Tarn offers a wide range of institutions that can suit any kind of tourism and vacation plans: farmhouse inns, guest houses, bed and breakfast housing as well as campsites, hotels or Village Vacances…As of 2010 there were:
- 91 hotels
- 81 outdoor accommodation facilities (camping sites…)
- 17 villages and resorts
- Hundreds of furnished rentals
Tourism and Handicap
"Tourism and Handicap" is a national label created by the Ministère du Tourisme. The result of a close collaboration between user groups and tourism professionals, it certifies that the main resorts and tourist attractions are accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of their disability.Each site is subject to an inspection conducted by trained assessors for this purpose.
In the Tarn, about thirty providers are already accredited (accommodations, museums, etc).
Access
- By car :
- From Paris via the A6 - A10 - A20 - A62 - A68 motorways.
- From Bordeaux (through Montauban) via the A62 - A6 motorways.
- From Toulouse via the A68 motorway.
- From Nice (through Montpellier) via the A8 - A54 - A9 motorways and the N112 route.
- By train :
- Railway Stations in Albi, Castres, Mazamet, Gaillac, Cordes-Vindrac, Toulouse.
- Connections from Paris (Eurostar…).
- By plane :
- Castres-Mazamet Airport.
- Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (connections from the main european airports).