TARN - The Granite Mountains

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Map of the Tarn, the Granite Mountains

An enigmatic chaos of rocks, a breathtaking natural park , hikes you won't know what to do with, this is the holiday program that awaits you in the territory of the granite mountains. The region also benefits from a captivating industrial past, numerous museums to illustrate regional assets and specialties such as salting, good meat and good wine... What more could you ask for? Happy holidays in the granite mountains!

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Soreze

Sorèze is a plural city! It offers many advantages to travellers: a geographical location and certain tourist, landscape and cultural attractions, take a look...

It is located at the crossroads of Tarn, Aude and Haute Garonne. At the foot of the Massif Central, it is near the plain of Lauragais, and very close to the Montagne Noire. In Saurèze, you will visit the magnificent Abbey-School, a magical place full of charm, a historical monument founded in 754, which housed a royal military school under Louis XVI. Stroll through the different rooms of this living museum, which will transport you to the way of life of the residents of the time. You will also discover a magnificent museum of tapestries, the Dom Robert museum. 1500m² to learn all about the making of tapestries by Aubusson weavers. In the 20th century, Dom Robert was a master upholsterer monk with a joyful and fascinating work.

The narrow, cobbled streets, punctuated by original stalls of local craftsmen, form a good neighborhood with the Saint-Martin church and its beautiful façade. Set off to explore the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, from Sorèze. Near the town, discover the site of St Jammes in Arfons, to see a majestic beech tree and the remains of a small chapel. The Berniquaut oppidum has been a site occupied since prehistoric times. Not far from the city, the Causse plateau is host to the Jean Antoine Clos underground complex, an archaeological site with countless galleries dug into the limestone plateau. Meet at the Roc de la Fendeille viewpoint, to see educational panels, an orientation table and a pleasant picnic spot.

Alleys of Soreze

Dourgne

A small natural and unspoilt town, Dourgne is at the foot of the Montagne Noire. Here, people come for calm and relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional tourism, they put on their walking shoes and discover the natural and vernacular heritage at their own pace. Dovecotes hidden in the countryside, small crosses on the way, fountains and old washhouses... Panoramas too!

In Dourgne, people in search of spiritual renewal can go to the Saint-Benoît d'En Calcat abbey. We cannot visit it, but we come there to recharge our batteries. A community of 60 monks lives there all year round, in religious contemplation. Another abbey is present in the town: The Benedictine Abbey of Sainte Scholastique which houses Benedictine sisters. It offers workshops, visits, a shop and also a hotel service for people looking for a spiritual retreat or a moment of calm in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The tips and good plans of the Guide Tarn Aveyron in Dourgne:

• Climb to the Capelette! A beautiful 11km hike (one way), to climb the heights of Dourgne passing by the abbeys and with the key, a magnificent panorama...
• Not far from Dourgne in Combounet le Sor, meet at the very beautiful Château des Plantes, to learn all about pastel, from the harvest to the creation of this magnificent dye.

Saint Scholastica Abbey

Labruguiere

7 km south of Castres, the town of Labruguière has been on the banks of the Thoré since the 10th century. It is dynamic, in full swing! Located in the Pays d'Autan, it benefits from the wind of the same name, bringing a gentle beneficial warmth... You will appreciate the diversity of the landscapes of this town: on one side, the Montagne Noire, on the other the Causse de Caucalières. -Labruguière and opposite, the plain of Castrais. On the heritage side, the medieval center of Labruguière is round in shape, it houses a 13th century hall, the Saint-Thyrs church, the remains of the fortified gates at the entrance to the town (there are 3 left) and the castle Cardaillac from the 17th century. Photo enthusiasts will go to the Arthur Batut Photographic Space, who is, so to speak, the inventor of aerial photography, which is so successful these days with the development of drone views! It's fun to discover how this inhabitant of Labruguière imagined and took shots from... a kite, in 1888!!

The tips and good plans of the Guide du Tarn Aveyron in Labruguière:

• Visit the Mouscaillou leather workshop: artisanal and ecological work! Introductory courses possible on request...
• Many nature activities are to be done in the surroundings: donkey rides, horseback riding, mountain bike rental and rides, canyoning, climbing, plane rides with the local flying club, free fall. You won't be bored in Labruguière!

