The town of Realmont is a traditional French bastide town, in southern France to the south of Albi and north of Castres in the Tarn department.
Exploring Realmont
Founded in the 13th century (in 1272), Realmont is a very typical bastide town in layout and design, with a 16th century church and arcaded buildings around a large open square now containing various shops and cafes and surrounded by straight streets containing half-timbered houses.
Bastide towns
There are many bastide towns in south-west France, usually with a central square surrounded by houses and arcades, a church that is often fortified, and a central market hall, and with straight streets that run from the centre of the town to the edges, which were originally surrounded by defensive walls and entrance gates.
After taking a stroll around the main square you can explore the side streets in Realmont. One of the most attractive streets is Rue Seguret, just to the right of the church entrance. There is also a second open square in the town, with more small shops.
On the edges of the old town you can see traces of the original entrances into Realmont, although most of the original walls have now been replaced by broad boulevards that now encircle the town. There were at one time four of these entrances that were locked each evening.
Unfortunately as with many bastide towns the centre is now rather overrun with parked cars which rather detracts from the appeal but it is still pleasant to explore, and the local tourist office have helpfully laid out a numbered trail which passes the main buildings of historical interest. These include a small protestant temple and a traditional water source called the Fontaine La Fréjaire and built in the 17th century.
France This Way review: although there is not a lot to detail you in Realmont, if you are travelling passed the town - perhaps on your way between Albi and the Sidobre region to the south-east of here - it certainly merits a visit.
Attractions in the region
Just a short distance to the south-west of Realmont you should explore the pretty village of Lautrec.
Realmont is in an area with several interesting towns to explore in the typical red-brick architecture of the region, including Albi with its impressive historic centre and the picturesque town of Gaillac. The city of Toulouse is slightly further afield but also worth the detour.
You can find more travel ideas in the Tarn guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Realmont
Click any picture to start the gallery
Arrange a visit to Realmont
Hotels in Realmont
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Realmont and places nearby
Visit near Realmont with France This Way reviews
Lautrec
Lautrec is a small village, but both the views and the intereting historic buildings make it very pleasant to explore
Lautrec guide
Albi
Albi is quite a remarkable town, with a substantial and beautiful centre and sensational views across the river below. Very recommended!
Albi guide
Albi cathedral
Albi cathedral is remarkable for its brick exterior, and the large area of renaissance painting in the interior
Albi cathedral guide
Castres
While not an important tourist destination, Castres has a pleasant town centre and an interesting Goya Museum to visit
Castres guide
Gaillac
The historic centre of Gaillac and its riverside position make Gaillac a very enjoyable small town to discover
Gaillac guide
Brassac (Tarn)
The highlight in the centre of Brassac in the Tarn department is certainly the beautiful old bobbled bridge
Brassac (Tarn) guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Tarn
Address: Réalmont, Albi, Midi-Pyrenees, 81120, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.777222, longitude 2.190556
Plan your visit to Realmont, Tarn
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Albi: secteur sauvegarde (17 km)
- Jardin du palais de la Berbie: remarkable garden (17 km)
- Episcopal City, Albi: heritage site (17 km)
- Parc Rochegude: remarkable garden (17 km)
- Jardin de l'Évêché: remarkable garden (19 km)
- Gaillac: recommended detour (27 km)
- Jardin des Martels: remarkable garden (33 km)
- Jardin de Paradis: remarkable garden (37 km)
- Rabastens église Notre-Dame-du-Bourg (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (38 km)
- Revel: recommended detour (38 km)
- Jardin et parc du château de Loubens: remarkable garden (40 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Cirice (Brousse-le-Chateau): religious monument (43 km)
Market days in Realmont, France
Regular market(s) are held in Realmont each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Realmont (Francais)