in gorgeous Gascony (nearly)
Sightseeing & Tourism
So much to see and do! Notch up the culture points, simply have fun, pootle and wander, go on an adventure or voyage of discovery. There are cities, historical monuments, museums, castles aplenty, pretty villages, annual celebrations of garlic and chestnuts, rugby matches, vineyards, family days out...
Toulouse
Toulouse, France's 4th largest city, centre of Europe's aerospace industry, contains ancient wonders, modern marvels and superb eating. Wander around the narrow streets of the old city, discover Place du Capitole, basilica of St Sernin, the Cité de l'espace, the Airbus factory with the A380 tour, and much more.
Festivals
The region offers a great diversity in festivals and events. To pick out just a few : the Gaillac Wine Festival and the Pink Garlic festival in Lautrec both in August. In July, the Pause Guitare in Albi, the Musique sur Ciel festival in Cordes sur Ciel and the Couleurs du Monde in Castres.
Carcassonne
The Cité de Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored medieaval fortress, and the second most visited tourist spot in France. The fairytale collection of drawbridges, towers and cobbled streets is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The town of Carcassonne itself is also worth a visit, as is the pretty village of Caunes-Minervois.
Cathar Castles
Follow the Cathar Trail to mountain top chateaux, medieval villages and abbeys, or visit mysterious Rennes le Chateau, which inspired the books ‘Holy Blood Holy Grail’ and ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
Albi & Castres
Albi was built up around the late 13th century Sainte Cécile cathedral, which dominates the town. Other sites include the millenium old Pont Vieux and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum.
Visit Castres for its houses on the Agoût River, the Goya Museum and Jean Jaures Museum.
Cordes sur Ciel & Gaillac
Cordes sur Ciel became a 'bastide' or fortified town in 1222. It is a popular tourist destination, not least for its Museum of the Art of Sugar and Chocolate.
Nearby Gaillac is famous as a wine producing area.
Beaches
The Mediterranean coast is just under a 2 hour drive from the cottage. There are some excellent sandy beaches, such as La Franqui and Leucate.
Other Stuff
Family days out at Cap’Decouverte, Adventure Park or Cri de Tarzan. Canoe down the Gorges de Tarn. See the countryside from the Tarn Light Railway. Etcetera!