Destination “Occitania”

The Episcopal City of Albi

The superb town of Albi, the episcopal city with UNESCO world heritage listing, is home to a large number of classified monuments and buildings, the best-known being the impressive Sainte Cécile Cathedral. You can also admire the world’s largest collection of paintings by Toulouse Lautrec in the museum that bears his name, stroll down the alleys of the old town, or drift down the Tarn River on a typical “Gabarre” riverboat.

The Vineyards of Gaillac

The Gaillac region has all the conditions required for winemaking and is home to some of the oldest vineyards in France. Make the most of the opportunity to discover a wide range of wines at one of the ports of call along the European cultural itinerary InterVitis. It’s also a great occasion to visit Gaillac’s “Maison des Vins” in Saint Michel’s Abbey.

Castres and the Sidobre Mountains

You’re sure to fall for the charm of Castres, one of the Tarn’s most beautiful towns and the “Venice” of Occitania! Why not make the most of a romantic escapade aboard a riverboat to admire its colourful houses suspended over the river Agout? Did you know that a few miles from the town, one tumultuous night, the Gods hurled rocks from the Sidobre Mountains? They fell on the banks of the Merle Lake, piling up like 3 cheeses near the Saut de la Truite and one of them, known as the Peyro Clabado, is still balanced upright … it makes for an forgettable hike!

Tarn’s Villages and Bastides

Ideally located along the route of fortified Albigensian towns in the heart of the Tarn’s “Little Tuscany”, La Monestarié offers a chance to learn all about local history as you pass through Cordes-Sur-Ciel, Castelnau de Montmirail, Penne, Puycelci and many other villages ranking among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. They all tell the story of the Tarn with their authenticity, charm and strong historical heritage.

The Medieval Town of Carcassonne

About an hour and a half from Bernac lies the medieval town of Carcassonne, and it’s well worth the detour! Built on a hill, the medieval city walls surround the count’s castle and its ramparts with UNESCO world heritage listing. Learn about the legend of Dame Carcas who gave her name to city with its fifty-two towers overlooking the Aude Valley. There are several castles and abbeys to visit near this iconic Cathar Country city.

Toulouse, la ville rose (The Pink City)

Less than an hour from La Monestarié is Toulouse, known as the Ville Rose or Pink City, where heritage and lifestyle are perfectly matched. From the banks of the Garonne to the Capitol, immortalised and personified in the songs of French singer-songwriter Claude Nougaro, you can follow in his footsteps and fall under the city’s spell!

Canal du Midi

With UNESCO world heritage listing, the Canal du Midi stretches from Toulouse to Sète, offering walkers diverse and sunny landscapes. You can also visit it on a barge, riverboat or canoe, or cycle along the tow-path to enjoy the peaceful, relaxing scenery and meet others. The more adventurous amongst you might like to climb up to its source in the Black Mountains and discover the secrets of this masterpiece of engineering designed by the visionary Pierre-Paul Riquet…

Walks & Hikes

On foot, by bike or on horseback, our beautiful Tarn region has a great many superb paths and trails. The walking & cycle path (voie verte) is a great way to get from Albi to Castres, and you can enjoy the various hiking trails to explore typical villages, stone farmhouses perched on the hillsides, Gaillac’s ancient vineyards and the majestic landscapes of the Black Mountain.

Local Restaurants

Local Tarn cuisine offers specialities such as pink garlic, Ségala veal, wines and Lacaune cold meats. We’d be delighted to recommend the region’s best restaurants – where to find “real” Cassoulet, of course, but also where you can try the little-known but highly prized Poumpet, Oreillettes and Croquants de Cordes.

Occitania’s Markets

During your visit, be sure not to miss out on our beautiful region’s many typical markets. Lisle-surTarn, one of the most picturesque villages, has an authentic local market dating back to the 13th century less than half an hour from La Monestarié. A little further away are some of Occitania’s other wonderful markets in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Revel, livening up the streets of these medieval towns with a cheerful, friendly atmosphere. Between gastronomy and strolling around, steep yourself in local history as you savour the local produce and journey through the “land of the senses”!

Why not visit the estate before you go ?

La Monestarié,
Chemin des Moines, 81150 Bernac
Occitania, France

Phone :
+33 (0)6 30 55 26 85

E-mail :
contact@domaine-lamonestarie.fr

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