On the border of the Haute-Garonne and Tarn departments, Villa Pastel enjoys a beautiful setting within two acres of gardens, less than 1km from a characterful riverside village. On one side of the garden is the Tarn River, protected by a steep bank of shrubs and trees, whilst on the other side is a little stream.
You can stroll down the country road (no pavement) to a handsome bridge that leads to a small village, home to a traditional restaurant serving good French food inside or on its shaded terrace. Just beyond the village centre, around 2km away, is a large supermarket and pharmacy or drive onwards to Saint-Sulpice (5.5km) for further shops, restaurants, a lovely Wednesday morning market and a train station with regular departures to Toulouse.
Golf-lovers note that a championship 18-hole course is 9km by car, also a good spot for lunch in its clubhouse, whilst walkers and outdoor adventurists will appreciate the close proximity of a vast forest which is classified as a Espace Naturel Sensible. Nature lovers young and old should visit the Maison de la Biodiversité where you can learn all about the forest’s fascinating flora and fauna, or set off and discover the glorious landscapes on foot or by bike/mountain bike.
Wine connoisseurs will be familiar with the wineries around Gaillac (26km), home to France’s most historic vineyards that date back to pre-Roman times. Visit Gaillac’s Maison des Vins to learn all about its wine heritage before exploring the historic town on the banks of the Tarn River with several interesting museums and historic sites including Abbey Saint-Michael. It’s Friday morning market is a delight to experience; also look out for concerts as well as local food and wine events during the summer months.
Continue onwards to the incredible city of Albi (51km), a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a beautiful city with its rose-brick cathedral, cobbled lanes, inviting restaurants and covered market as well as gorgeous vistas over the Tarn River.
Also part of the ‘Golden Triangle of Tarn’ and another UNESCO World Heritage site, Cordes-sur-Ciel (54km) is an idyllic hilltop town that dates back to the 12th century – if you approach it on a misty day it often peaks above the clouds.
Elsewhere, slightly closer to home, enjoy a day in the city of Toulouse (31km) reached by car or via train from Saint-Sulpice. Take a boat tour along the Canal du Midi, admire its rose-hued architecture, soak up the atmosphere by the banks of the Garonne and dine out in one of the city’s Michelin starred restaurants.
Foodies have a great choice of restaurants dotted across this region from authentic bistros serving home-cooked fare to high-end establishments. Not forgetting the wonderful local markets too – head to Bessières (5km) on a Monday morning, then Verfeil (20km) on a Tuesday before experiencing the bustling ambience in Villemur-sur-Tarn (19km), Lavaur (22km) or Lisle-sur-Tarn (17km) at the weekend.
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!
