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Castelnau

The bastide hilltop village of Castelnau de Montmiral dating from the thirteenth century is only 5 minutes by car. Here there are two boulangeries, a pharmacie, 2 bar/restaurants, a post office, tourist office and an English speaking doctor.

There is a market in the square every Tuesday morning. Musical concerts, both classical and jazz are organised in Castelnau de Montmiral for the summer months.

Puycelsi

It’s not surprising that Puycelsi is classed as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’. It’s a unique place, offering something you won’t have seen before. From the first time you spy the village perched on top of its promontory overlooking the forests, you know it’s special. 

Today the welcome is rather warmer than in medieval times, more like a genuine smile from villagers and restaurateurs who’ve reclaimed this old fortress to make it a haven of peace.

St Antonin

Nestling at the confluence of the Aveyron and Bonnette rivers, on the border between Quercy and Rouergue, the mediaeval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, founded in the 8th century around a former Benedictine abbey, offers a beautifully built heritage as a reminder of its past as a major craft and trade centre.

St Antonin Noble Val and the Aveyron Gorges offer dramatic scenery and it’s well worth hiring a canoe or kayak to take in the views.

Bruniquel

This former stronghold is ideal for a leisurely stroll. Once prosperous thanks to the hemp, linen and saffron trades, a number of reminders of its rich past remain. Taking a walk in its charming paved side streets is like stepping into the atmosphere of pomp and splendour of the Middle Ages, and is a chance to discover several stone residences from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, some adorned with beautiful mullioned windows.

Each year, in late July-early August, the lyrical festival devoted to Jacques Offenbach - the Bruniquel Castles Festival - is the high point of the town's festive calendar.

Cordes sur Ciel

This magnificent Albigensian fortified town boasts an exceptional Gothic heritage. The upper town of Cordes-sur-Ciel has preserved its stunning Gothic houses, among which the Grand Fauconnier house, the Prunet house and the Grand Veneur house. A stroll in the medieval town is a real delight, especially because streets are lined with craft shops and artists' galleries. A place not to be missed!

The Grand Fauconnier festivals taking place in July are a great moment with a medieval atmosphere.

Base de Loisirs

At the Base de Loisirs, (situated between La Grange and Castelnau de Montmiral), there are extensive leisure lakes for fishing, boating and swimming. Other activities include tennis, crazy golf and there is also a football pitch.

Refreshments are provided at the site café or there is a picnic area for visitors’ use.

In close proximity to La Grange, there’s plenty for all the family at Base de Loisirs.

For further information click here

Grésigne Forest

For those who enjoy walking, the GR46 route passes through the beautiful Grésigne Forest.

The forest of Grésigne, with its 3600 hectares, is one of the largest oak forests in Europe, in a logic of sustainable development, the massive Grésigne was classified by the European Commission as a natural area of ​​ecological, faunistic and flora in the Natura 2000 network.

The Wall Louis XIV, which girds the forest, is still visible in places and passes a few meters from the place called The Bouygue (on the town of Penne) is also close the mythical "Pech Aguze", the rock of the Eagles The highlight of the area (491 m).

Gaillac

Gaillac, (approx 25 minutes drive), where all provisions are catered for, is a bustling market town with 2 large supermarkets and a weekly Friday market in the central square.

It is not so long ago that we know that Gaillac was occupied since the Gallo-Roman period, but its name appears in documents mentioning the foundation of the Benedictine abbey of Saint Michel in 1819.

Today Gaillac owes its fame to its vineyards, characterized by three terroirs (terraces, slopes, plateau), a historical grape and a controlled appellation.

Albi

Albi (30 minutes drive) is a beautiful rose-brick and half timbered city, famed for its magnificent cathedral, plus the Toulouse Lautrec Museum which contains the largest single collection of his work. There is a wonderful network of pedestrianised streets for sightseers and souvenir hunters and also a wide selection of good restaurants.

A walk in the narrow streets of the historic centre reveals the presence of Renaissance mansions, such as the Enjalbert house and the Reynès. There are excellent equestrian centres in the area as well as 2 golf courses.

Sport & Leisure

Rambling and hiking

Horse riding

Fishing

Water sports

In the sky

Leisure areas

Cycling

Wine Themed Activities

Meeting the winemakers

Wine tastings

Beauty Spots

Forests

Lakes and rivers

Discovering the area

Forests

Lakes and rivers

Nightlife

Bars

Discos

Theatres

Cinemas

Culture & Local Heritage

Architecture, parks and gardens

Museums and galleries

Local crafts

Arts and crafts

Markets

Graulhet’s leather industry