Location
The properties are a full day's drive from the Channel Ports and just over an hour from Toulouse Airport. Rodez airport is on average 1 hour 45 mins and Carcassone just over 2 hours.
This area was at the heart of ‘The Hundred Years War’ and touched by the Cathars, Huguenots and the Knights Templar.
All properties are just short drives from Medieval towns steeped in this history and still enjoy a quiet simplicity, together with friendly local people who have a warmth to match their lovely countryside. The area is unspoilt by the over-crowding of tourists experienced nowadays in many parts of France.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Nearby are Medieval villages, Bastide towns, Chateaux, Abbeys, Churches and magnificent natural sites of outstanding beauty; whether it be wooded valleys or the meandering River Aveyron with its dramatic gorges.
Also wine growing regions ~ ideal for a half day excursion to sample some of the local wines.
ACTIVITIES
Horse riding, canoeing, cycling, fishing, bird watching, rock climbing, tree wire, paragliding, wine tasting, museums, tennis and of course walking. Golf is available at Albi (18-hole delightful course).
An afternoon's excursion by canoe through the Aveyron Gorge is considered a 'must' by nearly all guests.
A number of local villages and towns have interesting and colourful markets.Be sure not to miss the local market in St Antonin held on Sunday mornings and Villefranche de Rouergue on Thursdays. For more information on the area, please visit website :www.france-voyage.com
EXCURSIONS BY CAR
Within short driving distances, excursions can also be made to a number of fascinating towns and villages including CORDES SUR CIELl ~ a medieval bastide town whose history includes the Cathars and Huguenots; ALBI with its Toulouse Lautrec Museum; NAJAC, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France; CAHORS & GAILLAC, for their wines; ST. ANTONIN NOBLE VALl fabulous in its own right and film location for ‘Charlotte Gray’; Montricoux ~ the Château, an old seat of the Templar Knights and Bruniquel all of which are well worth a visit.
The larger towns house excellent restaurants to cater for all budgets.
GETTING HERE
DRIVING
From the French ports it is virtually motorway for the whole of your journey through to Caussade.
FLYING
Toulouse (app 1 hr 15 mins) has flights from many major and regional airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Dublin, Cardiff, Southampton, Birmingham and Manchester.
Other Airports : Rodez (app 1hr 45m) / Carcassone (app 2 hrs 15 mins)