To escape the city for a day or a weekend, head to Matabiau station in Toulouse and 40 minutes later, the scenery will change: Gaillac, the Tarn, greenery, and the sweet smell of the countryside. And for getting around? We've tested the train, buses, and even electric bikes for a zero-carbon getaway. All the practical information is at the bottom of the page.
Gaillac, the vineyard in the heart of Occitanie
To get from the city center to the train station, simply follow the Madeleine shopping street. It'll take just 10 minutes to get there! Got a rumbling stomach? There's plenty to eat along the way, or perhaps at Place de la Libération.
A walk to get your legs moving
We begin with a stroll through the historic center. Follow the Rooster, a one-hour loop that begins at the Saint-Michel Abbey before descending to the old market gardening district, known as “l'Hortalisse.” Until the mid-20th century, this is where vegetables and fruit for the city were grown. The trail continues toward the Thomas banks before reaching the old port of Gaillac, where wine was shipped to Bordeaux.
Back at the abbey, take the time to go across the bridge and admire the old town from the Tarn. It's simply beautiful.
A stop at the Maison des Vins to taste Gaillac wines
After this moment of contemplation, we cross the abbey's large porch and head to the Maison des Vins. Why stop there? Mauzac, Loin de l'Oeil, Prunelart, and Duras are grape varieties unique to Gaillac, so this is the perfect opportunity to discover them. And because here, Caroline and her team welcome you year-round and share the region's fabulous history.
Favorite: the Gaillac markets
On Sunday mornings, a small traditional market takes place in the Place du Griffoul, not far from the abbey. You can also fill your basket on Friday mornings, the day of the main market, or during the market itself. Noctambio, Tuesday evening (big favorite 🧡)
Summer's good deals
Chill or dance?
- Chill side: the Ampelograph, the ephemeral bar of the House of Wines. Located in the courtyard of the Abbey, you can sit comfortably on the sofas, in the shade of the parasols, to continue exploring the diversity and richness of the region, accompanied by a snack board. On Monday evenings in summer, the atmosphere is more festive with concerts.
- Guinguette side: we go down to the banks of the Tarn to join the Lido guinguette and enjoy a concert.
My Winegrower's Cellar, the winegrowers' agenda
The bike aperitif
Want to explore the vineyards without getting too tired? And preferably at the end of the day so it's perfect for aperitif time. You should visit Christophe, from Stations Bee's, in Gaillac, on a Thursday evening in summer. He'll accompany you on an electric bike through the vineyards, heading towards Castelnau-de-Montmiral. Once at the top of the medieval town, enjoy an aperitif and tapas in the Place des Arcades, the central square of this charming village. And before heading back down, admire the Grésigne forest bathed in the late afternoon light.
Taking time
Rent a bike (electric or not)
It's possible to rent bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes in Gaillac or Lisle-sur-Tarn. In Lisle, Léonce Bikes is located just across the street from the train station. And in Gaillac, Stations Bee's is located in the center, a 10-minute walk from the train station.
A way to spend a day in peace and quiet without engine noise 🙂.
Lisle-sur-Tarn, the fortified port
The central square, the beating heart of the city
Geometric, lined with arcades, mixing red bricks and half-timbering... Have you noticed? The central square of Lisle-sur-Tarn ticks all the boxes of what makes the charm of the bastides.
There's something going on here all year round. Sunday mornings are the busy, vibrant market. People usually stop at the café to enjoy the market atmosphere.
And at Christmas, the farmers' market is a must: large tables for dining and meeting neighbors, and authentic local artisans to stock up on gifts. The atmosphere is guaranteed!
Between gluttony and committed drawing
The Chocolate Art Museum
For those with a sweet tooth, stop by the Art of Chocolate Museum. Nestled under the arcades of the central square, the museum is housed in a former 18th-century mansion that's definitely worth the detour. And of course, you'll be amazed by the animal sculptures created by various master chocolatiers and renowned sculptors, like Casimir Ferrer, a local. Mouth agape, but don't bite!
Raymond Lafage Museum and Graphic Arts
Here are gathered exclusive Charlie Hebdo press cartoons, caricatures, engravings, and more generally graphic arts from the 17th century to the present day. Anne-Marie Carrassus, the museum's curator and a true graphic arts enthusiast, continually offers events throughout the year. Take the time to visit: you'll be surprised.
Last stop before Toulouse
Rabastens and the Church of Notre-Dame du Bourg
Rabastens, everyone gets off... And you only have to cross the Tarn to find yourself in the old town. Not even 10 minutes flat.
1. The old town and its incredible church
As you approach the historic center, you can see the bell tower of Notre-Dame du Bourg in the distance. This church is a must-see, as inside, paintings dating back to the Middle Ages have been miraculously preserved. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the remarkable sites on the Way of St. James, this little gem remains largely unknown to tourist circuits: you might as well enjoy it while it's secret 🤫
2. Saturday, market day
Continuing straight ahead, hop, we arrive at the long Promenade des Lices lined on both sides with hundred-year-old plane trees. Saturday is market day, so the promenade comes alive and nostrils quiver, enticed by the cooking smells emanating from the various food trucks. We fell in love with the falafels 🧡
3. Mountain biking, banks of the Tarn and enchanted castle
For the more athletic, there's a trail departing from Rabastens that takes you along the shaded banks of the Tarn River, heading towards Lisle-sur-Tarn. You'll pass by the Château de Saint-Géry. Open to the public only in summer and on certain dates. For more information, see the calendar.
4. Feet in the water
A little dip at the foot of the ramparts? Let's go, we're heading towards Rabastens beach, nestled at the foot of the bridge. Supervised swimming in the afternoons in July and August.
How to come and get around?
By train and bus
From Toulouse or Albi
- Arriving by train from Toulouse: 40 minutes
- Arriving by train from Albi: 15 minutes
Go from Gaillac to Lisle-sur-Tarn
- Bus No. 702: approximately every hour.
Travel time: 10 min
Price: € 2
- Train
Travel time: 6 minutes
Price: between €1 and €2.8
Go from Lisle-sur-Tarn to Rabastens
- Bus No. 702
Every hour or so.
Travel time: 35 minutes
Price: € 2
- Train
Travel time: 13 minutes
Price: between €1 and €2.8
Rent a bike (electric or not)
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