Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn
Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn
$1145
Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn
7 Days Starting and ending in Cordes sur Ciel
Visiting: France
Tour Overview
This beautiful rural walk winds between the bastides or fortified towns that sprung up between the Cathar Crusades of the 1200s and the Wars of Religion in the 1500s. They are situated in spectacular settings on rocky promontories or broad hills like the Tuscan hill towns and are rich in history. The intervening countryside is a beautiful mixture of forests, fields and river valleys with a distinct lack of tourists. This has become not only one of our most venerated walks, but also one of the most popular tours in France. No fewer than 4 of the villages on this tour (Cordes, Bruniquel, Puycelci and Castelnau-de-Montmiral) are included on the unofficial but prestigious list of 143 most beautiful villages in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). The days are quite full, but you should have plenty of time to explore and photograph these wonderful places.
This tour is a little different from our other hotel treks in that Chambres d’Hotes are used for some of the nights, literally ‘a room with your hosts’. For a couple of nights the accommodation is also Table d’Hote, ‘dinner with your hosts.’ You will on those occasions have meals prepared by members of the family, and probably sit and eat with them. They will offer you wine and try to engage you in conversation and enthuse you with what they are doing. You certainly won’t just feel like a hotel guest!
You are also strongly advised to take an extra day to discover the old city of Albi, a survivor of the arrows and slings of history. A great day can be spent walking around the huge red brick cathedral and palace, looping across the bridges over the Tarn River or having a good meal in the centre.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
-
6 nights accommodation in hotels and chambres d'hôtes on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
-
Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn
-
Full route notes and map package
-
Emergency hotline
-
GPX Files
-
3 dinners, lunches (unless specified) & beverages
-
Entrance fees
-
Travel insurance
-
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Tuesday - Monday
Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Monday - Sunday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Saturday - Friday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 24, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Monday - Sunday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Monday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Monday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Saturday - Friday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Monday - Sunday
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 150 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.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a segregated client account until you travel.
![Visa logo](/images/Associations/webp/visa-logo.webp)
![Mastercard logo](/images/Associations/webp/mastercard-logo.webp)
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."