Walking in the Land of the Crusades, France
The countryside north of the Tarn Valley hides a timeless landscape of unspoiled medieval bastides, or fortified villages, largely dating from the turbulent 12th-century when the English sought to dominate this land.
From £665pp (from £892pp inc rail) based on 2 people sharing
Greentraveller's Top Tips: If you've extra time to explore Albi before catching the train, this charming village plays host to plenty of interesting markets worth visiting. These include a vegetable market every morning except Mondays and an arts and crafts fair on Saturdays. Alternatively, Parc Rochegude is very close to the train station and an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Details of Walking Holiday in the Land of the Crusades
Despite a turbulent past, today, all is calm and you can now enjoy a leisurely exploration of the tiny, arcaded squares and crumbling fortifications before walking along inviting footpaths to discover one of France’s most alluring corners. Combine leisurely walking through landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany, a spot of history, chambres d’hôtes (guesthouses) of great character and flavoursome regional cuisine, and you have all the ingredients for a delightful walking holiday. The route takes you through the rolling countryside just north of one France’s greatest rivers - the Tarn - ending at the remarkable village of Cordes-sur-Ciel. Along the way, you stay in some of the typical medieval fortified hill-top villages that make this region so special.
Accommodation:
Chez Delphine, Puycelci You will receive a warm welcome from Delphine de Laveleye to her beautiful 17th-century house which has just five stylish rooms and a swimming pool in the pretty gardens. Dinner is included at a local restaurant.
La Croix du Sud, Castelnau-de-Montmiral While at this beautiful chambres d’hôtes (with a pool) just below the village, we include taxis to and from a local restaurant (pay locally for dinner).
Les Vents Bleus, Donnazac This much-praised chambres d’hôtes, with pool, has been exquisitely converted from an 18th-century farmhouse.
La Maison Bakéa, Cordes-sur-Ciel A charming 18th-century building in the heart of this beautiful town, offering just five rooms, exposed stone walls and wooden galleries built around a cobbled courtyard. Here, you will feel you are really stepping back in time.
Traveller Reviews of This Trip
All the bastide villages were delightful and the scenery we walked through was lovely. A special highlight for us was finally arriving in Cordes after the uphill walk in a temperature of 95 degrees F! Le Jardin des Paradis in Cordes is lovely, too. This was our second Inntravel holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr CP Jones, Winchester, 21/06/2011
We loved the walking routes on this holiday. They had a good mix of villages and scenic views - but most of all they were quiet. We met no other walkers (apart from during the circular walk near Puycelci) but only some riders on horseback who called 'bonjour' to us as they rode by. Ms K, London, 06/09/2010
We felt genuinely welcomed by the people in the places we stayed – very kind and hospitable without being over-bearing. The distinctive character of the places we stayed was lovely to experience and without exception, the beds were extremely comfortable and everywhere spotlessly clean. We enjoyed having time to explore an area in a leisurely way. Mrs J, Altrincham, 02/08/2010
For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking in the Land of the Crusades
What price includes
- 7 nights' B&B accommodation
- 3 dinners, 3 picnics
- Delightful chambres d'hôtes
- Route notes and maps
- 3 guesthouses have pools
- Luggage transported
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Chez Delphine, Puycelci
Montauban
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Taxis to the hotel can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get there:
Train from London to Montauban (via Paris)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
La Maison Bakéa, Cordes-sur-Ciel
Albi
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Taxis to the railway station can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get back:
Train from Albi to London (via Toulouse & Paris)
