Generous in natural landscapes, Gaillac and its surroundings bring a change of scenery and serenity to those who explore them. Through its valleys, picturesque villages and plains, stretch green and soothing spaces that transform these discoveries into precious and memorable moments.
The Grésigne Forest
Between Gaillac and Cordes sur Ciel, somewhere to the west, lies a vast forest. Venturing along its paths means letting yourself be carried away by nature, in the middle of the largest oak grove in Europe.
Along the Heritage Trail in Puycelsi or the Baronne Trail near Castelnau-de-Montmiral, we let ourselves be accompanied by the sound of water and the myriad of small streams that crisscross the massif. Suddenly, we hear a noise! It rustles on the fallen leaves, it cracks on the branches, it taps against the trunks... There's no doubt we're not alone! This forest, rarely visited by humans, is a paradise for small mammals, birds and insects. A proliferation that has earned it classification as a Natura 2000 zone since 2007. In this haven of coolness in summer, there are also hidden multiple historical remains from all eras. Can you find them?
Deer bellowing, an unusual experience
During the autumn, it is in the heart of the Grésigne forest that you can hear the roar of the deer, an unusual and unforgettable experience.
The Forest of Sivens
In Tuscany Occitane, you don't have to go far to relax in the heart of nature. A few kilometers north of Lisle-sur-Tarn, head to the Maison Forestière, the starting point for many trails! Rather a short walk to stretch your legs, or a longer hike? It's all there. In the fall, the nuances of color can be appreciated as you pick mushrooms... with your eyes focused on the ground. Children will look up to see the little nest boxes hidden in the trees of this Natural area of ecological interest, fauna and flora.
After the walk, a meal break on the picnic tables and a little zip line ride are a must. The best way to combine calm and activities!
The Bonnan Valley
When you walk through this narrow valley near Milhars, you sometimes wonder where to start. In just a few steps, you jump from wet meadows to dry slopes with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Along the path where a small stream winds, flowers appear in large numbers in the summer and adorn the valley with spring scents. We take advantage of this bucolic atmosphere to reach the ruins of the Madeleine church and their mysterious charm. There, a break is essential to enjoy the scenery that this place classified as a Sensitive Natural Area offers to our eyes!
The Vère Valley
With its magnificent villages offering unmissable viewpoints, the Vère valley imposes on its visitors a few architectural stops, punctuated why not by a swim in the summer.
Close to the Grésigne national forest, the village of Larroque nestled against its cliff can be seen by taking the Mespel path. Then continue to the village of Cahuzac-sur-Vère, located in the heart of the valley in the middle of vineyards and hillsides. There, you will find the Château de Mauriac facing that of Dirty bags has become a superb gourmet hotel-restaurant.
The lakes
On the heights of Rabastens, towards Grazac, the Auzerals lake is very popular with walkers, joggers and also fishermen. It is also an ideal place for a picnic in a beautiful green setting. It is close to that of Bellevue at Lisle-sur-tarn where an orienteering course takes walkers and adventurers through its grassy areas.
A little further east, in Graulhet, the Nabeillou lake has an incredible population of carp! As for Lake Miquelou, a discovery trail passing by its dam allows you to discover all its biodiversity.
Along the Tarn
An enchanting green setting, the Tarn is teeming with experiences that awaken the senses! Gourmets, curious people, adventurers, oenophiles, history and architecture enthusiasts will find what they are looking for here. The most beautiful views of the Tarn from the Rabastens bridge, from Gaillac to theSt. Michael's Abbey, passing through the bridge of Lisle-sur-tarn, the river has several spots to dazzle its visitors.
Between espalier gardens, half-timbered houses, hilltop villages and Caussenard architecture, the Tarn relies on all its assets at the same time. Barge ride to reach Albi or aperitif-boat, the activities combine conviviality and discoveries.
The Tescou plain
Between the fortified city of Salvagnac surrounded by agricultural hillsides and that of Montgaillard, a mixture of meadows, valleys and crops, nestles the Tescou plain. From golden yellow to bright green, a landscape of rolling countryside is drawn with colors worthy of a painter's palette, where hikes allow you to discover exceptional viewpoints such as the Hauts de Maladène and Le Salvagnacois.
And when it's time for lunch, opt for good local products from organic farming in the area. Coffee at the Edge of the World in Salvagnac.
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