Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

28 Views
7 Days From

$1181

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

7 Days Starting and ending in Cordes sur Ciel, France

Visiting: Cordes-sur-Ciel, Bruniquel, Puycelci, Castelnau de Montmiral, Albi

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JAB

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1181

NB: Prices correct on 20-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn on this immersive walking tour through the heart of rural France. Wander through historic sites of the Cathars, explore medieval hilltop towns, and traverse picturesque landscapes of vineyards, gorges, forests, and rivers. Visit four of the "Les Plus Beaux Villages" in France, staying in charming chambres d'hôtes and hotels that blend medieval charm with modern comfort. Stroll along cobbled streets, admire carved facades, and soak in the rich history of old buildings. With the option to extend your journey to the historic city of Albi, this self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Walking Historic Sites of the Cathars

  • Medieval Hilltop Towns

  • Vineyards, Gorges, Forests and Rivers of Rural France

  • 4 of the 'Les Plus Beaux Villages' in France

  • Cobbled Streets, Carved Facades, Old Buildings

  • Option to Extend with The Old City of Albi

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Cordes

Location: Cordes-sur-Ciel

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel in Haute-Cordes

Arrival at the first accommodation in Cordes, an amazing medieval town of cobbled streets, which is perched on a hilltop high above the surrounding countryside. It is a bastide town, founded in what was then (and still is) a remote rural district in the 13th century; lacking a name, it took its name from the great Spanish city of Cordova.
Accommodation: A lovely 2* hotel combining the charm of a medieval building with modern comfort. It is built into the old town walls in Haute-Cordes. All 7 rooms have ensuite facilities. The hotel is close to the restaurants and shops of the upper town for your evening meal.

Day 2 : Cordes To Vaour - 22.5 Km / 13 Miles Via Peyralade Or 26.5 Km / 16 Miles

Location: Cordes-sur-Ciel

Accommodation Name: Chambre d'Hotes in Vaour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is quite a long day, but before leaving Cordes, you might wish to explore the lovely covered market, ancient streets and carved facades of the old buildings. Then wind your way down through the Porte des Ormeaux to Les Cabannes and across fields and an ancient stone bridge, skirting a little vineyard. Scattered farms and shady woodland lead you near to Roussayrolles. You could visit this pretty hamlet for a break or dive into the leafy valley of the River Laussiere. Then passing abandoned watermills, climb through a pinewood to arrive at the massive Dolmen de Vaour at an ancient crossroads. There is an easier walk (via the road from Lapeyrade) into the pretty village of Vaour. Approximate total Ascent: 720m / Descent 900m
Accommodation: A carefully renovated farmhouse, this Chambre d'Hotes is located 1.5 km from the village. The comfortable rooms are ensuite, and there is an outdoor swimming-pool. The owner cooks delicious meals with products from the local markets. Evening meal, breakfast, and packed lunch are included.

Day 3 : Vaour To Bruniquel - 21.5 Km / 13.5 Miles

Location: Bruniquel

Accommodation Name: 4* Chambre d'Hotes in Bruniquel

After some woodland and pastoral meanderings with some more tiny hamlets your path takes you along a wooded limestone scarp with splendid views across the Aveyron Gorge, before descending and then reascending to arrive at the little village of Penne, clustered below the ruins of the castle above the River Averyron. This has associations with both the One Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion. From Penne descend to the Aveyron Bridge, cross the river and ascend the forested scarp and continue through depopulated lands, and fields where the forest has regrown. Views open up over the Aveyron Gorge and towards Bruniquel Chateau perched on its rock. Having re-crossed the River Aveyron, climb up and explore lovely old Bruniquel village, with its C13 and C16 castles. Approximate total Ascent: 500m / Descent 750m
Accommodation: A traditional stone built house in the centre of the village, this 4 * Chambre d'Hotes offers lovely comfortable rooms, all ensuite.