Mazamet

Mazamet hides an astonishing know-how that dates back to the last century. Until 1980, a unique industrial process made the reputation of the city: stripping . The "wool city" has perfected a technique to separate the wool from the leather of the sheepskin, without damaging the leather. About fifty factories were busy with this task and then traded with the whole world. The heating process took advantage of the fresh waters of the Arnette, the town's river. It was then the "tawing", the second industry well established in Mazamet, as well as in other surrounding towns, which took care of shaping the skins into objects of daily use or for clothing. The Delaying Museum will teach you everything you need to know about Mazamet's industrial past and this unique technique.

Mazamet is a really nice place for family holidays, there are plenty of things to see and do! Visit the Maison des Mémoires de Mazamet and its small museum of Catharism. Discover one or all of the city's churches (of which there are 7), as well as the 3 Protestant temples.

Near the town, don't miss the medieval town of Hautpoul, the ruins and remains of the castle. It was from Hautpoul that the first inhabitants and founders of Mazamet came, fleeing the Albigensian crusade and the killing of the inhabitants by the troops of Simon de Montfort.

The tips and good plans of the Guide du Tarn Aveyron in Mazamet:

• Children and toy lovers will be happy to visit the House of Wood and Toys and its collection of more than 1200 pieces, activities and workshops.
• The winter market takes place on Sunday under the hall.
• 2 leisure centers in Mazamet! The Bonnecombe leisure center with its games for children, its BBQ area and its free access sports ground. The Montagnès leisure center with its footpath, beach and water games (swimming possible) is also free! There are other lakes in the area: the Lac des Saints Peyres (10km for fishermen, hikers), the Barrage du Pas des Bêtes and its arboretum.
• Children will love the Sagnes de Puech Balmes walk, to learn more about this wetland and discover the Dragon of Signs...
• marked and organized hikes in the city with signs, as well as around the city. The hiking sheets can be downloaded from the city's website (fr).
  
• 8 km towards Le Vintrou, go for a walk in the grandiose Gorges du Banquet.
• Mystical atmosphere... the largest menhir in the Tarn is Le menhir des Prats in Mazamet, it is 4 meters high.

Mazamet, in its green setting

The leisure center next to Mazamet

Labastide-Rouairoux

In the Upper Thoré Valley, there is Labastide-Rouairoux, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park. Always inhabited, you will see the Gante Dolmen and the “Prat de la Bolo” menhir.

In the village, the Textile Department Museum will teach you all about the specialty of this region. If in Mazamet the know-how was turned towards leather, in Labastide, it was textiles that were in the spotlight. The city has had up to 30 factories, as well as the beginnings of teleworkers: the manufacturers who made textiles from their homes! Today, these activities are no longer visible except from the museum, but the city is betting on a new boom with the development of tourism and a map betting on renewable energies.

Many hikes are available in the area.

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Castres

Birthplace of Jean-Jaurès, this town in the Massif Central, crossed by the Agout on both sides, has a dry and hot Mediterranean summer climate, thanks to its geographical position and the strong presence of the autan wind. Castres is populated by just over 40,000 people, it is a dynamic city, which was at the beginning of the 20th century, the 1st city of the Tarn thanks to its industries. Today, you will walk there with pleasure and enjoy its many attractions. The city is nestled against the river, the old craftsmen's houses are built at the foot of the Agout. Built in the Middle Ages, each had a cellar for working leather and other materials with a washhouse directly overlooking the river. These colorful houses have their feet in the water, like a "little Venice", their corbelled balconies are very pretty. Enjoy a view from the Pont Vieux.

Wander Place Jean-Jaurès: entirely pedestrianized, it hosts the market and open-air events all year round. Go to the Francisco Goya Museum to discover the works of this painter and other Spanish artists. The National Center is a museum that presents the life of Jean Jaurès, a native of Castres. It is a museum rich in information on the political thought of the time, the ingenious museography makes this content very interesting for everyone and at any age. Pass in front of the 17th century Saint-Benoit Cathedral and nearby, the Jardins de l'Évêché, designed by André Le Nôtre, author of the gardens of Versailles. A 17th century episcopal palace houses the town hall. In the city are also the Tour Saint-Benoit and many mansions.

