The Tarn is also an area rich in places of great artistic and architectural value.
A wide variety of landscapes, ranging from the forests of Black Mountain to the granite cliffs of Sidobre, via the vineyards of Gaillac and the “red city” of Albi.
The Tarn is also an area rich in places of great artistic and architectural value. A wide variety of landscapes, ranging from the forests of the Black Mountain to the granite cliffs of the Sidobre, via the vineyards of Gaillac.
Absolutely not to be missed is the “red city” of Albi, the department’s capital, 45 minutes from Toulouse.
ALBI
Known as “the red city” for its brick and stone buildings, Albi is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for its stunning buildings and picturesque charm.
Visiting the city includes the Berbie Palace, dating back to the 13th-14th centuries, the collegiate church of Saint-Salvi and its cloister, and the Old Bridge. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the largest brick building in the world. It is also the largest in Europe because of its interior frescoes covering 18,500 m².
Not far from the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, in the Palais de la Berbie, is the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, dedicated to the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a native of Albi. From the first minutes of the visit, one is transported into the painter’s life, as eventful as it is exciting, through a rich collection of artworks. When the visit is over, you can stroll the palace’s terraces and gardens.
THE CASTLE OF MAURIAC AND THE VINEYARDS OF GAILLAC
We continue our journey by going to Senouillac, to visit the Castle of Mauriac. Built in the 13th century by Guiriaudus de Mauricius, it has been embellished over the years through decorations and renovations.
Inside the castle is an exhibition of paintings by artist Bernand Bistes, who has owned the building since the 1960s.
The trip continues with a visit to the vineyards of Gaillac. These vineyards cover 2,500 hectares and produce white, red and rosé wines and bear the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC in France) label. Here you can walk among the vineyards exploring the different grape varieties and growing methods. Afterwards, you can visit the cellars and learn about winemaking procedures. There will be an annotated tasting in the winery.
Finally, there will be a traditional winemakers’ lunch served on site (by caterers), accompanied by the wines.
If visiting the vineyards at harvest time (between late August and late October), the winemaker will demonstrate different techniques for preparing the vines for harvest. Each participant will be given everything the grape picker needs (basket, a pair of pruning shears, apron, etc.). Under the watchful eye of the winemakers, you can then participate in the ancient method of crushing grapes to extract the first grape must. An opportunity not to be missed.