Day 4 : Bruniquel To Puycelci 12.5 Km / 8 Miles

Location: Puycelci

Accommodation Name: 3* hotel in Puycelci

From Bruniquel your path climbs to take you through the ancient forest of Gresigne. This is the largest forest in south west France, which has many varieties of holly, some unique to this region and the marks of prehistoric man. You emerge from the woods to climb steeply up to the old Bastide of Puycelci. The village itself was founded in the 10th century by Benedictine Monks from the Aurillac Abbey. Until the First World War, the village was quite prosperous, with a population of nearly 2,000 in 1830. Almost abandoned in the 1950s, it was since then restored by its inhabitants and is now listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Approximate total Ascent: 550m / Descent 490m
Accommodation: A former inn dating back from the 18th century, this 3* hotel has 8 tastefully decorated rooms, all ensuite.

Day 5 : Puycelci To Castelnau De Montmiral - 21 Km / 13 Miles

Location: Castelnau de Montmiral

Accommodation Name: 3* hotel in Castelnau de Montmiral

Cross the green valley of the River Vere and climb through the village of Laval to follow the edge of a wood. Follow the GR signs through vineyards, climb through a wood towards the ruins of Lagarde. Head along a ridge with views of Castelnau de Montmiral as you approach it. Then descend off the ridge crossing the valley and up into the bastide, which has a very interesting centre with a 17th century square. Approximate total Ascent: 800m / Descent 790m
Accommodation: A charming 3* hotel in an historic building in the old square. Breakfast may be taken in the courtyard. The hotel has a small outdoor pool, with great views.

Day 6 : Castelnau De Montmiral To Cordes - 26 Km /16 Miles Or 22 Km / 13.7 Miles

Location: Cordes-sur-Ciel

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel in Haute-Cordes

The longest day is a little easier to start with in that it is flatter country initially through the vineyards of Gaillac to the little town of Cahuzac-sur-Vere. The finish is hillier, past the Chateau de Clayrac to a stunning view of Cordes as you approach it and a satisfying finish as you return to complete your circular Tarn walk. Approximate total Ascent: 650m / Descent 480m
Accommodation: On your return to Cordes, stay in the same comfortable hotel as on the first night of the tour.

Day 7 : Arrangements End After Breakfast Or Albi Extension

Location: Albi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Cordes after breakfast.
If you are taking the optional Albi extension, at 9.30 am a taxi will collect you & your luggage from your hotel and drive you to Albi. On your way into the town you will cross one of the fine redbrick bridges over the River Tarn. After checking in you can explore the town on foot, including the magnificent and fortress-like medieval red-brick cathedral and the former bishops' palace which now houses the world’s biggest collection of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec who was born in Albi. There are pleasant riverside walks along the Tarn River.
Accommodation: Optional Albi extension. A small 2* hotel conveniently situated in a quiet location, close to the old town centre and cathedral. Alternatively we can arrange an upgrade to a centrally located 3* hotel. See below for details.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 nights in hotels

  • 6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, 3 dinners

    Enjoy 6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 3 dinners during your stay.

  • 6 nights accommodation in hotels and chambres d'hôtes

    Stay for 6 nights in hotels and chambres d'hôtes on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn

    Your luggage will be transferred from one inn to the next.

  • Full route notes and map package

    Receive comprehensive route notes and a map package for your journey.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for any urgent needs.

  • GPX Files

    GPX files are provided for navigation.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to various sites are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

    Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    Charges for excess luggage are not included.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided holiday; no guide is provided.

Accommodation

4 nights in hotels. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. The two Chambre d’Hotes used have basic rooms, and may or may not be ensuite depending upon which room you are allocated. Baths/showers: Many rooms have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space.

Grading

This walk (grade 3) should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking the distances involved. The terrain is undulating with small to medium sized hills, with climbs / descents typically 30-100 metres and occasionally 200 metres or so. Some steep inclines, especially approaching the hill towns. Being able to cope with warm weather is also an advantage.

