This area was very active during the middle ages when it was ruled by the Counts of Toulouse. The plains between Albi and Toulouse became wealthy by producing wode, and Gaillac produced wine. This wealth made the area interesting to the English and the French. There was also the religious crusade by the Catholics against the Cathars.

All that activity has left a rich history which can still be seen in the many fortified villages, Castles, Cathedral, Churches and buildings which remain from those times. The last 100 years have had far less impact on these places than we are used to seeing and it's this mix which is so attractive today.

Grapes have been grown here for over 1000 years and being very labour intensive has created thousands of small farms, hamlets and villages. Some are now reminders of how things used to be and their decline has left us with the rural pathways and tracks which make great off road walking riding and cycle routes.

The old traditional buildings such as the public washing places (lavoir) and Pigeonniers sit perfectly in this setting and add further interest and beauty.

Here the stone villages nestle into the undulating terrain which is carefully managed by the small farms. A little further north it becomes a little more wild & wooded, with deep gorges cut into the limestone, the biggest being the Averyon gorge which is 200 mts deep.

There is the massive Gresigne forest which dominates the skyline and is a place of interest for all: wildlife lovers, walkers, horse riders etc.

To the south are the vine covered sunny slopes of the Tarn valley and as the landscape opens out and along the river the pink brick medievel towns of Albi, Gaillac, L`isle Sur Tarn and Rabestans are to be found.

All the villages have summer festivals and events where the whole family are welcome and if there is an admission charge it's always great value.

Many places and activities in the area are described in more detail in other sections of this website.