Remarkable sites and attractions
If the history and geography of Tarn-and-Garonne are each rich and varied, when combined some truly exceptional sites have been created.
These "marvels" all have a point in common: man has added his genius to existing natural wonders.
These sites are to be found wherever you go: along paths and on the waterways: abbeys (Moissac, Belleperche, Beaulieu-en-Rouergue), villages listed "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (most beautiful villages in France), the brick built town of Montauban, the Garonne canal and the Aveyron gorges.
Exceptional religious monuments
Founded in the seventh century, the abbey of Moissac, one of the most beautiful architectural sites in France, was annexed in 1047 to the powerful abbey of Cluny and from the twelfth century became the most eminent monastery in south-west France. Its cloister and southern tympanum, listed as a world heritage site, are marvels of Romanesque (Norman) sculpture on the route Saint-Jacques de Compostelle.
Founded around 1130, the Cistercian abbey at Belleperche was considered one of the most powerful in the south-west. Its strategic position on the banks of the Garonne provided an exceptional site enabling its cultural and economic growth. Owned by the County Council (Conseil Général de Tarn-et-Garonne) since 1983, it today houses the Centre for Culinary Arts.
The Cistercian abbey at Beaulieu-en-Rouergue was founded in 1144 in the Seye valley by Adhémar III, bishop of Rodez. Greatly embellished in the 17th and 18th centuries, it suffered a decline after the French Revolution. Bought in 1960 by art lovers and much restored, today it houses numerous modern art exhibitions.
Villages listed "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (most beautiful villages in France)
Three particularly remarkable villages: Lauzerte, Auvillar et Bruniquel.
Lauzerte, perched high above a typical Quercy blanc (limestone) landscape, is a favoured stop-over on the pilgrims' way Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, A 12th century market town, many traces remain of the Middle Ages: the listed Norman chapel Saint-Sernin du Bosc, Cornières square with its arcades, mediaeval houses with 13th and 15th century facades
Auvillar, overhanging the Garonne, is also a picturesque resting place for pilgrims. This village, reputed in the 18th and 19th centuries for its ceramics, is now often visited for its round market hall dating from 1825, its clock tower and its church of Saint-Pierre.
Forming a crossroads between Quercy, Rouergue and the Albigeois region, Bruniquel appeals to tourists with its mediaeval atmosphere: its ramparts, two castles overhanging the Aveyron and the Payrol house, a 12th century cellar.
Montauban, town of Art and History
Montauban, nine centuries old, is wearing well! Built of pink brick, it offers the casual stroller visual delights such as the Place Nationale with its splendid arcades and surrounding old streets (now a pedestrian precinct), its "hôtels particuliers" (grand town houses /mansions), the view of the former Episcopal or Bishop's Palace from the Pont-Vieux (old bridge) and the François-Mitterrand rose-garden.
It is a town which has managed to keep its identity whilst renovating its architectural heritage, witness of a rich and eventful history. Sights to see:
the 17 th century Place Nationale,
the Church of Saint-Jacques,
the Ingres museum, housed in the magnificent 17 th century Episcopal or Bishop's Palace,
the 14 th century Pont-Vieux (old bridge),
Notre-Dame cathedral,
the sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle scattered around the town,
...
Garonne Canal (1838-1856)
If the Tarn and its tributary the Aveyron are conducive to canoeing-kayak, the Garonne lends itself to boating and pleasure sailing.
The "canal of the two seas" is the sum of two canals: the famous Midi canal (1666 -1681) linking Toulouse to Sète and listed as a world heritage site by Unesco and the Garonne canal (1838-1856) which crosses Tarn-et-Garonne connecting Bordeaux to Toulouse, and is a major tourist attraction.
These stretches of canal provide the oppportunity to encounter three particularities of this type of landscape: the water slope at Montech, the canal bridge at Cacor, Moissac, the canal bridge at Cacor, Moissac
The water slope at Montech: in service since 1974, it is an experimental installation quite unique; the water and the boat are propelled by motor down the gradient. Extending just less than 3 kilometres, Montech water slope allows the navigation of a drop of 13.30 metres, thus avoiding the five locks at Montech, Peyrets, Pellaborie, Escudiès and Pommiès.
The canal bridge at Cacor, Moissac: built in 1867, this bridge allows boats on the Garonne canal to navigate above the Tarn.
The canal bridge at Cacor, Moissac: built in 1845 in pink brick from Toulouse and Quercy stone, it straddles the Tarn. It is one of the most important curios in the department.
Aveyron gorges
The east of Tarn-and-Garonne once belonged to the Aveyron and so consists of gorges hollowed out of the limestone at the foot of sheer cliffs, to the delight of intense sports fans!
Canoeing-kayak is one of the most popular sports in this area. The impressive cliffs are moreover highly suitable for rock-climbing. And in addition to air or water sports, the Aveyron gorges also offer underground activities with numerous grottoes and caves suitable for potholing.
The mediaeval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is in the heart of the Aveyron gorges. An historic market town, it consists of a collection of old houses set higgledy-piggledy in a network of narrow, winding lanes where one can find mullioned windows, Gothic or Roman arches decorating old portals and remains of ancient market booths. "But it's a museum!", exclaimed Viollet-le-Duc upon discovering "the wee town of Saint-Antonin" one September day in 1842.
See also: castles, villages, mills, farms and museums.
Castles
Military fort at Brassac (12 th century)
Bruniquel castle (6 th century, with later additions)
Bioule (13 th century)
Cas castle (ceded to the KnightsTemplar in 1254).
Gramont castle (14 th century, Renaissance).
Saint-Projet castle known as "Queen Margot's castle" (end of 13 th century).
Typical villages
The "castelnaux" of Verdun-sur-Garonne, Caylus and Montpezat-de-Quercy.
Caylus, the village of ancient history, the fortified village of Montricoux, the mediaeval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, as well as Caussade, Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave.
The "bastides", such as Larrazet, Réalville, Nègrepelisse, Valence d'Agen, Castelsagrat, Garganvillar, Lafrançaise, Montjoi, Cordes-Tolosannes or Beaumont-de-Lomagne.
Mills in Tarn et Garonne
Nègrepelisse mill.
Lou Trelh mill at Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.
Moucherotte mill in Barry de Cas.
Las Vinhassas mill at Loze.
Educational farms
Peyret farm at Gensac.
Saint-Martin farm at Labarthe.
Gaziana vineyard at Labastide du Temple.
Tome du Ramier.
Verger de Varennes.
Museums
Ingres Museum at Montauban.
Marcel Lenoir Museum at Montricoux.
Contemporary Art Centre at Beaulieu-en-Rouergue.