The destination at the heart of…
Not far from Castres-Mazamet, other places, climates, landscapes, museums or built heritage are very attractive: here are some ideas for new adventures, in neighbouring towns & villages!
Don't lose the North!
Albi
With its episcopal city listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (the magnificent Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the banks of the river Tarn, the Palais de la Berbie which houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, and its garden classified as ‘remarkable’), Albi should seduce you. This pink city, the prefectural seat for the Tarn, has many advantages: it is a dynamic city with an exceptional heritage with its museums (Lapérouse Museum, Fashion Museum …), its Gardens, its activities … all ready to be discovered.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
One of the great sites of the Region of Occitanie, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a picturesque village located on a hillock, in the north of the Tarn. In this superb medieval bastide with its half-timbered houses, you can stroll through its beautiful little alleys, admire its architecture and visit Jardin des Paradis (classified as ‘outstanding’), Museum of the arts of sugar and chocolate or the Museum of modern and contemporary art … A very nice getaway.
Lautrec
A hilltop village dominated by a magnificent windmill, Lautrec is ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Located 15 minutes from Castres, it is a medieval village with half-timbered houses, covered market halls, a collegiate church … and famous for its pink garlic, pastel. You can reach Lautrec by the cycle path (Castres-Abli route) and it’s a of multiple events (festivals, garlic festival, bread festival etc.), Lautrec has no shortage of assets to charm you!
A tour in the West
Sorèze
Do not hesitate to come and take a tour in the small medieval village of Sorèze. Its half-timbered houses, its school abbey (Historical Monument) housing the Dom Robert Museum (tapestries based on flora and fauna), its Saint-Martin bell tower and its Glass museum should offer you pleasant discoveries!
Lac de Saint-Ferréol
Located in 3 municipalities (Sorèze, Revel and Vaudreuille) and 3 Départments (Tarn, Aude and Haute-Garonne), the magnificent Lac de Saint-Ferréol supplies water to the Canal du Midi, classified as World Heritage Site by UENESCO. A location for leisure pursuits, par excellence, you can practice a multitude of activities: paddle boarding, windsurfing, canoeing, paddle boating or swimming (supervised in July / August). Near the Lake, a museum “The Reservoir” traces the construction of the Canal du Midi. A great outing for the whole family.
Toulouse
The ‘Pink City’ and capital of the Occitanie region, a stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela, 4th largest city in France -Toulouse will not fail to amaze you with its multiple attractions. Over 200 buildings are classified as Historic Monuments! Among others, Saint-Sernin Basilica which is the largest Romanesque building in Europe and the Capitol with its large square. It is an important cultural center with its many museums (Musée Saint Raymond, Musées des Abattoirs …), its Cité de l’Espace, its many and varied events … There is something for everyone!
It looks like the South…
Carcassonne
A millenary city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne is a unique vestige from the Middle Ages. Prefecture of the department of Aude, La Cité, fortified by over 3km of ramparts,. The Chateau Comtal, Saint-Nazaire Basilica, ancient doors, a drawbridge and many towers are marvels of medieval architecture that you can contemplate in La Cité. Carcassonne is also very dynamic with its numerous events (notably summer concerts with the arrival of renowned, often internation, artists.
Lastours
Also in the Aude, 17 km north of Carcassonne is Lastours and its 4 medieval castles. A unique site, with a rich Cathar past with the famous crusades against the Albigensians, you can discover the village of Cabaret with its vestiges of houses and workshops from the Middle Ages. Lastours: a very nice getaway!
East of a certain Eden
Burlats
Gateway to Sidobre and its famous rocks, Burlats is a pretty little town on the banks of the river Agout. You can see some vestiges of the Middle Ages there, including the Adelaide Pavilion and the tower of an old castle. It is possible from Burlats to reach Castres, along the river via the Chemin des Fontaines (6km). Note that every summer, a Tuesday farmers’ market is held alongside the river with concerts. Burlats, a very beautiful detour!
Sidobre
Not far from Castres-Mazamet is Sidobre. It is a natural granite territory where you can see many rocks of several tonnes (!) Not manmade, but natural, sometimes balancing with surprising shapes: Roc de l’oie, “Peyro Clabado” (huge balancing rock), Billiards, Elephant or Satan’s armchair… Also, a river of rocks, the timeless Lac du Merle or the Saut de la truite waterfalls are as many amazing wonders as you admire in this unusual place.