There are other pleasant green spaces in Castres: the Jardin du Mail, the Jardin Frascaty, the Parc Briguiboul, the Parc de Gourjade... And if you are looking for even more green spaces and nature, go for a walk on the site du Sidobre, a strange and mystical granite quarry... with huge rocks, waterfalls...

The tips and good plans of the Guide du Tarn Aveyron in Castres:

• Take the Coche d'eau: the Miredame is a boat that connects the town center to the pretty Gourjade park.
• The Pass Tourisme en Ville, offers you plenty of visits and reductions, a good plan!
• For a day of fun, next to the Parc de Gourjade, a fun and sports complex awaits you, La Piscine de l'Archipel.
• Laser Quest, Bowling, Karting, Paintball, Escape Game there are plenty of activities to do in Castres.

Castres, city of tanneries

Fatherland of Jean Jaures

Burlats

Extended municipality, near Castres, Burlats is in the middle of nature, at the gates of magical places: The granite site of Sidobre, the Regional Natural Park of Haut Languedoc, but also the valley of the Agout.

What can you do in Burlats? Nature hikes , on foot, on horseback or by bike, good meals in local establishments and visits. Stroll around and discover the Pavillon d'Adélaïde, a 12th century priory with 4 amazing huge bay windows, the Maison d'Adam, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Pierre and the Porte de la Bistoure which is a vestige of the old fortifications of the village .

The tips and good plans of the Tarn Aveyron Guide to Burlats:

• Near Burlats, go for a walk on the Chaos de la Rouquette walking path. A chaos is a river of rocks, which pile up in a "chaotic" way. It's a strange landscape... Continuing the walk, you will arrive at the Saint-Dominique cave, be careful, it's a bit steep for children and you have to be well-shod!
• The Lac du Merle is a haven of peace where you can take a leisurely stroll. There are many species of animals and plants.
• At the Hameau des sept-faux , you will see the trembling rock, a granite blog of barely 900 tons... Which sometimes moves... So who is trembling? The rock or you, who are afraid of seeing it fall from its promontory? :)
• A nice, original and child-friendly visit: a knitting workshop with natural materials, a one-hour guided tour will teach you all about this original workshop: La Missègle. Shop selling quality products on site.

Adelaide Priory and Pavilion

Brassac

Brassac is on the banks of the Agoût, you will find a pretty medieval bridge with two arches, a castle on the right bank which houses the town hall (nice, isn't it?) and another castle on the left bank. There is a historical circuit to walk in the village, to know everything about the city.

Not far from there, go see the Museum of Protestantism in Ferrières which will reveal the great mystery that torments you: why are there two castles in Brassac?? There are also many mountain bike trails in the town!

Brassac old bridge

strokes

Nages is a cute and touristy little village. There is a pretty castle with two towers, which exhibits a collection of medieval objects. It is being restored to reveal its secrets... In Nages, of course, there is a lake (who said "bad pun"?) and it is the center of tourist attractions. Lake Laouzas is a dam lake which offers a whole range of water activities (windsurfing, sailing, pedal boating, canoeing, etc.) and swimming/relaxation.

In Rieumontagné, near the lake, you will visit the Museum of peasant life in Haut-Languedoc, a beautiful reconstruction to immerse yourself in the life of a farm in the Monts de Lacaune. Open in summer, it can be visited on request the rest of the year. Do not miss a visit to the pretty Maison de Payrac and its broom roof, it is a store of local products and a refuge for hikers in summer. Entertainment takes place within its walls in summer (meals, baking bread, shows).

Lacaune the baths

In the heart of the Monts de Lacaune , surrounded by 8 mountains of respectable altitude (the region is considered a mountain area), is the spa resort of Lacaune and its hot spring of Bel-Air. A casino will make you spend lively evenings there, enhanced by the tasting of good pieces of charcuterie from the region and of course natural mineral water, Mont Roucous.

The region's altitude and climate favor the production of recognized cured products , to be discovered in the town's restaurants and shops . You will see a spinning mill in Lacaune (the Ramond spinning mill), "spin the wool, spin the wool"... Also visit the Museum of Old Lacaune, near the Fontaine des Pisseurs, classified as a historical monument. The Calmels tower and its pretty framework, and the remarkable "Pierre Plantée" menhir, 4.5m high and probably implanted there by the ancestors to encourage the telluric properties of the city!

