Mas de la Griotte is located in the heart of the golden triangle of the Tarn department, surrounded by glorious landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards and cypress trees, only 19km from the small city of Albi.
A 2km drive will take you to a small rural village with an award-winning restaurant (book ahead) or head further to local villages for bakeries, grocery shops and traditional delis. Larger supermarkets can be found near Gaillac, around 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Gaillac (15km) itself is a beautiful place to visit, set on the River Tarn and famous for its excellent wines which are known across the world. Indeed, Gaillac wine production dates back to the Roman era and there are many wonderful wineries to visit as well as the town’s Maison des Vins. The market on a Friday morning is a delight with locally produced fruit, vegetables, cheeses, flowers and artisan crafts. The Abbey Saint-Michel is another must-see during your time in this charming and historic town and look out for atmospheric events and festivities across the summer.
The second town in the glorious golden triangle is hilltop Cordes-sur-Ciel (14km), dating back to the 12th century with its narrow lanes, impressive Gothic buildings and magnificent perched setting. Followed by the amazing small city of Albi (19km), a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobbled lanes filled with shops and restaurants, an enticing indoor market hall, gorgeous historic buildings including the rose-brick cathedral and idyllic spots by the Tarn river with many lovely city walks as well.
Then there’s the many classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ across this region such as Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Puycelci and Bruniquel, all within 30-40 minutes by car. The medieval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (35km) is a paradise for water lovers, set in the gorges of the Aveyron river with some outstanding kayaking and canoeing opportunities, not to mention canyoning, horse-riding, climbing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Visitors are also attracted to the town’s bustling Sunday morning market.
The most active of guests will also enjoy the wonderful walking trails across the region and many great cycling routes (after all, the Tour de France often passes close by). Discover why this idyllic part of southern France is often referred to as ‘French Tuscany’ with its rolling hills, green valleys and forests as well as its authentic cuisine and welcoming locals.
The Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition.
Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées!
