Tarn-et-Garonne
Visit Tarn-et-Garonne, France
The Tarn-et-Garonne, north of Toulouse, has an interesting selection of towns and villages to discover with some fascinating architectural highlights such as the cloisters at Moissac, the lovely 'red' centre of Montauban, and the unusual circular market hall at Auvillar.
General information
Tarn-et-Garonne sights and places to visit
The prefecture town of Tarn-et-Garonne is at Montauban, a red-brick town typical of the region with an attractive bastide centre.
Eastern Tarn-et-Garonne
While near Montauban, head east from the town and follow the Aveyron River to visit the cluster of villages of Mirabel, Réalville and Cayrac and on to Montricoux. This cluster of ancient villages each has its own particular charm, and all are set in the attractive rolling countryside of the Tarn-et-Garonne. The classified 'most beautiful village' of Bruniquel is also east of Montauban.
Also visit pretty Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and enjoy a look around the medieval village before heading for the scenic Aveyron gorges, and perhaps also to explore the villages at Caylus, and the smaller villages of Lacapelle-Livron and Cayreich.
Continue east towards the border with the Tarn department to visit Varen, with a very impressive selection of historic buildings, and time permitting see also the small villages at Laguepie, Verfeil and Parisot.
At Espinas you will enjoy a stroll around the gardens of the Chateau de Cas, and the 16th century Reine-Margot Castle at Saint-Projet is also very enjoyable to visit.
Queen Margot and the Chateau de la Reine Margot
You will hear a fascinating story at the castle about how Queen Margot and her lover stayed here in the 16th century when hiding from the French army. The room where they hid was walled up ater they left - only to be rediscovered at the end of the 20th century, still intact and with the original furnishings!
Western Tarn et Garonne
To the west of Montauban visit Moissac, with its very famous and impressive cloisters, and in the countryside around Montauban be sure to visit Auvillar, a 'most beautiful village'.
The western part of Tarn-et-Garonne that falls around Auvillar contains a veritable sprinkling of pretty hamlets and villages worth exploring - many very small, and individually with sometimes no particular highlights, but together creating a very worthwhile region to visit - these include:
- to the north of Auvillar: the lavoirs at Valence d'Agen, Espalais and the castle at Goudourville
- west of Auvillar: Sistels, Dunes, Saint-Cirice and Saint-Loup
- south-east of Auvillar: Bardigues, Le Pin, Merles, Saint-Michel
- north-east of Auvillar: Pommevic and Malause
The listed national monument at Gramont castle is also in this part of the Tarn-et-Garonne department.
North Tarn-et-Garonne
Another 'most beautiful village' is at Lauzerte slightly to the north.
The small market town of Montaigu-de-Quercy is also to visit towards the north-west of the Tarn-et-Garonne department, near the border with the Lot-et-Garonne.
Other villages in the north of the department that merit a diversion include Roquecor, Perville, Montjoi, Castelsagrat, Saint-Clair, Brassac, Gasques and Bourg de Visa.
Southern Tarn-et-Garonne
One of our favourite small towns in this region is Beaumont-de-Lomagne, an attractive 13th century bastide town.
Among the notable villages here to the south we suggest visiting the fortified village at Verdun-sur-Garonne and the historic centres of Bouillac and Maubec.
Tarn-et-Garonne markets
Market towns & days in Tarn-et-Garonne
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Beaumont-de-Lomagne: SaturdayCaussade: Monday all day
Grisolles: Wednesday
Lafrancaise: Wednesday & Sunday
Lavit: Friday
Moissac: Sunday & Saturday
Montaigu-de-Quercy: Saturday
Montauban: Wednesday all day & Saturday
Montech: Tuesday
Montpezat-de-Quercy: Saturday
Negrepelisse: Tuesday
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val: Sunday
Saint-Nauphary: Sunday
Septfonds: Wednesday & Wednesday
Valence, Castelsarrasin: Tuesday
Verdun-sur-Garonne: Friday
Highlights
Selected tourist destinations in the Tarn-et-Garonne
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
4* Towns in Bloom
Cayriech
Towns of Art and History
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'
Jardin du Pèlerin
Jardins de Quercy
Religious Monuments
Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour)
National Monuments
Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey
Gramont Chateau
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
UNESCO world heritage sites
Moissac abbatiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes)