Land of the Crusades

The Tarn - timeless medieval landscapes

Holiday information

Nights: 7
Grade: 2, frequent ascents & descents
Terrain: rolling hills, vineyards and woodland
Hotels: four chambres d'hôtes
Meals: 3 dinners, 7 breakfasts, 3 picnics

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Extend your stay

Combine this with our Along the Tarn Valley walk to make a wonderful two-week Tarn discovery.

Why not take the train?

You can leave London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet in the morning and be at your destination by the evening, making it an excellent (not to mention environmentally friendly) way to reach this holiday. You can relax right from the start of your journey as Eurostar services whisk you through the Channel Tunnel to connect with the world-famous French high-speed TGV trains in either Paris or Lille. We reserve seats for you, there is plenty of luggage space, and refreshments are available on board.

You may even break your journey in Paris if you are travelling via the capital. Sit back and enjoy a truly great rail journey! Look for the ‘by rail’ prices in the Prices & Travel section, where you will also find journey details.

self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking, luggage transported
evocative landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany
timeless ancient villages
rich history & heritage
delightful chambres d'hôtes (guesthouses)

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, and the Pope encouraged the Albigensian Crusades to rid this region of Cathar heretics. 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.

With exposed stone walls and wooden galleries overlooking a cobbled courtyard, it was like stepping back in time.

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.

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The Castles of the Cathars
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Spain’s Secret Sierra
Glorious woodland, far-reaching views and timeless villages.
Three Rivers of the South-West
La France profonde - medieval villages and idyllic scenery. New.

Call Inntravel on 01653 617001

Land of the Crusades

Call Inntravel on
01653 617001