Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

Arrival at the first accommodation in Cordes, an amazing medieval town of cobbled streets, which is perched on a hilltop high above the surrounding countryside. It is a bastide town, founded in what was then (and still is) a remote rural district in the 13th century; lacking a name, it took its name from the great Spanish city of Cordova. Accommodation: A lovely 2* hotel combining the charm of a medieval building with modern comfort. It is built into the old town walls in Haute-Cordes. All 7 rooms have ensuite facilities. The hotel is close to the restaurants and shops of the upper town for your evening meal.

This is quite a long day, but before leaving Cordes, you might wish to explore the lovely covered market, ancient streets and carved facades of the old buildings. Then wind your way down through the Porte des Ormeaux to Les Cabannes and across fields and an ancient stone bridge, skirting a little vineyard. Scattered farms and shady woodland lead you near to Roussayrolles. You could visit this pretty hamlet for a break or dive into the leafy valley of the River Laussiere. Then passing abandoned watermills, climb through a pinewood to arrive at the massive Dolmen de Vaour at an ancient crossroads. There is an easier walk (via the road from Lapeyrade) into the pretty village of Vaour. Approximate total Ascent: 720m / Descent 900m Accommodation: A carefully renovated farmhouse, this Chambre d'Hotes is located 1.5 km from the village. The comfortable rooms are ensuite, and there is an outdoor swimming-pool. The owner cooks delicious meals with products from the local markets. Evening meal, breakfast, and packed lunch are included.

After some woodland and pastoral meanderings with some more tiny hamlets your path takes you along a wooded limestone scarp with splendid views across the Aveyron Gorge, before descending and then reascending to arrive at the little village of Penne, clustered below the ruins of the castle above the River Averyron. This has associations with both the One Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion. From Penne descend to the Aveyron Bridge, cross the river and ascend the forested scarp and continue through depopulated lands, and fields where the forest has regrown. Views open up over the Aveyron Gorge and towards Bruniquel Chateau perched on its rock. Having re-crossed the River Aveyron, climb up and explore lovely old Bruniquel village, with its C13 and C16 castles. Approximate total Ascent: 500m / Descent 750m Accommodation: A traditional stone built house in the centre of the village, this 4 * Chambre d'Hotes offers lovely comfortable rooms, all ensuite.

From Bruniquel your path climbs to take you through the ancient forest of Gresigne. This is the largest forest in south west France, which has many varieties of holly, some unique to this region and the marks of prehistoric man. You emerge from the woods to climb steeply up to the old Bastide of Puycelci. The village itself was founded in the 10th century by Benedictine Monks from the Aurillac Abbey. Until the First World War, the village was quite prosperous, with a population of nearly 2,000 in 1830. Almost abandoned in the 1950s, it was since then restored by its inhabitants and is now listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Approximate total Ascent: 550m / Descent 490m Accommodation: A former inn dating back from the 18th century, this 3* hotel has 8 tastefully decorated rooms, all ensuite.

Cross the green valley of the River Vere and climb through the village of Laval to follow the edge of a wood. Follow the GR signs through vineyards, climb through a wood towards the ruins of Lagarde. Head along a ridge with views of Castelnau de Montmiral as you approach it. Then descend off the ridge crossing the valley and up into the bastide, which has a very interesting centre with a 17th century square. Approximate total Ascent: 800m / Descent 790m Accommodation: A charming 3* hotel in an historic building in the old square. Breakfast may be taken in the courtyard. The hotel has a small outdoor pool, with great views.

The longest day is a little easier to start with in that it is flatter country initially through the vineyards of Gaillac to the little town of Cahuzac-sur-Vere. The finish is hillier, past the Chateau de Clayrac to a stunning view of Cordes as you approach it and a satisfying finish as you return to complete your circular Tarn walk. Approximate total Ascent: 650m / Descent 480m Accommodation: On your return to Cordes, stay in the same comfortable hotel as on the first night of the tour.

Depart Cordes after breakfast. If you are taking the optional Albi extension, at 9.30 am a taxi will collect you & your luggage from your hotel and drive you to Albi. On your way into the town you will cross one of the fine redbrick bridges over the River Tarn. After checking in you can explore the town on foot, including the magnificent and fortress-like medieval red-brick cathedral and the former bishops' palace which now houses the world’s biggest collection of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec who was born in Albi. There are pleasant riverside walks along the Tarn River. Accommodation: Optional Albi extension. A small 2* hotel conveniently situated in a quiet location, close to the old town centre and cathedral. Alternatively we can arrange an upgrade to a centrally located 3* hotel. See below for details.