Located between Toulouse and Montpellier, the Tarn is an often overlooked destination, yet one that's full of treasures to discover. Would you like to discover an authentic, unspoilt region, far from the beaten track? Welcome to the Tarn, a department in south-west France that has everything to seduce nature, history and gastronomy lovers. Between the Sidobre mountains, the Tarn gorges and the medieval bastides, the Tarn abounds in treasures that are a must-see . In this article, we've selected the 15 must-sees in the Tarn for an unforgettable stay!
1. Albi
Founded in antiquity, Albi is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Occitanie. It stands proudly amidst sumptuous natural surroundings, its red brick facades silhouetted against the horizon. One of Albi's jewels is Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a masterpiece of Southern Gothic art, which dominates the city with its imposing silhouette. Nearby, the Palais de la Berbie, a former episcopal palace, now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum and its sumptuous formal gardens. The collegiate church of Saint-Salvi , with its Romanesque cloister, is another testimony to the city's religious history. Albi also boasts a museum dedicated to the explorer Lapérouse, with a collection of objects and documents relating to his voyages. Finally, to take full advantage of Albi's gentle way of life, there's nothing like strolling through the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Square Lapérouse, the Jardin National, the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie or the Parc Rochegude.
2. The rocks of Sidobre
In the heart of the Haut-Languedoc regional nature park, the Sidobre rocks are a geographer's paradise. This rocky territory north of Castres is a geological anomaly unique in Europe . Legend has it that the gods threw these rocks in a night of fury... To discover the Sidobre, you need to let your child's imagination run wild and let yourself be lulled by the stories and legends of this landscape of rock and water. Faced with these enormous rocks that seem to defy the laws of gravity, young and old alike can't help but wonder. What secrets lie behind the Peyro Clabado (the nailed stone)? Weighing in at 800 tonnes, it miraculously balances on a smaller rock and covers an area of barely one square metre.
3. Cordes-sur-Ciel, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tarn
Situated on a green hillside, Cordes-sur-Ciel immediately seduces visitors with its maze of cobbled streets, Gothic houses, vaulted passageways and fortified gates. Cordes-sur-Ciel deserves its place in our ranking of the most beautiful villages in the South of France, and also of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. As you stroll through the streets, you'll find a number of vantage points offering exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Of course, the town's main monuments are not to be missed, such as the church of Saint-Michel, the medieval market hall and the Maison du Grand Veneur. The Charles Portal museum provides a better understanding of the town's history, and the Jardin des Paradis is the perfect place to enjoy a green, flower-filled setting with an old washhouse and fountain.
4. The Gaillac vineyards
The Gaillac vineyards are a wine tourism destination not to be missed for a holiday rich in discoveries. With its well-preserved heritage, themed cultural sites and numerous wine cellars, you'll soon be immersed in the world of vines and wine. Stroll through this environment, respectful of identities and know-how, to discover what makes this age-old land so rich. Today, Gaillac wines are ranked among the great wines of France.
If you can, the Fête des Vins (in August) takes place in the Parc de Foucaud, offering tastings and discussions with the winemakers. The second event is the release of Gaillac Primeur, on the third Thursday in November. Wine enthusiasts flock from all over France to celebrate the first wine of the year. Numerous events are organized to mark the occasion.
5. Castres
Nicknamed the little Venice of the South, Castres has had a rich and eventful history, becoming a county of Toulouse and a bishopric before being devastated by the Wars of Religion. However, it was the textile industry that restored the city's prosperity in the 17th century. The old wooden houses with their colorful galleries lining the river Agout bear witness to a time when clothmakers, dyers and tanners used the river's waters for their work. Castres is also famous for its museum dedicated to the sculptor and painter Francisco Goya, its theater and its architectural, historical and natural treasures. Saint-Benoît Cathedral, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, has been a listed historic monument since 1953.
