8 villages on a rock in the Tarn

Their heads in the clouds, the hilltop villages of the Tarn ! Do you like heritage getaways that are worth visiting? The spectacular views , the old stones that tell Stories? Follow us for a tour of the perched villages of the Tarn ! Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Ahhhhhhhh Cordes-sur-Ciel! Since 2014, it has emerged from the shadows by winning the program of the Favorite Village of the French. But lovers of the Tarn have known for a long time that it is a pearl, an unusual and unavoidable medieval city posed as if by magic on a hillock. Built in the 13th century, it turned out to be economical with two activities: weaving and leather. From this period, grandiose ornaments remain on the houses. Cordes-sur-Ciel, it's 320m above sea level, it climbs and that's also what we like, it deserves! Arrived at the top, you admire the Cérou river and each lane is an enchantment.

What to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel?

• Flaunt your indulgence at the Sugar and Chocolate Museum
• Taste a Crunchy, a local cookie specialty
• Indulge your curiosity at the Historama Museum to learn all about the city
• Spend at least 1 night (and even more) on site and get up at dawn, climb up the village and enjoy the spectacle of Mother Nature
• Stroll and daydream at the Gardens of Paradise

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• To eat, follow the advice of the Tarn Aveyron Guide, taste the good cuisine of the Jardin des Saveurs
  

  

Penne

Nothing to do with pasta! In the land of Vaour, Penne is a fortress which soars towards the sky. At the very top, the vestiges of the Château de Penne, where by listening, you can hear past echoes of history. Discover the charming village, the whole visit is punctuated by an interpretation route, to learn more and understand the past of Penne. Do you know the Terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible of Penne (yes, with 19 R): Alexandre Viguier? A sacred character who had at heart to apply his values. Originally from the city, he went to Paris in the 19th century to defend the victims of abuse and injustice. After many adventures and an aborted attempt in politics (in front of Jean Jaurès, no luck!) He was sent home and ended his life in Penne. Don't miss the Chateau de Bruniquel, in another hilltop village of Tarn-et-Garonne this time, just a 15-minute drive away.

  

Puycelsi

Puycelsi is one of the most beautiful villages in France! Admire its ramparts, its defense tower which protect this complex from the 10th century, directly above the Vère river. We also like the Grésigne forest for pretty hikes, not far away. Also visit the Conservatory of Fruit Species and Ancient Vines.

Castelnau-de-Monmiral

The bastide of Castelnau-de-Monmiral ("the mountain from which we see") is nested in height and dominates the vineyards of Gaillac, go see the orientation table at the top! Stroll around Place des Arcades to see a beautifully renovated example of bastides, these new towns of the Middle Ages. Lake, river and forest, it has everything to please!

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Giroussens

It has always been a village of potters. Visit the Giroussens Ceramic Center to learn more about this ancestral know-how. Lose yourself in the Jardin des Martels, a sumptuous floral park which is host to many activities on 35000m2 of greenery.

• -> A good evening in perspective at Cabaret Stiletto, just a few minutes from Giroussens ... An original and fun idea!
  

  

Lautrec

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it is the city of origin of the ancestors of the famous facetious painter. It overlooks the Agout river and its architectural and historical heritage is worth a detour ... Pass the Porte de la Caussade and climb the small medieval alleys, to be rewarded with a magnificent panorama, at Calvaire de la Salette at 328m above sea level. The village specialty is fragrant pink garlic, don't forget to bring it back if it's the season! Also visit the Atelier du Sabotier and the Archaeological Museum.

• It's teatime ! go to La Ferme au Village , a tea room, coffee shop and producers' store.
• The Guide du Tarn Aveyron recommends the table at ô Terrasses Brasserie : bar, terrace and restaurant, it's your way!
  

Puylaurens

If we see "Puy" in the name of a locality, it is generally because it is built on a hill or a hill and Puylaurens is no exception to this rule. The old castle of the village is now a hotel restaurant, but it was he who was the start of the construction of the village in 1258. Take a walk in the city and around with the discovery circuit: "Castles and of Puylaurentais churches "

• To accommodate you, we recommend Les Balcons du Pastel guest rooms.
  

Hautpoul

Medieval village, it rises over 300m and is not open to traffic. This makes it an ideal place for family walks. Hautpoul is near the town of Mazamet, over which it watches over… Formerly an inhabited village and the scene of many conflicts through the ages, it was deserted in favor of the town below and now enjoys a new reputation thanks to tourism and the artisans who set up their workshop there. No need to tell you that we admire a magnificent panorama ?!

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Out of classification:

Dourgne

Dorgne is not a hilltop village, but a small chapel placed like a cherry on a cake, at the top of a mountain, is one of the top panoramas in the Tarn. The Chapel of Saint-Férréol or Chapelle la capelette.

Lacaune les Bains

The same goes for Lacaune, a very pleasant village to discover, not perched at all but which offers climbers a wonderful hike to the Roc de Montalet (1259m anyway) in the Lacaune Mountains.

Ambialet

It is not quite perched, but it is still posted above the river, on a very surprising peninsula above the Tarn. Many steep hikes allow you to enjoy a fantastic panorama of the surroundings.

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