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“C is for cookie, its good enough for
me, oh cookie cookie cookie starts with C”.
Cookie Monster on
“Sesame Street”
What is there to see and do?
The Tarn region is one of France's best kept secrets - the
landscape is spectacular and unspoilt Here dense oak forests give way to
rolling pasture and lines of vineyards or fields of sunflowers; The
villages have changed little in centuries.
The picturesque village of Larroque, on the river Vère,
between the Aveyron and the Tarn rivers, nestles
under an imposing orange-red cliff face from whose heights is a marvelous
panorama of the fertile rolling hills of this old wine-growing region. From
the ridge of the cliff-face the mediaeval forest of the Grésigne stretches
unspoilt for miles in any direction. There are still deer, wild boar and a
host of local flora and fauna to be discovered there and miles of forest
tracks to explore, with spectacular views out over the neighboring hills.
The Aveyron offers canoeing and white water rafting as well as rock
climbing and potholing.
LARROQUE
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ALBI
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CORDES SUR CIEL
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GAILLAC VINEYARD
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ALBI GOLF COURSE
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3 km away is the bastide town of Puycelsi with other
bastide towns of Castelnau de Montmiral and Cordes sur Ciel within short
driving distance.
Larroque
is a perfect base from which to explore the many bastide villages such as Cordes, Bruniquel, Puycelsi and Penne.
Each one is different, with its own character and history, and its own
bars, restaurants and cafes where you can sample the excellent local
cuisine and wines. Throughout the summer there are many activities in and
around these towns and villages including jazz festivals, classical music
and rock concerts, markets and fairs.
The
hilltop village of Castelnau de
Montmiral dating from the 13th century is only 10 minutes by
car. Here there are two boulangeries, a pharmacy, two bar/restaurants, a
post office and an English speaking doctor. There is also a lively little
market offering fresh local produce in the square every Tuesday morning.
Musical concerts are organised in Castalnau for the summer months.
Gaillac, the centre of one of the
oldest wine producing areas in France, lies on the banks of the Tarn, 20
minutes drive to the south. Though little known outside France, the gourmet
wines in this region date back to over 1000 years. There are many
“caves des vins” where you can ‘try and buy’ Gaillac
is a bustling market town with 2 large supermarkets and a weekly Friday
market in the central square.
The
city of Albi is only half an
hour’s drive away. The mellow pink bricks of the old quarter give
this city a soft, dreamy atmosphere, the elegant squares with their
fountains and cafes make it an ideal place to sit and watch the world go by
after a stroll around the pedestrian shopping area. The spectacular
cathedral of St. Cecile dominates the centre of the Place St. Cecile and
the nearby Toulouse Lautrec museum, with its beautiful gardens on the banks
of the tarn.
The
famous “Bastide” village of Cordes sur Ciel is only 20 minutes away. This beautifully
preserved 14th century town is perched high on a hill,
surrounded by ramparts and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages
in France. As you walk its cobbled streets you will discover the shops and
studios of all manner of artists, as well as shops selling local produce,
leather goods and other handicrafts. There are many excellent restaurant and
bars in Cordes.
There
are many other attractive and interesting villages around the area such as Lisle-sur-Tarn with its large
arcaded market square, Rabastens
with its ancient buildings and wall paintings, Salvagnac with its 15th century castle.
If
you are feeling energetic, the nearby Fôret
de Grésigne offers fabulous walks, cycle tracks and stunning views.
This huge, old oak forest is full of rare birds, deer and wild boar to name
a few.
40
minutes away is the red brick city of Toulouse
with its art galleries, museums and elegant shops, not to mention the
famous Victor Hugo market.
The
Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees are also within reach for a day trip.
For more information about the surrounding area click on
the link
http://en.tourisme-tarn.com
Things to do
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Museums
There
are a wide range of museums including the Museum of Chocolate Art in Lisle sur Tarn and the world famous Lautrec Museum in Albi www.marie-albi.fr
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Fishing
There
is excellent fishing on the rivers Tarn and Aveyron, including our own
spot on the River Vere, Permits are available from local shops
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Golf
There
are 2 quality 18 hole golf courses in Albi www.golfalbi.com
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Horse Riding
There
are numerous family riding centres in the local area along with a good
riding centre at Puycelsi
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Walking
Mainly
located in the Fôret de Grésigne at Puycelsi www.franceonfoot.com. There are
3 marked walks starting from Larroque ranging from 2 to 3 hours in
duration
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Swimming
The
Base de Loisir has a large freshwater lake ideal for families for
swimming along with pedalos, fishing, crazy golf, tennis, football and a
café with ample parking
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Canoeing & Water rafting
Descend
the Gorges de l’Aveyron from St Antonin Noble Val
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Cycling
Retrace
the route of the Tour de France. You will discover some excellent cycling
routes taking in breathtaking scenery
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"And
do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as
friends."
William Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew(1564-1616)
Cooking at Bonne Bouffe, Cooking and Eating
Holidays in the Tarn, South West of
Chris and Denise West | 00 33 563 33 29 82 | mail@cookingatbonnebouffe.com | www.cookingatbonnebouffe.com
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