The Wellness Center, Lacaune hot springs area, welcomes you for a moment of relaxation with jacuzzi, hot baths and hammam, also balneotherapy, body treatments and aesthetic services.

Hiking and fishing are on the program in this preserved natural area, go to the Pic du Montalet for a splendid view! The path "in the footsteps of the wild child" is a walk in a forest of beech trees, with a very marked drop (leave the stroller, but the children can stroll there without worry).

Pic de Montalet, what a beautiful view!

Montredon-Labessonie

The Holy Mountain, with its relief dotted with streams where gold would have been found at the time of the Gauls, its castle with 4 towers, its ditches, its Saint-Jean Baptiste church, its Notre-Dame de Ruffis chapel... The Planetarium, the city's observatory, opens the doors to the stars. Young and old alike can take part in themed evenings, shows, events and take advantage of advanced projection equipment. Those who don't have their heads in the stars might prefer to go and see the 1,200 animals at the 3 Valleys Zoo?

The hikes in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park are not far away and the Tourist Office will give you hiking tips for all fitness levels! Here are some trail ideas (fr)!

Tips and advice from the Tarn Aveyron Guide in Montredon-Labessonié:

• Lovers of good food, here you are on the small onions, because the local farmers and breeders sell their products directly, there are about fifteen of them to offer you many tasty regional specialties.
• A municipal swimming pool with snack bar is open in the summer season.

Our Lady of Ruffis

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Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy

Station Verte, the town of Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy surely is, because it is located in a very green setting! In the Hautes Terres d'Oc, there are a multitude of things to do. Let's start with the cultural activities: The Château de Lacaze offers art exhibitions, medieval events, show evenings, for a very reasonable price (2€ entry). Le Moulin de Record, a water mill with a millstone still in operation, has been grinding flour for over 6 centuries. There are many hikes and walks , several marked trails will help you orient yourself. There is even a local hiking guide, available at the Tourist Office, so you don't miss any exceptional natural sites.

The tips and good plans of the Guide du Tarn Aveyron in Saint-Pierre de Trivisy:

• Get the Heritage Passport, to benefit from advantageous rates during your visit to the region, which has 14 museums.
• The Broussonnie lake is a fish farm for tourism, come and learn how to fish!
• The "Aquamonts" leisure base has a well-being centre: jacuzzi, whirlpool baths, sauna... hummmmm There is also a gym and a beauty treatment centre.
• Also at Aquamonts, a playful aquatic area will welcome the whole family for a day of relaxation. Giant slides, restaurant, paddling pool... and just next door the "La Forêt" sports leisure base, with picnic areas, hiking trails, mini-golf, sports fields, playground for children.
• Want action? There is also a tree climbing and paintball course in the forest (Aventure Parc), in the same area. So many things to do!
• Want to have lunch or dinner in a truly atypical place? Meet at the Bibliotèca, a restaurant library!

Pond of Saint Pierre de Trevisy

Teillet

At the entrance to Ségala is Teillet. Landscape of cultivated land and wooded valleys. Bounded on one side by the river Dadou, its meanders and its wooded riparian forest, and on the other by the Lézert stream, the town takes its name from the Tilleul tree.

You will discover the Saint-Amans church and above all the enigmatic and spectacular Château de Grandval. Built in the 15th century, it was the home of several illustrious people, until it came to a tragic double end: in 1944 it was set on fire by German troops and burned from floor to ceiling. In 1956, it was finally partially drowned by a dam reservoir! Only ruins remain today, which are nevertheless very aesthetic. When the dam is well filled: they rise majestically above the waters. The best view is from the belvedere of Mont Roc.

The enigmatic ruins of the Château de Grandval

Ambialet

This ancient Gallic fortress is built on a peninsula, resulting from a meander of the Tarn. You have to lace up your walking shoes to visit the wonders of Ambialet. Take on the puech to see the Notre-Dame de l'Oder priory. There is also the original Romanesque church of Saint-Gilles , which was burnt down but is now restored, dating from the 13th century. The ruins of the castle of Ambialet are visible near the priory.

Magnificent panorama of Ambialet