We have decided to call this `region` Tarn and Lot after the departements these hotels are in. Albi is a cathedral city on the banks of the River Tarn with a strong artistic and architectural tradition; Albi was the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec and houses an extensive collection of his works of art. The countryside in Tarn and Lot is green and rolling, with vineyards, river valleys and hill top villages and fortresses, such as Cordes. The town of Cahors is at the heart of the beautifully dramatic Lot valley surrounded by rolling wooded hills and vinyeards. The valley itself is dotted with mediaeval towns. The area is noted for its wine and the vineyards of course can be visited. Tarn and Lot are interesting to combine with the Dordogne nearby.
Local highlights
Cultural highlights include music festival in Toulouse, Limoux wine, the ruined fortresses of the Cathars, the craggy valley of Aveyron, the mediaeval fortified village of Cordes, Gaillac wine, the Charcuterie of Lacaune, and the Goya museum at Castres. Click here for more travel details.
Climate. Month Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 12.4, Feb 11.5, Mar 12.5, Apr 17.6, May 20.1, Jun 26.5, Jul 28.4, Aug 28.1, Sep 26.1, Oct 21.1, Nov 15.8, Dec 13.5. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Travel arrangements
Self-drive: We recommend a couple of nights en route each way, perhaps in the Loire Valley and the Dordogne. By motorail from Calais to Toulouse from April to October. By Air: Airports at Toulouse and Bordeaux and then about a two hour drive onwards.