Situated in the Midi-Pyrenees region of south-west France, the department of Tarn offers a wide variety of natural scenery, from the Black Mountain in the south, to the rolling farmland of the north. Dotted around these natural attractions are a huge number of intriguing and picturesque towns and villages, many with their own unusual architectural or historical angle. In the far north of Tarn in particular, there are several fortified villages, each offering impressive views over the French countryside and each with an interesting story to tell.
The region’s main town of Albi is known as the “red city” because of the many red brick buildings that make up the historic centre. Even the cathedral, Sainte-Cecile, is unusually built of brick rather than stone. The building is well worth a visit as its interior boasts some fine examples of religious art, including large frescoes. Art of a very different kind can be found in the Berbie Palace next door to the cathedral, where tourists can visit a museum dedicated to the life and works of Toulose-Lautrec, who was born in the town.
There are several interesting fortified towns and villages in the countryside surrounding Albi, and if you have access to a vehicle you can take a day trip to enjoy some of them. Highlights include Lisle-sur-Tarn with its timber-framed houses and a huge arcaded square. Cordes-sur-Ciel not only offers fantastic views over the Tarn region, but features some of the best preserved examples of Gothic architecture in the area. The narrow streets are a real treat for shoppers, as they are filled with craft stores and local produce. If you are lucky enough to be in the area during July, there is a falconry festival which takes place in the town every year.
Further south is the pretty town of Castres, with its painted houses lining the River Agout. The best view of these unusual buildings is from the river, and you can take a trip on a traditional wooden boat in the summer months. Alternatively, you can appreciate painting of a different kind in the town’s Goya museum, dedicated to the works of the Spanish painter.
Within a short drive of Castres is the unusual natural site of Sidobre, where the granite boulders have been shaped by the elements over millions of years. Some have even developed into recognisable objects, and have been given names like “goose rock”! Further south, the landscape becomes wilder and steeper as you head into the foothills of the Pyrenees. On the edge of the Tarn region is the Black Mountain, the name given to a range of hills which offer unspoilt countryside, pleasant hiking trails and spectacular views over the surrounding higher peaks.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Tarn? Then below is a selection of gites in Tarn and villas in Tarn that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
