Chateau Brametourte, Lautrec 81 440, France
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Location
Lautrec
Direction
N
Minutes to
Drive
5
Image
Beautiful medieval ‘bastide’ with two bars, Tourist
Information, and a walk to the top of the hill past the
ancient windmill to scenic views. Look out for the model of
Brametourte on the map at the top of the hill. Remember
that Lautrec is most famous for its ‘ail rose’ or ‘pink garlic’ –
eat lots!
Lautrec outdoor
swimming pool
N
2
Outdoor pools with slides and refreshments – perfect for
cooling off.
Realmont
N
15
Wednesday morning provides the local regional farmers
market for a traditional French experience and a chance to
stock up on our weeks veggies.
Cordes sur Ciel
N
45
Stunning medieval ‘bastide’ with medieval carvings in the
stonework of the ancient houses, cobbled streets and a
feeling of being in the sky or ‘ciel’.
Albi
N
30
Stunning medieval town on the River Tarn. Cathedral built
by the Pope following the destruction of the ‘heretic’
cathars by the catholics – the tallest brick building in
Europe – to serve as a warning to non catholics. The
Toulouse Lautrec museum is here along with restaurants in
the cloisters, boat trips or walks along the river and unique
French boutiques. It is also possible to cycle here on one
of our four bicycles along the old railway line cycle path.
Toulouse Lautrec’s
Ancestral Home Chateau
du Bosc
N
45
Fascinating to see the house that Toulouse Lautrec grew
up in before seeing his exhibition in Albi Museum.
Lisle sur Tarn
NW
30
Just a pretty, peaceful little village to wander around and
enjoy.
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Gaillac
N
30
This town, also on the River Tarn, is the centre of our local
wine growing area – great for wine tasting and buying by
the case load with a range of prices whatever your budget!
Rocamadour
N
120
This village is built into the side of a cliff with caves
underneath – everyone who goes here is in raptures!
Roquefort
NE
90
Learn how this village has developed and exported this
delicious cheese – with the help of a few sheep and
maturing in caves with bread mould. You can buy
exceptional mature Roquefort cheeses here that you
cannot buy in the shops.
Millau
NE
90
Unbelievable and ‘tres celebre’ bridge that feels like it
hangs within the heavens. Terrible for the vertigo!
Gorges of the Tarn
NE
120
Striking views, interesting villages and chateau and
possible to kayak along with someone to meet you at the
end.
Le Sidobre
E
30
Some bizarre volcanic rocks piled up around a national
park in the mountains to explore and enjoy! Take
refreshments as it is isolated.
Narbonne Plage
E
120
Our nearest pretty little fishing village with fish restaurants
along an endless line of sandy beach. If you prefer one
over night stay to break the journey we can recommend the
clean and simple Le Neptune on the sea front – Boulevard
de la Douane, 11560 St Pierre La Mer 0468751300.
Ensuite rooms at c€90 per double. There is also an
interesting old abbey on the way – past Carcasonne which
is well worth a visit.
Castres
SE
20
Old local town – formally the heart of the leather industry.
Restaurants and bars and the Goya Museum. The Irish
Bar on a Thursday night usually has a band and is very
lively. Markets take place every morning in the central
square - Place Jean Jaures. It is also possible to cycle here
on one of our four bicycles along the old railway line cycle
path.
Hautpoul
SE
45
Via the leather town of Mazamet, escape to the cool of a
medieval mountain village situated in the Montagnes Noir.
Be ready for a hike - it’s a car free zone! Near there is a
lake in the mountain where you can swim and relax.
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Carcasonne
SE
90
Centre of Cathar power in the medieval époque – stunning
fairy tale castle and cathedral [although be prepared for lots
of tourists after the tranquillity of the countryside].
Canal de Midi
S-SE
60 - 90
The canal that allowed the Med to be connected to the
Atlantic was a stunning piece of medieval engineering.
Join it at various points for a walk or a cycle ride and picnic.
Castles of the Cathars
SE
120
Stunning views from a line of castle ruins along a vast
isolated valley – their last haven of escape. 800 years later
- you can still sense the sorrow of this destroyed civilisation
- tortured, starved and murdered in the name of
Christianity.
Perpignan
SE
150
Spanish and French culture merge in this colourful historic
city.
Revel
S
30
A market town with a large local market on Saturday
mornings.
Reine le Chateau
S
120
This is one of the strangest places I have ever been to.
Heavy with myths and legends – it is supposed to have
been the retreat of Mary Magdalene – believed by the
locals to have been the true wife of Jesus. Why is there an
inscription above the church door saying ‘Evil lies here’.
Toulouse
W
60
If you have had enough of tranquillity then try the
international university ‘rose’ city and the ancient capital of
Occitanie. Museums, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and
the airbus tour or aerospace exhibition will keep you busy
enough for three days!
Events
All summer long the area will have village ‘vide greniers’
[literally ‘empty the attic’] and brocantes to find all sorts of
interesting French oddments for a few euro. Negotiation is
expected. Also virtually every weekend there are festivals
so ask us about what is on when you come and visit.
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