The Local Area
Tarn (Dept 81)
La Plaine Bed & Breakfast is in the beautiful unspoiled Pays des Bastides area of Tarn, department 81, in South West France part of the area known collectively as the Midi-Pyrénées. We are situated 5 minutes from Cordes sur Ciel, a medieval hilltop town steeped in history. We are within 20mins from Albi and right in the heart of the Gaillac vineyards known locally as the "Golden Triangle".
Albi
Albi is a beautiful town with most of the buildings constructed in red brick. It sits on the banks of the River Tarn and has many elegant shops and eating establishments. There are many places of interest in Albi, which include the huge cathedral and the world famous Toulouse-Lautrec museum, which holds 600 of the artists’ paintings.
Gaillac
Gaillac nestles in a bend of the river Tarn at the heart of the vineyards to which it gives its name. Over the centuries its influence has persisted due to its commercially advantageous riverside situation, and its thousand year history of wine production. Gaillac had a remarkable architectural heritage in which brick was abundantly used: side streets, squares, simple half-timbered houses, vast mansions and rich townhouses are classes among the most beautiful attractions in France.
Cordes sur Ciel
Cordes-sur-Ciel is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. Founded in 1222, jewel of the Bastides Albigeoises - the New Towns of the Middle Ages. It is perched on the top of the mountain and offers the most breathtaking views. You start your walk at the bottom of the village (or you can take a small train!) and wind your way up the steep, cobbled street to the top, on the way passing many local artists studios including painters, sculptors, potters, instrument-makers.
Castelnau de Montmiral
Castelnau de Montmiral is a picturesque village perched on a spur of rock high above the Vere Valley and Gresigne Forrest. An old bastide, founded in the 13C by Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, to replace the stronghold razed during the Albigensian Crusade. Its eventful past is still visible in its old houses, of which have been enhanced by skilful restoration programme.
Saint Antonin-Nobel-Val
Saint Antonin-Noble-Val town's spectacular position earned it the title "Nobilis Vallis," or Noble Valley. Beneath the towering white cliffs of Anglars Rock, Saint-Antonin lies between the Aveyron and Bonnette Rivers. Periods of war and prosperity have left their mark on the village making it a living museum of medieval civil architecture unique in France.
Monestiés
Monestiés is a peaceful, harmonious village and is ideal for all those who enjoy discovering the past. Girdled by the "Lices" (walks that cover the length of the former moats and ramparts), the houses huddle around "Saint Pierre" church on the route to Santiago de Compostella.
Gaillac Vineyards
The Gaillac Appellation area covers 2.500 hectares spread over 73 communes, for an AOC production of over 165.000 hectolitres. The vineyard of Gaillac was one of the first growing centres in Gaul. Today, the appellation comprises of one hundred independent producers and 3 co-operative cellars.
Cordes sur Ciel Albi
