Delve into the heart of the Tarn region and explore the four iconic medieval villages of Occitan Tuscany. With panoramic views, preserved heritage, and gourmet breaks, this two- or three-day itinerary invites you on a journey far removed from everyday life.
First Step
Cordes sur Ciel
Visit: approximately 2 hours
We're starting this medieval trip off with a bang with the most spectacular of cities: Cordes sur Ciel. And I might as well warn you right away... it's a climb! But there's no question of turning back: each step brings you closer to a setting straight out of a swashbuckling novel. All along the climb, it's impossible to resist the calls of the artists' studios and artisan shops passionate. What if we stopped for a break?
Cordes sur Ciel : the must-do's
Partir en quête des secrets de la bière à Cordes sur Ciel
Practical information about Cordes-sur-Ciel
Where to park
At the foot of the village, going up the Planol or near the Porte de la Jane, paid parking spaces are available.
Further down, taking Rue du Cérou, you reach the Tuileries car park, the top floor of which is free.
Are there disabled parking spaces at the top of the village?
There are a few disabled parking spaces on Place Saint-Michel, at the very top of the village, next to the church.
Where can I find a map or visitor guide?
Come and meet us at our tourist information office, in the Maison Fonpeyrouse, at 34 Grand Rue Raymond VII, we have everything you need!
Is there a shuttle to go up to the top of the village?
The little shuttle train of Cordes sur Ciel takes you from Place de la Bouteillerie to Porte de la Jane. From there, there's still a bit of a slope to climb!
For the timetable, it's here: https://www.la-toscane-occitane.com/equipement/petit-train-navette/
Where to find public restrooms
At the foot of the village, Place de la Bouteillerie, near the Porte de la Jane or opposite the Saint-Michel church.
Is there a grocery store or gas station?
In the lower part of Cordes sur Ciel, you will find all the essential shops (groceries, bakeries, pharmacy, etc.). A little further down, on the road to Albi, there is also a gas station.
Staying at Cordes sur Ciel
Come on, let's drive for about 25 minutes. Our next stop awaits us a few 23 kms.
Second step
Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Visit: approximately 1 hour
From the mountain where you can see, enjoy the view that extends to the Grésigne forest, and then you're off for the visit.
The highlight of the show? The covered market square, of course! Its arcades and stone and timber-framed houses immerse you in the atmosphere of a 13th-century market square, when the village was founded... Further on, past the pillory, stands the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.
In Castelnau-de-Montmiral, you can follow the map or get lost in the narrow streets. Our favorite? Rue des chiffonniers or "pelharots" (ragpickers' street), we'll let you find it (but without a map, that would be cheating!).
Practical information for Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Are there any hikes to do around Castelnau?
Le Gradille path (2h40, 9km) begins at the cross, on the road to Saint-Jérôme. Before leaving and upon arrival, this spot offers a superb view of the village!
Le Baroness Trail (3h, 13km) starts at the Ourtigas car park, near the Maison forestière de la Grande Baraque, in the Grésigne forest.
Le Lagarde Castle Trail (3h30, 13km), starting from the Pradel car park, behind the Castelnau-de-Montmiral village hall.
Where to park?
There are free parking spaces behind the Castelnau-de-Montmiral community hall, on Place du Souvenir.
Is there a grocery store and gas station?
At the bottom of the village, along the D964, there is a convenience store and a gas station. There is also an electric vehicle charging station right next to it.
Where can I find a tour map?
Come meet us at tourist information office on the Place des Arcades! Even outside of opening hours, maps are available and the touchscreen terminal will allow you to stock up on information.
Sleeping and eating in Castelnau-de-Montmiral
Want to enjoy a little more of the charm of Castelnau-de-Montmiral? Here is our selection of accommodation as close as possible to the medieval village. For a gourmet break in the heart of the city, head to theArcades Inn all year round, or in season The Baladin of Grésigne, and theAuthentic Boutique Coffee (find out their opening dates beforehand).
Come on, it's time to get back on the road! 15 minutes (and 13km) further, the fortified village of Puycelsi stands on the horizon.
