What to see around Cordes sur Ciel
Perched above the clouds, Cordes sur Ciel is a place not to be missed in the Tarn. It can be discovered both from the ground by walking through its sloping streets, and from the air in a hot air balloon. All around this high place, other cities, villages and landscapes are very much worth visiting !
The Gaillac Vineyard
South of Cordes sur Ciel, the hills and valleys are covered with vines. Here, it is the Gaillac vineyard that shapes the landscape. Reddish in autumn and blazing green in summer, it lives and breathes with the seasons! To tell you about it, we don't know any better ambassadors than the winemakers. Some are very talkative, others a little less so, but none of them have any secrets for those who push the door of their domain. They will be delighted to let you taste their wine and tell you about the path from the vine to the bottle!
Gaillac, which gave its name to the vineyard, is the beating heart of the region, but along the Tarn, other brick towns spread out their heritage and their art of living. By the way, do you know what "being between Gaillac and Rabastens" means here? Come on, we'll help you, it's being drunk... Coincidence or not, it is also where the beautiful bastide of Lisle-sur-Tarn is located.
Albi and it's episcopal city
In Albi, there is a lot to look forward to! From the heart of the red city, you can enjoy breathtaking view of the Sainte-Cécile cathedral, the highest brick monument in the world, and its neighbor the Palais de la Berbie. Do you know what you will find in the Palais? The paintings of one of the greatest French painters of the 19th century: Toulouse-Lautrec. The Saint-Salvy cloister and the church of the same name are other architectural marvels to contemplate before taking a cool break on the banks of the Tarn.
Good plan : All summer long, from the port of Aiguelèze, cruises in barges allow to reach Albi in the morning and go back in the evening ! It’s perfect to combine soft mobility and wonder.
Carmaux and the Ségala Tarnais
A trip to the north of the Tarn, where the Viaur carves out a steep road. A dive into the heritage of the 19th and 20th century to meet the miners of Carmaux whose history can be recounted at the departmental mine-museum. In Monestiès, you will be charmed by one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and the magnificent statuary of its Saint-Jacques chapel. For those who have the urge to move, a splash in the lake of Cap Découverte and its numerous activities will be in order… And for the most daredevil ones let’s try the rail sled or the skate park!
Finally, you will also have the opportunity to taste the truffles in Villeneuve-sur-Vère and the wine of the Domaines Gayrard and d'Escausses!
The bastides and the Gorges de l'Aveyon
Walking along the valley of the Vère, one feels obervated. Here, nothing escapes the benevolent gaze of the fortified towns of Castelnau-de-Montmiral and Puycelsi. Perhaps you have seen the first one, which opens the way to the valley for those who venture there from Gaillac. The second is more discreet. It resisted the English during the Hundred Years' War and only reveals itself to those who take the time to approach its long ramparts and venture into the maze of its streets. Continuing on the road, after passing the charming village of Larroque, the castle of Bruniquel rises above us! From the top of their cliff, they impose their presence and are adorned with a golden crown at sunset. Finally, a little further on, it is another castle that resists the passing centuries. The fortress of Penne, resounds with many animations when spring comes.
Cordes sur Ciel is the leader of the Grand Site Occitanie "Cordes sur Ciel & cités médiévales", completed by the villages of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Puycelsi, Penne and Bruniquel. A nice spotlight provided by this label which gathers the most beautiful cultural and natural sites of the region.
Grands Sites Occitanie "Cordes sur Ciel & cités médiévales"
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