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The Timeless Tarn
Nights: 7
Starting point: Hotel Chiffre (3*), Albi. This family-run hotel is centrally-located, just five minutes' walk from the main sights. Enjoy well-crafted cuisine in the smart restaurant. Day 1: we recommend that you start the day by exploring Albi, often referred to as La Ville Rose because of its red-brick buildings which glow pink under the setting sun. The two highlights are the striking cathedral, the largest brick building in the world, and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum (pay locally). After leaving Albi you have a choice of routes - the shorter route leads eastwards along the Tarn's scenic north bank, while the other route loops north of the river, passing through several sleepy villages that nestle in the hills. (20km or 30km) Accommodation: Hotel du Pont (2*), Ambialet. Located by the bridge into the village, with gardens leading down to the water's edge, this friendly, comfortable hotel has been run by the same family for over two centuries and boasts an outdoor pool and a pleasant terrace. Day 2: if you did not do so yesterday, you could explore the hills to the north of the river, or you could cross the river and cycle to the attractive village of St André, enjoying sweeping views as you progress. Alternatively, stay in Ambialet and stroll to the village's ancient priory before spending the afternoon by the hotel pool. (22km or 42km) Accommodation: Hotel du Pont, as above. Day 3: as on the first day, the route keeps to the north bank of the river, the scenic quiet country road echoing the curls of the river as it passes through numerous small villages. Your destination is Brousse-le-Château, probably the most beautiful of all the Tarn's villages, with ancient houses that tumble down from the castle to the river. (32km) Accommodation: Relays du Chasteau (2*), Brousse-le-Château. This pretty inn has been run by the same family for several generations and its restaurant is popular with the locals. Day 4: if you enjoyed yesterday's ride, you can cycle to Villeneuve along the north bank of the river, retracing much of the previous route. Otherwise you can start by riding along the equally scenic south bank, though the road eventually leaves the river to climb into the hills past an excellent viewpoint and descend into the Rance Valley, which you follow westwards to rejoin the Tarn. (22km or 30km) Accommodation: Hostellerie des Lauriers (2*), Villeneuve. A small auberge converted from a handsome 18th-century stone building. There is an indoor pool and a terrace overlooking the river. Day 5: you have various options for your day in Villeneuve. For a break from cycling, relax at the hotel, making the most of its pool, or hire canoes (pay locally) and take to the water for a different perspective of the valley. Alternatively, we suggest a cycling route that initially heads eastwards, climbing the side of the Tarn Valley, with great views of the river, before following the contour into the Rance Valley to the attractive village of Plaisance, which makes a pleasant lunch stop. You return to Villeneuve on quiet lanes that keep close to the water, so you may spot herons as you ride. (20km) Accommodation: Hostellerie des Lauriers, as above. Day 6: your last day's ride takes you along the north bank of the river, offering a different perspective of the valley as well as glimpses of Albi's cathedral as you approach. (50km) Accommodation: Hotel Chiffre, as above. Recommendations for extra nights: Albi, at the beginning, is great and offers the chance for an easy warm up circuit to the west on which you can get used to your bikes. The Hostellerie des Lauriers (Villeneuve) is also a good choice as there are various options to fill your day. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Ancient Périgord (grade 2), Dordogne Valley (grade 2), Dordogne & Vézère Valleys (grade 2), Danube Castles & Vineyards (grade 1-2), Heart of Catalonia (grade 1-2), San Gimignano and the Sienese Plains (grade 1-2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Rodez & Toulouse Extra night prices 2008
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back > Booking |
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The Mediterranean landscapes of the Tarn are ideal for exploration on two wheels. Setting out from Toulouse-Lautrec's Albi, you head east into increasingly rugged scenery, leaving the vineyards and wooded slopes to discover warm hills of cork oaks and cypress trees. You explore both banks of the river on quiet lanes, with many riverside stretches, and plenty of time to explore the region's sleepy villages.
Albi cathedral 