SURVEY(S), THE ESSENTIAL VISIT APP!
You can't miss the EnQuête(s) mobile app during your road trip. It's the perfect addition to your visit to discover the secrets and juicy anecdotes of our iconic cities (excluding Penne).
Download it now!
Third Step
Puycelsi
Visit: approximately 1 hours
Welcome to Puycelsi, nicknamed “The Fortress of the Woods”. So, where should we start? A stroll through the narrow streets, or a tour of the rampart walk? In the center of the village, we find the Saint-Corneille church, its ceiling reminiscent of Albi Cathedral, and its little pig sculpted on the portal… Strange, isn’t it?
During the visit, several shops invite you to push their doors.Convent Shop, local crafts group, ceramic workshops Aloussa et Lagrane or even the workshop of Cathy Bouat. We also never tire of the smell of old books at the bookstore near the church.
Practical information about Puycelsi
Where to park in Puycelsi?
At the top of the hill towards the village, at the roundabout, park in the car park behind the wooden Verger Conservatoire building. Parking further up, in the village, is prohibited from June 15 to September 15, except for people with reduced mobility and residents or authorized vehicles.
Are there any hikes to do around Puycelsi?
Le Heritage Trail (3h30, 11km) starts at the parking lot, at the foot of the village.
Its route takes you into the Grésigne forest and offers a very beautiful outside view of Puycelsi at the end of the route.
It is possible to shorten it by taking the variant (7km).
Is there a grocery store and gas station in Puycelsi?
In the village, very close to the church, you can find all the basic necessities at the Puycelsi grocery store.
On the other hand, the nearest gas station is in Castelnau-de-Montmiral. It's best to plan ahead!
Where can I find a map of Puycelsi?
Come visit us at our reception desk, open from July 1st to August 31st at the Maison Commune, 3 Place de l'Ancienne Mairie. Outside of these hours, the touchscreen kiosk is available for any information you may need!
Sleeping and eating in Puycelsi
Want to enjoy the sunsets that set the Vère Valley ablaze? Here are our accommodation in Puycelsi.
And if you're going to enjoy yourself, you might as well do it with a good meal! For a view of the valley, take a seat at the Garden of Lilies or the family Wild Shed. For the village center atmosphere, head to the Old Inn.
Less than 23 minutes check the route (21 km) And we're off on the final leg of our road trip. Along the way, we pass the Bruniquel castles, which overlook the valley, then turn right towards Penne.
Fourth Step
Penne
Visit: approximately 2 hours
There, another castle awaits us. A fortress whose ruins and some reconstructed sections tell the story of its eventful history.
A gentle climb through the village and its picturesque alleyways takes you to the entrance in just a few minutes. The tour can be done independently or with a guide, depending on the day.
From the dungeon to what remains of the chapel, including the museum, the castle has a lot to discover, so it's best to allow plenty of time.
Penne: the must-do's
From the end of May, it's hard not to want to stay a little longer in Penne to enjoy its outdoor activities...
Practical information about Penne
Where to park in Penne?
Free parking is available at the village hall and on the streets near the town hall and tourist office. Please note, however, that driving through the village is one-way and prohibited during the summer.
It is also possible to park on the service road of the D115 near the Penne bridge (pedestrian access via the Chemin de la Caussade which climbs up to the village).
Are there any hikes to do around Penne?
From the village, The Suquets of Penne (3h15, 10km) is a very beautiful hike that climbs through the undergrowth to overlook the Aveyron. It's best to wear good shoes, as it's a bit of a climb!
Is there a grocery store and gas station in Penne?
A convenience store is open every day except Monday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 16:30 p.m. to 19 p.m. (Sunday from 9 a.m. to 13 p.m.). However, the nearest gas station is located in Saint-Antonin Noble-Val, 15 km away.
Find practical information in tourist offices
Our team welcomes you to the Cordes-sur-Ciel reception desk year-round. Please check the opening hours of the Penne and Castelnau-de-Montmiral reception desks before heading there.
Themes
