8 hilltop villages in the Tarn

They have their heads in the clouds, the hilltop villages of the Tarn ! Do you like heritage getaways that are worth the detour? Spectacular views, old stones that tell stories? Follow us for a tour of the hilltop villages of the Tarn ! Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Ahhhhhhhh Cordes-sur-Ciel! Since 2014 it has emerged from the shadows by winning the TV show " Village favoris des français" (French Favorite Village). But lovers of the Tarn have known for a long time that it is a pearl, an unusual and unmissable medieval city placed as if by magic on a hill. Built in the 13th century, it revealed itself economically with two activities: weaving and leather. From this period, there remain grandiose ornaments on the houses. Cordes-sur-Ciel is 320m above sea level, it climbs and that is also what we love. It is worth it! Once at the top, you admire the Cérou river and each alley is enchanting.

What to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel?

• Indulge your sweet tooth at the Sugar and Chocolate Museum ;
• Taste a Croquant, a local biscuit specialty ;
• Spend at least 1 night (or even more) there and get up at dawn to climb to the top of the village and enjoy the spectacle of Mother Nature;
• Stroll and daydream in the Gardens of Paradise...

Penne

Nothing to do with pasta! In the Vaour region, Penne is a fortress that soars into the sky. At the very top, the remains of Penne Castle, where, if you listen closely, you can hear the echoes of history.

Discover the charming village. The entire visit is punctuated by an interpretive trail to learn more and understand Penne's past. Do you know the Terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible of Penne (yes, with 19 Rs): Alexandre Viguier? A real character who was committed to enforcing his values. Originally from the town, he went to Paris in the 19th century to defend victims of abuse and injustice. After many adventures and an aborted attempt at politics (in front of Jean Jaurès, no luck!), he was sent home and ended his life in Penne.

Puycelsi

Puycelsi is one of the most beautiful villages in France ! Admire its ramparts and defense tower that protect this 10th-century complex, perched high above the Vère River. We also love the nearby Grésigne Forest for some lovely hikes. Also visit the Conservatory of Fruit Species and Ancient Vines.

Castelnau-de-Monmiral

The fortified town of Castelnau-de-Monmiral ("the mountain from which one sees") is nestled high up, overlooking the Gaillac vineyards. Check out the orientation table at the very top! Stroll through Place des Arcades to see a beautifully renovated example of a fortified town, the new towns of the Middle Ages. With its lake, river, and forest, it has it all.

Giroussens

It has always been a village of potters. Visit the Giroussens Ceramics Center to learn more about this ancestral know-how. Lose yourself in the Jardin des Martels, a sumptuous floral park that hosts numerous events on 3,5000 m2 of greenery.

Lautrec

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it is the hometown of the ancestors of the famous, mischievous painter. It overlooks the Agout River and its architectural and historical heritage is well worth a visit.

Pass through the Porte de la Caussade and climb the narrow medieval streets to be rewarded with a magnificent panorama at the Calvaire de la Salette at an altitude of 328m. The village's specialty is fragrant pink garlic. Don't forget to bring some back if it's the season!

• Also visit the Sabotier Workshop and the Archaeological Museum.
• Is it tea time? Head to La Ferme au Village, a tea room, coffee shop, and producers' store.

Puylaurens

If you see "Puy" in the name of a town, it's generally because it's built on a hill or a mound. Puylaurens is no exception to this rule. The old village castle is now a hotel and restaurant, but it was the starting point for the construction of the village in 1258. Stroll through the town and its surroundings with the discovery trail: " Castles and churches of Puylaurentais."

Hautpoul

A medieval village, it rises to over 300 m and is not open to traffic. This makes it an ideal place for a family walk. Hautpoul is close to the town of Mazamet, which it watches over... Once an inhabited village and the scene of many conflicts throughout the ages, it was deserted in favor of the town below and now enjoys a new reputation thanks to tourism and the craftsmen who have set up their workshops there. No need to tell you that you can admire a magnificent panorama there?!

Unclassified villages

Dourgne

Dourgne is not a hilltop village, but a small chapel perched like a cherry on a cake, at the very top of a mountain. It is one of the top panoramas in the Tarn.

Lacaune baths

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 (1259 m all the same) in the Lacaune Mountains.

Ambialet

It's not quite perched, but it's still perched above the river, on a rather surprising peninsula above the Tarn. Numerous steep hikes offer fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding area.

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