Tarn-et-Garonne travel guide

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 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.

Be sure to visit Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and enjoy a look around the medieval town centre 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-sur-Seye 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 after 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, Donzac, Saint-Cirice and Saint-Loup
• south-east of Auvillar: Bardigues, Le Pin, Merles, Saint-Michel
• north-east of Auvillar: Pommevic and Malause
• east of Auvillar: Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave with its Cadillac museum

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, and we also enjoyed a stroll around the small town of Montpezat-de-Quercy.

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.