| Situated
in the Midi Pyrenees, South West France, the Tarn region combines
all the ingredients necessary for an authentic French holiday.
Surrounded by lakes, mountains and forests, and within reach
of historic cities such as Albi,
birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec, Cordes,
a fortified hilltop town, Castres,
home to a wonderful collection of Goya's paintings, and Toulouse,
the Tarn offers everything.
Albi,
the capital of the department of the Tarn, is a city
of history and culture. It stands on the banks of the
magnificent Tarn river and St Cecile, the impressive
12th century cathedral, dominates the skyline. Reputedly
built to impose the catholic faith on the Cathars the
cathedral certainly does impose itself on your memory
and the interior is absolutely stunning. Very close
to the cathedral is the Toulouse Lautrec museum which
contains over 1000 pieces of the great man's work. Incidentally
the nearby Toulouse Lautrec restaurant is very, very
good - if a little expensive. Elegant shops, cafes and
restaurants ensure a very good day out. |
Cordes
is a wonderful Bastide town. It has become a centre
for artists and has many chic shops and studios. It
does however become crowded at the height of the season
but it must be seen so you'll just have to put up with
the crowds. There are lots of cafes and restaurants
so at least you wont go hungry! |
Castres
is the commercial centre of the department. It has many
good shops and restaurants (including our favourite
fish restaurant, The Pescado) and has the Goya Museum
- which is a must for all of you with even the smallest
trace of culture. |
Toulouse
is a wonderful city. One day might not be enough so
it is just as well that we are only 45 minutes from
Toulouse city centre. There are Museums, two cathedrals,
art galleries, a daily market (you won't believe some
of the food you can buy), restaurants, cafes and chic
shops to relieve you of any spare cash you might have
left. |
And
this region offers much more than history and culture. We
are surrounded by the most wonderful countryside. The views
are stunning and on a clear day you can see the magnificent
Pyrenees.
Only
a few kilometres away in Lautrec, another pretty Bastide town,
there is a waterpark - a good day out for all children. Please
note that their regulations insist that close fitting swimming
trunks are worn, not baggy shorts.
And there's an abundance of wildlife! Wild boar and deer can
be found close by and the birds we have seen in Le Jardin
du Cure over the last year include:- Buzzard, Red Kite,
Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier, Kingfisher, Long tailed
tit, Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Blackcap, Redstart, Pied Wagtail,
Grey Wagtail and one morning we had six Golden Orioles in
the one Plane tree. Not to mention all the more common birds.
Add to this over 40 species of butterflies and a plethora
of wild plants including quite rare wild orchids.
All in all this is a truly fabulous part of France. We know
you will enjoy the area - and we will do our utmost to ensure
that we play our part in making your holiday a complete success.
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