Top 10 unusual places to visit in Tarn-et-Garonne

Tarn-et-Garonne is a region full of surprises, boasting a multitude of diverse and colorful landscapes. Do you enjoy unusual visits ? Places that are out of the ordinary ? Escape into nature and discover these 10 unique places to visit in Tarn-et-Garonne.

Cover photo: The Petrifying Waterfall of Caylus.

Unique tours in Tarn-et-Garonne

1. The Grain Market of Auvillar

Make a stop in Auvillar, an ancient Gallo-Roman town listed among the most beautiful villages in France. In the heart of the red brick, stone, and arcaded Place des Halles, stands the magnificent Halle aux Grains (Grain Market), unique in its circular shape on a triangular square. Built in 1824, this true gem of the region displays the names of the grains sold at the time on wooden plaques, revealing corn, wheat, oats, barley, and buckwheat. Close your eyes and imagine the atmosphere of the market of that era.

2. The Château de Saint-Projet

Just an hour from Montauban, visit the incredible Château de Saint-Projet, a survivor of the wrath of the King of France during the Hundred Years' War, who destroyed all the castles that had sheltered Queen Margot. Built at the end of the 13th century, it reveals a unique room : the bedroom where Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, stayed. Discovered in 1990 during renovations, her room is now open to visitors, furnished with period pieces and containing entries from her account book. Immerse yourself in history at the Château de Saint-Projet, which impresses with its austere appearance, magnificent balconies, and beautifully decorated rooms.

3. The Bosc Cave in Saint-Antonin

Become a speleologist for the day and explore the Grotte du Bosc, the only cave open to visitors in the Tarn-et-Garonne department. Unusual in its shapes and colors, you'll be able to distinguish between stalactites and stalagmites during a 45-minute guided tour through its underground galleries. Unique in its formations, the cave also impresses with its location within the Aveyron Gorges forest, just 3 km from the medieval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot a bat!

4. The Montech water slope

Located along the Garonne Lateral Canal, discover an unusual and unmissable site in the Tarn-et-Garonne region : the Montech Water Slope. Invented in 1974 by Jean Aubert, it acts as a boat lift, saving 45 precious minutes for long vessels over 30 meters. Unique in the world and 100% French, this incredible piece of industrial heritage, closed to navigation since 2009, reopened its gates in 2021 to showcase river tourism and the technical feat of the Montech Water Slope to curious and intrigued visitors. Renovated and redesigned, the surprising machine now boasts a colorful, 1980s-inspired graphic style.

5. The brooms of Grisolles

A true craftsman, meticulous and passionate, Peyrebrune had the idea of making beautiful brooms in 1856 after losing his job as postmaster with the arrival of trains. Straw weaving, sewing, and finishing — this artisanal know-how was revived in 1987 by Jean Marc Coulom, who restored the reputation of sorghum brooms in Grisolles, which was once the European capital of broom making. Visit this charming provincial town, which boasts a museum, a half-timbered house, and a metal market hall, before learning all the secrets of sorghum straw and willow. Rest assured, Jean Marc won't make you sweep his workshop.

6. Ingreo, a large aquatic complex in Tarn-et-Garonne

You won't know where to swim in this immense aquatic complex, the third largest in France. With an Olympic-size pool, a spacious paddling pool, numerous other pools, wellness facilities, and a solarium, you have all the comforts of a swimming pool combined with the amenities of a relaxation area. Surrounded by a magnificent rose garden, Ingreo welcomes you year-round in the heart of Montauban for a unique experience with family or friends. Sport or leisure, the choice is yours.

7. The medieval underground passage of Castela

In Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, a fabulous rocky treasure lies hidden on the banks of the Agout River: the medieval underground chamber of Castela. Carved with iron picks, magnificent galleries and various chambers offer an unforgettable spectacle of regularity, from former living quarters and grain silos to water points and lamp niches that served as refuges for the inhabitants during the Middle Ages. Its function evolved over time, becoming a warehouse for the lords of the castle in the 13th century. Embark on an unusual adventure into the depths of the earth.

8. The Petrifying Waterfall of Caylus

You'll be amazed by the magnificent, petrifying Caylus waterfall in Saint-Pierre-Livron, in the hamlet of Les Cabanes. A true gem of the Tarn-et-Garonne region, it surprises with its unusual shape, naturally created by the limestone in the Livron River. A pool of turquoise water, a spongy-textured rock, and atypical colors due to the limestone—the petrifying Caylus waterfall is a unique spectacle to admire in the Tarn-et-Garonne. Take advantage of your getaway to visit the charming village of Caylus, just 2 km away.

9. Lauzerte and its elevated corner

The charming bastide town of Lauzerte, established in the 12th century and a true gem of the Tarn-et-Garonne region, is a must-see for history buffs. Designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, it lies on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela and holds many surprises for its visitors, notably its famous raised corner on the renowned Place des Cornières. An artistic creation by the ceramist Jacques Buchholtz, it surprises visitors with its unique shape and seamless integration into the sandstone-paved square. Don't miss this surreal fantasy surrounded by arcades, stone houses, and narrow medieval streets.

10. The Roc d’Anglars via ferrata

Calling all athletes and thrill-seekers! The Roc d'Anglars Via Ferrata offers a magnificent vertical challenge to defy gravity. Choose one of the two routes depending on your skill level and admire the breathtaking views of the Aveyron gorges. With rope bridges, walkways, and long zip lines, the route to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is varied and fun, set in a natural environment. Grab your ropes and crampons, and let the climb begin!

So many discoveries to be made in Tarn-et-Garonne! Between heritage sites and sporting activities, everyone's desires are satisfied for a successful holiday by exploring the top 10 unusual visits in Tarn-et-Garonne.

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