Cordes sur Ciel - high village

About an hours drive from the French cottage is the stunning village of Cordes sur Ciel, with its double wall and gateways and beautiful gothic buildings.

On the way there you will pass through St Antonin Noble Val - well worth a look around.

Further on from Cordes sur Ciel is the red city of Albi with its large cathedral and many cafes. Along the various routes to the Tarn there are many small attractive villages, some high above the river and some nestled in the trees hidden from the road.

The vacation rental is in an area which was influenced by the Cathars, Henry II who married Eleanor of Aquitaine, the 100 years war and the religious wars of the 15th century. The French villages in this area were built on the top of hills for defence during the 100 years war. There are often vestiges of gateways and other defence features in the villages, although houses were often built into the old walls later.

Moissac - World Heritage Abbey

Moissac was built as a resting place along the main pilgrim route of the Middle Ages. Down on the plains, it can get quite hot in summer, but the cool cloisters of the Abbey with their marvellous sculptures are a treat. Nearby is a large aqueduct where the canal from Toulouse to Bordeaux crosses high above the Garonne in South West France.

Figeac - the Rosetta Stone

To the north of the gite lies Figeac, the home of the translator of the Rosetta Stone, and the pretty village of Autoire, the well preserved Chateau at Montal, and Assier all worth a visit if you have the time.

Bastide Country in SW France

To the north east, the bastide towns of Monpazier and Villereal in the Dordogne provide yet another contrast. All easily accessible from the gite.

These pages feature only a small part of what you can see in the area while based in the vacation rental. We also provide you with circuit suggestions which go beyond the suggestions in the usual guidebooks. There is plenty more to see and do! The owner of this holiday rental often paints watercolours / watercolors of the area.

Papermills - Hand made Paper

Driving past Monpazier you come to the village of Couze where you can visit the last working paper mill on the River Couze. All the paper is made by hand.

Market towns of SW France

Or further north of Bergerac, you come to the great town of Perigueux, with its elegant shopping and large cathedral.

Or about an hour north of the cottage in Montcuq, you can visit the town of Sarlat with its beautiful medieval centre.

Of course there is more , much more . . . . you need to come and see our secret place in South West France

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