Main photo

Things to see and do.......

Towns and villages

Villefranche market Belcastel - beautiful village with Michelin restaurant Villefranche market Villefranche market Villefranche market Cordes sur Ciel from Les Bazandes St. Antonin noble Val Laguepie Villefrance de Rouergue Restaurant at Albi Biarritz - approx 4 hours away Millau Bridge - approx 2 hrs away

» Click thumbnails for full-size images

 

Places to visit

Our favourite places to go are the markets, especially Villefranche (Thursday), St. Antonin Noble Val (Sunsay), Najac (Sunday) and Cordes (Saturday).  They are genuine, lively French markets and sell lovely food and wine.

All three houses are well located for exploring and enjoying the villages, towns and countryside of this very pretty part of France, particularly the Aveyron and Tarn Gorges and the many Bastide towns.

The area appeals to lovers of architecture and culture, as well as to walking and cycling enthusiasts.  All the houses contain details of over 35 walks in the area which are within a 30 minute drive. 

For example, Laguepie, only 15 minutes away, has lovely walks to the chateau and along the rivers, nice cafés and restaurants, and the water is clean and safe for swimming.

Further afield......

If you fancy a drive or train journey you can visit:

  • Toulouse, 'la ville rose', with its beautiful pink buildings, shops and activity centres such as Cité de l'espace (City of Space Travel).  Also the home of the top French rugby club;

  • the amazing Millau bridge;

  • Roquefort, to vist the cheese caves;

  • the prehistoric caves at Peche-Merle and Grotte de Merveilles in the Lot;

  • Moissac, site of the famous Roman-built monastery;

  • the big jazz festivals at Marciac, Montauban and others.

And if you'd like a complete change of scene for a few days, try:

  • Carcassonne, the famous medieval walled city;

  • Andorra and the Pyrenees, approximately 3 hours drive;

  • Some of the famous Cathar sites such as Beziers, Foix and Montsegur;

  • Narbonne, Montpelier and the South Coast;

  • Bordeaux, Biarritz and the West Coast.

 

 

Activities

Canoeing on the Aveyron Fishing - lower gdn, Les Bazandes Canoeing on the Aveyron Walking at Laguepie River swimming at Laguepie Walking and photography Wining and dining! Les Bazandes, Cordes sur Ciel Messing about in the water Cooking and new recipes Cycling and the Tour de France History and siteseeing

» Click thumbnails for full-size images

 

Things to do

Cycling.  In 2003 the Tour de France passed Les Bazandes' front door so we are in true cycling country.  Recommended cycling circuits through the bastide towns and vineyards are available at the house

Walking.  We have lots of recommended ‘parcours et randonnée’ (PR) walks, all with detailed instructions so you don’t get lost!  There’s also the famous grande randonnée GR36, which passes through Cordes and Najac and means you can join the thousands of people each year who follow the footsteps of Saint Jacques’ pilgrimage, sometimes all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain!

Easy and safe canoeing is available at Laguepie (15 mins) or St Antonin, and is great fun.

Cap Découverte, a huge theme and pleasure park built in the massive disused mines at Blaye les Mines (20 mins)  includes water-sports, rides (some at high altitude), skating, mountain biking and a museum of the old mines

Fishing, there are many rivers to choose from, including:

There are also a number of private fishing lakes.

Other sports and activities include:

Hire of bicycles, golf clubs and fishing rods can be arranged.

Food and drink

Where do you start!  In addition to Cahors which is an hour to the north, wine connoisseurs might like to investigate the local vineyards of Gaillac and Marcillac. 

Locally there are numerous inexpensive, good quality restaurants and auberges (many specialising in local foods and produce) as well as some higher priced and internationally famous restaurants within a short drive away. 

Further details and contact numbers are available at each house and from tourist offices in the area.

Music and theatrical festivals  

Most towns and villages organise music and theatrical festivals throughout the holiday season - full details available at each house.  Castanet, and nearby Monteils, also hold their annual fetes in mid-late August - great fun and a chance to try some local dishes.