Les sites historiques a visiter dans le Tarn-et-Garonne
This small but varied departement is full of interest, from pretty villages to gorges and vineyards. Named after the mighty rivers which flow through it, the Tarn and Garonne, it’s a region with outstanding natural beauty – but it’s also home to a laid back lifestyle and great gastronomy.
If you love a good story, you will find plenty of them in this part of France. From the medieval castles of Lauzerte and Gramont to the 16th century Reine-Margot Castle at Saint-Projet, the history here is fascinating.
The best way to experience the history of this department is by taking a guided tour, or visiting the museums and chateaux by yourself. These are the only places you can see the incredible array of buildings and monuments which are so well-preserved.
Rather than simply driving around, you can take advantage of the incredibly easy public transport system to get you to most of the key sites. The main towns and villages are all served by buses or trains, but there are many smaller rural communities too that have a bus service running regularly.
Montauban is a popular base for people wanting to explore the area, with its pretty canal port and a vibrant street art scene. The city is also a great place to shop for local produce and artisan goods.
For those who prefer the outdoors, you can do plenty of walking and cycling in this part of France. The landscapes vary from rocky gorges to peaceful valleys, and there’s a lot of wildlife to be seen too.
The mountains are also worth exploring, particularly at the height of summer when they are adorned with wildflowers. The mountain range of Pic du Midi can be accessed from several villages and is a popular spot for hikers.
You can also enjoy a gastronomic break in the area, and many restaurants offer traditional local dishes. You might be surprised at the choice of wine produced in this region, especially from the vineyards of Chablis and Madiran.
It is also a popular destination for horse riders, and the scenery here is excellent for riding. The area is also known for its watersports, so you can try your hand at kayaking, rafting or fishing.
There is plenty to do and see in the Tarn-et-Garonne, so you can have a relaxing weekend or a week long holiday here. Its landscape is stunning and there are lots of attractions to keep you occupied, from castles and historic buildings to pretty medieval villages.
If you are looking for a holiday property in this department, the majority of buyers will want to stay in a village or town with amenities. It’s important to be able to walk or cycle to these, so you need to consider whether the property you’re considering has enough land to provide access to them.
You can also find property for sale in the Tarn-et-Garonne with a rural or country feel. The majority of these will have plenty of character and old stone houses, and often there will be a gite or cottage which is available for rent out.