Travel guide Tarn

Marked by the department's eventful history, the architecture of the Tarn region is influenced by various trends. They can be seen in the picturesque streets, in the features of its clay buildings, its fortress churches and its Gothic monuments, the most representative of which is the Sainte-Cécile cathedral in Albi.

The men and women of the Tarn have used their talent and their land to ensure the economic health and reputation of the department. If the department has historically been marked by textile and leather work, it is now used as a workshop by many potters, glass blowers, ironworkers, textile and jewellery designers..

Canoeing is one of the easiest outdoor activities to practice. In addition to being fun, the leisure activity allows you to venture into large natural areas without disturbing their inhabitants. After a few minutes of paddling, you will surely see some of them. Take the time to take a swim break to refresh yourself!

At the gates of the Haut Languedoc National Park, particularly at the level of the Banquet gorges, several organisations offer canyoning trips to thrill-seekers. Fun, this course consists of swimming, jumping, sliding on natural slides, abseiling, climbing walls ... There is something for all levels!

Take the height! Thanks to its numerous reliefs, the Tarn is a formidable terrain for climbing enthusiasts. They can discover and progress in the heart of sensational landscapes such as the Banquet gorges, the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park and the Montagne Noire. On the programme: climbing, via ferrata, cliff courses...

In the land of good food, the plates are adorned with very fragrant local products such as pink garlic from Lautrec, saffron or Lacaune charcuterie. It is also a region where lovers of biscuits and desserts are spoilt for choice: croquants de Cordes, gimblettes, curbelets... Don't leave the department empty-handed!

The Tarn is characterized by many reliefs, which explains the attraction of sportsmen for the department. With the Montagne Noire, near Mazamet, and the relief of the Haut Languedoc National Park, at the gateway to the Hérault, the destination is ideal for climbing, hiking, canyoning and many other activities.

Spared by the ages, the department is an open-air museum. Through its heritage, it tells the story of the epic events that have shaped its history. To learn more about these subjects or to discover the artists who have been inspired by the area, several areas are accessible: Musée-mine, Musée du Catharisme, Musée Goya, Musée Toulouse-Lautrec...

The Tarn is studded with lakes and rivers that are a joy for anglers of all levels. Numerous, the spots can be arranged or wild. They shelter an incredible variety of fish: trout, catfish, pike, pike-perch... Among the best spots, we can mention the Agoût, the Tarn, the Cérou, the Thoré and the lake of Saint-Peyres.

The department is criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They are varied and lead to the heart of the mountains, to the plains, near rivers, around lakes and through picturesque villages. Present in the four corners of the Tarn, each of these paths will reveal a new facet of the territory.

In the Tarn, tradition is celebrated and eaten up! Take a look at the department's calendar, which gives pride of place to village festivals, parades and traditional celebrations. In terms of activities, you may have the pleasure of watching a game of 9-pin bowling or tambornet (or tambourine), emblematic games of the region.

"I will drink wine when the cows are grazing on grapes" said the Tarn painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with humour. A remark that perfectly symbolizes the importance of the vine for the locals! Celebrated for more than a thousand years, it still contributes to the reputation of the department, particularly in the Gaillac vineyards.