6. Brassac
In Brassac, time seems to have stood still, as the walls of its buildings and the alleyways of its town center still preserve the imprints and scars of its past. The history of this town in the Monts de Lacaune region dates back to the 4th millennium BC. Legend has it that a Gallic chieftain named Baccius gave his name to the town. However, it is known with certainty that the Saracens, defeated by Charles Martel, found refuge here. Today, Brassac is a village of character, revealing its architectural treasures for all to see , and hinting at many secrets that the river's crystalline laughter strives to drown out.
7. Penne
Known as the Citadelle of Vertigo, Penne stands proudly above the Aveyron Gorges, like a silent sentinel. The remains of its castle resemble an immense ship's prow, cutting an ochre silhouette against the sky and appearing to be an integral part of the bedrock. The village is made up of narrow, winding lanes, where the strange sculptures emerging from the stone lend a special atmosphere. Although the castle is a must-see, take time to admire the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Here, nature lovers will find starting points for hikes in the heart of the Tarn countryside.
Discover our article "Where to go hiking? The best destinations".
8. Lautrec
Lautrec is famous for being the birthplace of the famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, but also for its cultivation of pink garlic. Lautrec has known great periods of turmoil, notably during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. Today, only three gates of the fortified enclosure remain, bearing witness to the town's many changes. Lautrec is now a thriving agricultural center, offering a peaceful stopover in the heart of the Pays de Cocagne. Visitors come here to recharge their batteries in an unspoilt natural setting. You can also venture into the rich environment of a village with a thousand years of history, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages and Sites Remarquables du Goût.
9. Castelneau de Montmiral, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tarn
Castelneau de Montmiral was built around 1222 and originally had six gates in the ramparts, but only three remain today. The 13th-century château was destroyed during the French Revolution. However, a stroll inside the walls is a delightful experience, particularly on the picturesque Place de la Mairie, lined with houses with varied facades in ashlar, half-timbered and brick, supported by stone or wooden roofs. The town hall and Maison Bozat date back to the 17th century. The church, which has been extensively remodeled, dates mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries. All around, the little streets are lively and the village is truly charming and welcoming.
10. Jardins des Martels
Located in Giroussens, this 35,000 m2 floral park is home to 2,500 varieties of plants from all five continents. Marie-Thérèse and André Reynier moved to the village in 1969, and their passion for flowers changed their destiny and that of the site. Their son Frédéric continued the floral adventure and opened the gardens to the public in 1994, to great success. Today, the park is ranked as one of the most beautiful in France , and offers gardens, an exotic aquatic greenhouse, a belvedere, a banana plantation, a mini-farm, ponds and gazebos for a pleasant stroll throughout the season.
11. The Montagne Noire, a must-see in the Tarn region
Located in Mazamet, Montagne Noire watches over the Pyrenees while stretching out towards Toulouse and the rich Lauragais plain. Legend has it that it was born of a sword stroke by the fairy Nore, who came to the aid of her friends the gnomes Taur, Bug and Arach, to build a stone rampart against the northern winds. The Nore peak, at 1,214 metres, is the highest point. Don't miss the medieval village of Hautpoul, the Berniquaut oppidum or the Roman forges of Les Martys. Towns such as Durfort, Dourgne and its monasteries, Sorèze and its abbey school, and Labruguière, home of Arthur Batut, are all worth a visit. Close to the sea, the Montagne Noire offers natural spaces, farm producers and an attractive heritage, perpetuating artisanal traditions.
Discover our article on the 15 most beautiful Cathar castles to visit in Occitanie.
12. La Passerelle de Mazamet
Suspended 70 meters above the Arnette Gorge, the 140-meter footbridge offers breathtaking views ! Inaugurated in 2018, this footbridge, the only one of its kind in Occitanie, is the result of many months of effort and the former industrial town's desire to turn to green tourism. This new viewpoint promises thrills and an exceptional panorama for a country vacation rich in memories. There are two ways to get there : the Cormouls-Houlès gardens (30-minute walk) and the Jamarié path (15 minutes). On sunny days, take advantage of this magnificent footbridge to climb up to the village of Hautpoul.
