What to do in winter in Tarn-et-Garonne?

Wondering what to do during your next winter holiday in Tarn-et-Garonne ? The Tarn Aveyron Guide offers a program of winter activities : sports, cultural visits, gastronomic discoveries, and fun outings for the whole family. Without a doubt, these activities will make your winter stay in Tarn-et-Garonne unforgettable!

Its rural setting and mild climate are ideal for outdoor sports in every season. You'll also appreciate the breathtaking panoramas that unfold before you from its beautiful villages, towns, and medieval fortified villages. Its authentic culture, local crafts, and regional products are also very appealing, especially in winter when there are fewer visitors and you can enjoy its delicious and gourmet cuisine.

Family hiking in Tarn-et-Garonne

In winter, taking care of yourself by playing sports is essential for staying in shape. Doing it in the great outdoors allows you to breathe fresh air and recharge your energy. Tarn-et-Garonne offers a pristine environment and beautiful winter days to enjoy. Hiking is suitable for all levels, regardless of your age or physical abilities. What's more, the forests become bare, and you'll admire breathtaking panoramic views.

Cycling along the Canal des Deux-Mers

Shaped by its beautiful rivers, the Tarn and the Aveyron, and its major river, the Garonne, this region is gently rolling. A few plateaus border the river valleys, offering lovely walks without any strenuous physical challenges. Following roughly the Garonne, the canal is lined with a very idyllic greenway and connects to charming villages and sites worth visiting. Perfect for warming up while enjoying a bit of exercise and exploration.

Strolling through the beautiful villages of Tarn-et-Garonne

If you love history and old buildings, you'll find plenty to satisfy your curiosity in these medieval villages, the "Castelnaux," and bastides. These architectural gems dot the Entre-deux-Rivières region, bordered by the Tarn and Aveyron rivers. We've selected the most beautiful villages in Tarn-et-Garonne for you, and here are our favorites:

• Auvillar, one of the "most beautiful villages in France", is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Garonne River. It's the ideal spot to gain some perspective and contemplate the valley.
• In Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, you're in the heart of the Aveyron gorges, in a truly exceptional setting. This village thrives thanks to its local crafts, which can be found both in its shops and scattered across its buildings.
• The medieval town of Lauzerte is located on the Way of St. James and has beautiful religious monuments.
• The ancient Templar city of Montricoux is a well-preserved medieval village, with its half-timbered houses and Templar keep.
• Caylus has two unusual sites to see: its original "house of wolves" and its petrifying waterfall of Saint-Livron.

Enjoy the delicious local cuisine

Tarn-et-Garonne is a rural and agricultural region at the heart of diverse peasant cultures. This fertile land offers excellent local produce : high-quality fruits and vegetables, flavorful meats and poultry, and a few "black diamonds of Quercy"... This is the secret to these generous dishes, born from a family culinary tradition that is both gourmet and authentic.

We've put together an overview of the specialties and gastronomy of Tarn-et-Garonne for you.

Discover the Quercy Truffle

Tarn-et-Garonne is the heartland of Quercy truffle production. To learn more about truffle hunting and the profession of truffle grower, producers welcome you to their truffle orchards. At truffle markets, you'll enjoy a unique experience in the somewhat mysterious world of the harvesters and producers of this black jewel. To truly appreciate this jewel of Tarn-et-Garonne gastronomy, you'll need a few tips on preservation and cooking.

Finding great deals at the Foie Gras Markets

To complete this gastronomic tour of Tarn-et-Garonne, we highly recommend a visit to a "Marché au Gras" (Fat Market ). As the name suggests, this type of market is reserved for fattened poultry, which is highly prized in the region. It's a long-established and traditional economic sector. In these markets, fattened geese and ducks reign supreme, in all their forms: carcasses for flavorful juices and broths, whole ducks, foie gras, and other delicacies made from these birds. So, it's not just raw products for gourmet chefs. You can also buy processed products directly from the producers: duck rillettes, goose necks stuffed with goose, cracklings, pâtés, and more.

Meet artisans and discover their expertise and traditional crafts.

Craftsmanship reflects the practices of yesteryear, the customs, the skills held by our ancestors… Unfortunately, all too often, these disappear in favor of industry and mechanization. It is a memory of gestures that it is essential to preserve and pass on to our children, for they are simply part of the history of humankind. When a craftsperson opens their workshop, they offer children an opportunity to open their eyes wide, to be dazzled, and perhaps to find their own path… To inspire your next visits, the Tarn Aveyron Guide invites you to discover the traditional trades of Tarn-et-Garonne.

Go shopping in Montauban

Montauban is a city of art and history, boasting a truly beautiful heritage. Its historic city center provides a stunning setting for the boutiques that have set up shop there. It's also the largest city in the region! If you're looking to shop in the Tarn-et-Garonne, this is the place to go. You'll find all the major brands as well as charming local shops.

We hope these few ideas have inspired you for your next winter holiday in Tarn-et-Garonne and piqued your curiosity!

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