Activities

Activities near the chateau

You can go hiking as we have lovely hiking trails in the area and places of historical interest as well as stunning views along the way. Hiking or cycling and lovely picnic spots….You can also go horse trekking, go round the Razisse lake, go sailing on a ‘gabarre’ along the river Tarn to discover Albi from a different point of view. We’ll be only too pleased to give you all the information you require !

We also have 18 holes golf courses, the nearest in Albi (Château de Lasbordes) which has a solid reputation in the region.

• Leisure centres : La Bancalié (10 minutes’ drive), Lautrec (15 minutes’ drive)
• Horse riding centre : 5 kms
• Golf course and tennis courts (15 minutes’ drive)

Tourism

photo credit © Gregory Cassiau

We advise a visit to the medieval villages of Cordes-sur-Ciel and Lautrec.

The traditional morning markets in the beautiful villages will enable you to appreciate the French way of life, taste and smell the local produce and specialties. Do not miss the market in Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel or Rabastens on Saturday mornings, in Gaillac on Friday mornings or Tuesday evenings, in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val on Sundays or Réalmont on Wednesday mornings.

• Typical market in Réalmont
• Medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, one of the most beautiful villages of our Heritage

Not to be missed

You MUST visit the city of Albi, its UNESCO World Heritage episcopal city : the lofty fortified brick cathedral, the bishop’s Palais de la Berbie housing the Toulouse Lautrec museum , the St Salvi church and cloister, surrounded by timber-framed medieval houses. You can also admire the elegant private XVI^th century mansions of the pastel manufacturers.

In July the Grand Fauconnier medieval parade and a classical music festival are held in Cordes-sur-Ciel.

You can spend a day or indeed a few days wandering about the medieval fortified towns called ‘Bastides’ such as Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Puycelsi, Penne or Lautrec close to or amidst the Gaillac vineyards.

• UNESCO World Heritage Episcopal city of Albi
• L’Abbaye-école de Sorèze
• The Goya museum in Castres.

Farther away

photo credit © Gregory Cassiau

The TARN is central in “Occitanie” so you have easy access to many main touristic sites  for a day trip :

Cahors, the “Champollion” museum in Figeac, the “Soulages” museum in Rodez, the city of Toulouse, the Abbey-church in Conques  which was and still is a popular stop for pilgrims on the route to Compostelle, the fortified city of Carcassonne, the Millau Viaduc, the Canal du Midi….

Some of the Cathar castles  such as Lastours our favourite are not far away… Let’s not forget the Knights templar sites of La Couvertoirade and La Cavalerie.

We will help you to organize your daily trips if you like…
You can also log onto the “Office du Tourisme du Tarn” to plan your trips.