13. Dourgnes, a must-see in the Tarn region
Nestling at the foot of the Montagne Noire, the charming village of Dourgne has a rich history dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Its abbeys, En-Calcat and Sainte-Scholastique, bear witness to the importance of this Protestant stronghold over the centuries. The village's architectural treasures, such as the old 17th-century arcaded houses, the Castelas ruins and the Saint-Stapin chapel, are also well worth a visit. Take time to explore the surrounding countryside, including the Bade rock with its statue of Saint Stapin, patron saint of the commune, the Baylou valley and the Moniès oratory.
14. Sorèze Abbey School
Founded in 754 by Pepin the Short, Sorèze Abbey became one of France's twelve royal military schools under Louis XVI. Today, the Sorèze Abbey School is a must-see in the Tarn region . It retraces the lives of students from the age of 6 upwards, at a time when they were taught to read, write, calculate and respect others. The abbey also houses the magnificent museum dedicated to Dom Robert, monk of En Calcat and tapestry-maker of genius. His poetic and colorful tapestries, magnificently displayed, enchanted and amazed us. In July, the "Musiques des Lumières" festival welcomes the finest baroque orchestras.
15. The Ambialet peninsula
Between Albi and the Gorges du Tarn, the village of Ambialet offers an unusual landscape and a pleasant surprise. Situated on a unique site, reputed to be the narrowest isthmus in Europe, the valley forms a 3 km loop that creates an impressive rocky peninsula. Over the centuries, this strategic location has attracted many powerful men, whose influence can still be seen in the remains of the fortress, priory and chapel. A visit to the heights of the priory reveals a splendid panorama of Ambialet's beauty.
What unusual places to visit in the Tarn?
The Tarn is full of unusual places to discover. Here are just a few:
- Le jardin des Martels in Giroussens: this 3.5-hectare botanical garden is a veritable oasis of greenery, with waterfalls, ponds, tropical greenhouses and exotic animals.
- The Musée du Scaphandre in Espalion: this unique museum traces the history of scuba diving, with an impressive collection of diving suits, masks and wetsuits.
- The troglodyte village of Penne: built on a rocky spur, this medieval village is home to houses and caves carved into the cliff, as well as a ruined fortified castle.
- The Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot in Sochaux: dedicated to the history of the Peugeot car brand, this museum displays classic cars, prototypes and mythical models, as well as advertising objects and archives.
Family activities in the Tarn
The Tarn is an ideal destination for family vacations. Here are just a few of the things you can do together:
- Discover medieval villages: the Tarn is renowned for its picturesque villages, such as Cordes-sur-Ciel, Castelnau-de-Montmiral and Puycelsi. Children will love strolling through the cobbled streets and admiring the half-timbered houses.
- Visit castles: the Tarn is home to many castles, including the Château de Penne, the Château-Musée du Cayla and the Château de Mauriac. Children can imagine themselves as knights or princesses and learn more about the region's history.
- Outdoorsports: the Tarn offers many possibilities for sports enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and climbing. Children can let off steam and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Swimming in lakes and rivers: the Tarn is criss-crossed by numerous rivers, such as the Tarn, Aveyron and Dadou. Children can swim, pedal-boat, canoe and enjoy the beaches.
What to do in the Tarn when it rains?
Although the Tarn is renowned for its sunny climate, it can sometimes rain during your stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in the Tarn when it rains:
- Visit museums: the Tarn is home to a number of fascinating museums, including the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi, the Mining Museum in Carmaux and the Textile Museum in Labastide-Rouairoux. Museums are ideal places to learn and be entertained when it's raining.
- Discover caves and chasms: the Tarn is a region rich in caves and chasms, such as the grotte du Bosc, the gouffre de Cabrespine or the grotte de la Devèze. These natural sites are fascinating places to discover, rain or shine.
- Relax in wellness centers: the Tarn is a region renowned for its hot springs and wellness centers, such as the thermal baths at Lacaune or the balneotherapy center at Réquista. Take advantage of the rain to treat yourself to a moment of relaxation.
Did you enjoy our article? Discover also The 15 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees and What to do on the Canal du Midi? Top 15 places to visit.
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
