The Region

The General Area: Midi-Pyrenees / Tarn Region

The Tarn is situated in the foothills of The Pyrenees (region Occitanie) and is known as the land of milk and honey due to its verdant terrain. Characterised by rolling hills, working farms and medieval market towns, this is still “The Real France” and in recent years has gained a reputation as The Tuscany of France!  It’s geography and climate is defined on three sides by The Black Mountains (near) , The Auvergne Mountains ( about 90 minutes) and The Pyrenees (two hours).

The area has a rich Cathar essence much in evidence everywhere. It boasts an impressive and detailed architecture, with many grand properties built on the wealth of the much coveted blue dye of the pastel plant. To acquire an insight into the history of this Cathar region while reading an enjoyable (if far-fetched) tale, read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse.

But you are not just in the countryside.  Nearby Toulouse is a vibrant city of rose coloured brick and is known as the Paris of the south. It has a vibrant nightlife and masses of shops, fine restaurants and museums, not to mention a fabulous orchestra! Add to that many other towns such as Albi with its comprehensive and gorgeous Toulouse Lautrec museum, and you know culture is never far away.

The beautiful Canal du Midi runs from Toulouse through Castelnaudry, Carcassonne and all the way to Sète. It is possible to rent bikes all over from two hours to the length of your stay.  Why not  go on one of the lovely bike routes in the areas well as along the canal. The routs range from very easy to more demanding.  In addition there are numerous walking trails that are being updated and expanded all the time –  details from any tourist office.

During the warmer months there are many festivals, free concerts and fairs throughout the region, the dates of which change annually. It is best to pick up the free brochures for current dates at the tourist office in each town you visit (different towns cover different areas).

There are numerous sports centres in the various mountains for canoeing, kyaking and so forth. Quad biking is also popular. The multi-leisure Cap’Découverte is under one hour from the house in Albi.

Climate

The weather is generally sunny and Mediterranean from May to August (average 28C) peaking in July in the mid 30’s. September and October are usually lovely (average 23C) and the light is beautiful for sightseeing. It can be cold in the winter, but also very warm. Several years we had white Christmases and sometimes we coulde sunbath on New Year’s day!

The Immediate Vicinity: Lavaur / Teyssode / St Germier area

Our farmhouse is a ten minutes drive from the town of Lavaur which benefits from two cathedrals, several supermarkets including bio ones, a hospital, numerous restaurants and all modern day facilities.  It has a wonderful Saturday morning market. Other particularly noteworthy Saturday markets are in Revel and Castres, but in addition there is always a market somewhere six days a week.

The views from the house are outstanding in all directions. If the conditions are right in the winter you might even catch a view of the snow capped Pyrenees. Viterbe is 3km away and boasts an acclaimed gourmet restaurant Les Marronniers.  Opposite the restaurant is an excellent traditional bakery. There is also a beautiful golf course with pool and restaurant (great at lunchtime!)  next to Viterbe called Golf de Fiac

Summary

If you love beautiful nature, the real un-touristy France, with a bit of culture thrown in, then come here!