• Historic Villages & Valleys of the Tarn

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

• From £820 (single supplement £300)
• From €910 (single supplement €335)
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

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

• Wonderful guest house 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
• The Tarn and Aveyron is a haven for a variety of wildlife

• "Walking with beautiful scenery & medieval villages. Lovely accommodation and owners." J & T Fawle, UK
• "The colours of the forest and vineyards in Autumn (October) is brilliant." G. Davies, USA More testimonials from walking holidays in the Tarn

• You’ll stay in two beautiful guest houses conveniently located for your walks. Chambre d'hote style in historic properties offering an authentic and very comfortable stay. The welcome is warm and generous and the local cuisine and wine is first rate.

1. 7 night's accommodation FULL BOARD (except two evening meals), detailed walking notes and maps,

1. Travel to Tarn, France, lunches on the day of arrival and departure, plus two evening meals, journey to walks, any entrance fees or excursions

1. See also our Tour of Tarn's Medieval Bastides
2. Return to home page

The walks

The days on this self-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 according to your interests. Paths are generally good, although they can be rough and stony in places. A number of transfers to the start of walks are included in the holiday price. You require your own transport to access most of the walks. It would be possible to do the holiday without a car but the choice of walks would be limited.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome at your guest house in the Tarn.

Cordes sur Ciel

Explore the beautiful bastides of Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered to be the finest fortified town in France. Climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved and was voted as France's favourite village in 2014. Then start your circular which explores the limestone plateaux to the south of the bastide with great views of Cordes. 16km, +350m

Puycelsi & the forest of Gresigne

Your 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. 19km, 350m climb

The hills of Gaillac

A circular tour from your guest house which explores the picturesque plateaux and hills of the Gaillac region passing through a mixed landscape of fields, vines and forest. You'll also visit the chapelle de Gradille. Return via the wonderful historic hill-top village of Castelnau de Montmiral. 14 - 24km.

Vines & Chateaux

This is a circular tour from Cahuzac and follows a local trail through the vineyards and sunflower fields on the undulating hills and ridges of the Gaillac region. You'll pass through a number of small hamlets as well as the chateau at Mauriac which you have the chance to visit.17km, +460m

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`. This walk is best done on Sunday so that you can visit the Sunday market before walking up the escarpment and exploring the most beautiful part of Aveyron gorge.  12kms,  300m climb

Bruniquel & Penne

A circular trail which climbs to reach the pretty ridge-top village of Penne with its ruined castle. Afterwards you follow the gorge to reach your next bastide – Bruniquel. Like many of the villages you’ll explore, this is also classed as one of the prettiest villages in France. Explore its steep streets lined with historic dwellings. Return by a different trail. 22km, +370m Shorter options of this walk are possible.

Najac to Laguepie

Take the train north to Najac from Gaillac or Lagueoie. Climb to its wonderful historic centre which is spread out along the top of a ridge, topped by its castle. Afterwards, follow a section of St James’ Way over hills and then along the Aveyron valley to reach Laguepie.  15kms +320m

Albi

Rest day for those who want one 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.

Tour from Penne

A delightful trail circular which heads from the historic bastide of Penne out through pasture and a tiny Kinghts Templar village with its historic church before climbing onto the edge of the plateau that surrounds the village. Great views towards Penne and of the surrounding hills. Afterwards descend and follow the valley before climbing back into Penne. 12km, +350m

Departure

Walking holiday ends after breakfast.

Contact us about this self-guided walking holiday