• Historic Villages & Valleys of the Tarn

• Starts everyday of week (subject to availability) during April, May, June, September, October

• Please contact us for a quote for your group

• 8 days: 6 days single centre-based, guided walking at low altitude. Average: length 4-6 hrs, altitude gain 350m. 

• Wonderful historic guest houses in quiet rural location in South West France. Great food and wine
• Selection of spectacular and varied walks through beautifully varied countryside in the Tarn and Aveyron, including hidden gorges, sweeping plateaux and vine covered valleys
• Stunning medieval hilltop towns such as Cordes sur Ciel, plus a host of historic and cultural delights
• Enjoy the special sights and sounds that go with the grape picking season
• The Tarn and Aveyron is a haven for a variety of wildlife

• "Many thanks for a great holiday. The walks were certainly varied and challenging in the heat (not your fault). The accommodation was good and the food magnificent. Good luck for the rest of the year." A. Purvis et al, UK
• "We certainly all had a brilliant time thanks to the magnificent efforts you made for us...The experiences you set up over and above the pleasure of the walks were beyond all expectations and I should like to reiterate my sincere thanks to you for everything." B. Wombwell, UK see more testimonials from the Tarn

• You’ll stay in 2 beautiful guest houses conveniently located for your walks. They are 3 star equivalent, in historic properties offering an authentic and very comfortable stay in B&B style guest houses. The welcome is warm and generous and the local cuisine and wine is first rate.

1. Pick up and all transport for the week, guided walks, 7 night's accommodation full board except one lunch and one evening meal, breakfast, packed or picnic lunches on walk days, dinner with wine

1. Travel between the UK and France, lunches on the day of arrival and departure, lunch on rest day and one evening meal. Entrance fees, travel insurance

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The walks

The days on this guided walking holiday are mixed, allowing walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes and see the beautiful array of wildlife and flowers. Some moderate ascents up and down gorges and hills amounting to about 350m. Most walks are well within the grade. The walks can be varied to the fitness of the group. Paths are generally good, although they can be rough in places.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome, pick-up from airport and drive to first guest house

Day 2: St Antonin Noble Val

Visit St Antonin Noble Val nestled at the opening of the Aveyron Gorge, this beautiful medieval town was the backdrop to the film ‘Charlotte Gray.` We take time to visit the Sunday market before walking up the  escarpment and following a path across the Causse or limestone plateau.  12kms  300m climb

Day 3: The old drovers path

Walk from Le Claouzet to Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered the finest fortified town in France.  We follow an old Drovers path above the Cerou Valley, and then climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved.  14km 360m climb

Days 4: The forest of Gresigne

Our walk today starts from Puycelsi, a hilltop town which has maintained a strategic highpoint from prehistoric times, there are both bronze age and Roman remains in the area. The walk drops into the forest of Gresigne which is the largest forest in the Tarn and the greatest oak forest in the South of France. Our walk passes through a conservation orchard, a Roman road and the hunting forests of King François I. 16km 350m climb

Day 5: Albi

Rest day and a chance to visit the beautiful city of Albi on the banks of the river Tarn. The city is home to Saint Cecile Cathedral, the largest brick built building in the world. There is also the chance to visit the Toulouse Lautrec museum which houses over 1000 of his works or just stroll by the river and relax in one of the numerous cafés and bars.

Day 6: Vineyards, sunflowers & Chateaux

A lovely walk from the pretty village of Cahuzac sur Vere taking in the Gaillac vines, wonderful sunflower fields and historic chateaux such as Mauriac. 17kms +370m

Day 7: The Monks route

We follow the ancient Route of the Monks, across the chalky plateau, home to much of the Gaillac wine region, as this is the time of the vendage or grape harvest there should be plenty of activity in the area and there will be the chance to visit one of the local domaines to sample the local produce!  16kms 120m climb

Day 8:  Departure

Drive to airport and transfer home. If time allows we stop off in Cordes market giving you the chance to pick up a few delicacies to take home with you.

Contact us about this guided walking holiday