Tarn Vacation Rentals

Within an hour or two's drive you can discover sundrenched beaches, great shopping, wine tasting, local markets, picturesque medieval villages, wonderful scenery – mountains, gorges, vineyards, lakes, waterfalls, and much more. You can even take a day out to Spain or tax-free shopping in Andorra. ALBI – Standing proudly on the banks of the river Tarn, this is a city where art and history stand side by side in one of the best preserved old towns in France. The former 13th century archbishop's palace, houses the celebrated Museum of the artist Toulouse-Lautrec who was born in Albi in 1864. More than 1000 pictures are housed in the museum, including all of the 31 posters he designed. THE LAURAGAIS AREA of the Tarn is farming country and the home of the famous blue dye woad. There is a happy atmosphere about the place, in unison with its welcoming architecture – picturesque hilltop villages, lively small market towns, ancient stone farm buildings and dovecotes, all set in a rolling countryside of gentle hills, fields of sunflowers and waving corn. RESTAURANTS Bars, cafes, bistros, brasseries, pizzerias, and restaurants – all around the Tarn there is a large choice of places to eat. On the terraces of small restaurants or in grand establishments awarded Michelin stars, you can enjoy delicious characteristic specialities that reflect local produce - foie gras, duck, charcuterie and the famous cassoulet, all accompanied by excellent local wines. MARKETS In the Tarn, you can find a different market for every day of the week. You can’t help but work up an appetite as you stroll round the colourful stalls with their beautiful displays of delicious local produce. Every Sunday sees a choice of flea markets in the surrounding villages where the locals empty their attics of unwanted items. WINE Wine enthusiasts can gather in Gaillac as this lovely small town in the Tarn boasts a dry, fruity white AOC wine. This very diverse land also produces full-bodied reds, tender early wines and light rosés. As you drive around the Gaillac area, you will see numerous signs reading "dégustation" which means you can stop and taste wines, and if you like what you taste you buy direct from the producer, sometimes at a significant discount. YOUR HOLIDAY WEATHER With an average of 2000 hours of sunshine a year, this is one of the sunniest regions of France. Temperatures rise to over 25 degrees C for between 60 and 80 days each year. Spring comes early and has a feel of summer about it. You can still see snow on the peaks of the Pyrenees when the shoots of the sunflowers begin to grow in the surrounding fields. July and August enjoy the warmth of intense sunshine with average temperatures of 26 to 28 deg C. Autumn often enjoys the warmth of an Indian summer with wonderful September light and still pleasant temperatures through to late October – perfect for a few days peace and quiet when everyone else is at work!