Mode of Transport

Transport to the start and from the end point of the trip is included. Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn are also provided. Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are covered.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a mix of hotels and Chambres d'Hotes. The hotels are typically 2* or 3* and offer modern comforts, while the Chambres d'Hotes have basic rooms that may or may not be ensuite. If the usual accommodations are not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed if these are of a different standard at the time of booking.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 3 dinners. Additionally, packed lunches are provided on certain days.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will be provided with full route notes, a map package, and GPX files to help you navigate.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour. Additionally, luggage transfers from inn to inn are included.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?

    The walk is graded as level 3, which should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking the distances involved. The terrain is undulating with small to medium-sized hills, and some steep inclines, especially approaching the hill towns.

  • What happens if I need to cancel or change my accommodation?

    If the usual accommodations are not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed if these are of a different standard at the time of booking.

  • Is there an option to extend the tour?

    Yes, there is an option to extend the tour with a visit to the Old City of Albi. If you choose this extension, a taxi will collect you and your luggage from your hotel in Cordes and drive you to Albi, where you can explore the town and stay in a conveniently located hotel.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

R. Patterson(Stouffville, Ontario)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

15 Oct 2021

We had a wonderful 5 days of hiking from village to village in the Tarn Region, encountering very few people. Our main companions were horses, cows, sheep, and donkeys until we ascended into the villages and found our accommodations and our delicious dinners, accompanied by local wines. We were very grateful and happy to be travelling again, and had good support from Katia to make this happen!

Ruth P.(, Canada)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

7 Oct 2021

It was a well planned and well coordinated trip by Katia, especially given extra COVID requirements for travellers. For a self guided trip, the trip notes were mostly accurate and up to date. The accommodations were great and the weather was perfect- only five minutes of daytime rain in five days! Thank you.

T Moran(Claremont, Western Australia)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

06 Jun 2016

Excellent self guided walk through some of the most picturesque parts of France. The hill top towns need to be seen to be appreciated , especially at sunrise or sunset. The track was very well way-marked which particularly comforting. We could only complete 3 out of the 5 days as the weather closed in and conditions were not only unpleasant ( wet & miserable) but, in our view, unsafe due to the slippery nature of the track . By design, the hill top towns are high above the surrounding terrain .....leaving them and climbing to the next one requires a lot of stamina ( and it's not flat in between ! )

P. Wilson(London, UK)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

19 Aug 2019

Katia was again most helpful. The accomodation was great and the best route notes we have had. A well organised holiday but be mindful of mid summer where temperatures can reach 40 degrees C +

S. & H. Ward(Kent, UK)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

20 Jun 2016

Thank you a very enjoyable holiday. Medieval villages, flowers, good walking every day with varied countryside. Great accommodation with very welcoming hosts. We were lucky with the weather!

A. Garland(Sydney, Australia)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

11 Jul 2016

The weather was superb, the accommodation comely and varied, the hosts welcoming and the scenery was nature and history at its supreme best. Surprisingly unpopulated with tourists and walkers.

R. Patterson(Ontario)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

05 Oct 2021

It was a well planned and well coordinated trip by Katia, especially given extra COVID requirements for travellers. For a self guided trip, the trip notes were mostly accurate and up to date. The accommodations were great and the weather was perfect- only five minutes of daytime rain in five days! Thank you

M. Mullins(Camberwell, Australia)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

17 May 2024

The notes and maps were excellent. The weather was wet and cool but is was all part of the overall challenge of the walks. The accommodation was good. We travelled at the very start of May. Some of the hill-top villages had not really started their season which meant dining options in the evening were limited (if not provided by the hosts).

P. Robinson(Ohope, New Zealand)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

25 Jun 2018

Many high points. Accommodations were mostly excellent and the hosts were very welcoming. Missed a couple of turns but notes very good and with the maps could find our way back.

T. Walker(Massachusetts)  

Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn

8 Jun 2022

This was a very good walking trip. The hotels and chambre d'hotes were all quite nice. The walk itself and the villages were good. We enjoyed the food. The paths were lovely and the notes and maps were good. All in all an excellent experience.

Read all 11 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.