Highlights
Walking Historic Sites of the Cathars
Medieval Hilltop Towns
Vineyards, Gorges, Forests and Rivers of Rural France
4 of the 'Les Plus Beaux Villages' in France
Stay in Chambres d'Hotes
Cobbled Streets, Carved Facades, Old Buildings
Option to Extend with The Old City of Albi
Cobbled Streets, Carved Facades, Old Buildings
Option to Extend with The Old City of Albi
Itinerary
Journey through France’s storied past on the 'Hill Top Villages of Medieval Tarn' walking tour, a 7-day self-guided adventure that brings you face-to-face with fortified bastides and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Cordes and ending in Toulouse, this trip is designed for travelers eager to blend moderate hiking with cultural immersion.
The route meanders between medieval hill towns such as Cordes, Bruniquel, Vaour, and Castelnau De Montmiral—four of which are recognized among the most beautiful villages in France. Winding paths lead through forests, fields, and river valleys, largely untouched by mass tourism. Some nights, enjoy the unique experience of 'Chambres d’Hotes' and 'Table d’Hote,' where you dine and converse with your hosts, gaining insights into local life and traditions.
There’s time built in to explore Albi, with its striking red-brick cathedral and impressive palace—an essential stop for history enthusiasts. Throughout, you’ll enjoy comfortable, locally owned accommodations and the flavors of regional cuisine.
The tour’s USP is its intimate blend of history, hospitality, and natural beauty, offering travelers a chance to connect deeply with the land and its people while discovering the architectural jewels of the Tarn.
day 1Arrival in Cordes
Arrival at the first accommodation in Cordes, an amazing medieval town of cobbled streets, which is perched on a hilltop high above the surrounding countryside. It is a bastide town, founded in what was then (and still is) a remote rural district in the 13th century; lacking a name, it took its name from the great Spanish city of Cordova.
day 2Cordes to Vaour - 22.5 km / 13 miles via Peyralade or 26.5 km / 16 miles
day 3Vaour to Bruniquel - 21.5 km / 13.5 miles
day 4Bruniquel to Puycelci 12.5 km / 8 miles
day 5Puycelci to Castelnau de Montmiral - 21 km / 13 miles
day 6Castelnau de Montmiral to Cordes - 26 km /16 miles or 22 km / 13.7 miles
day 7Arrangements end after breakfast or Albi Extension
What's Included
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Walking tracks were average but the towns were above average (except for Vaour).
Our trip was fantastic! Highly recommended. The French countryside was empty of tourists. The towns were spectacular.
This was a great trip with a lot of very beautiful scenery. There were not many other people on the walk and only hamlets along the trail. The accommodation was lovely and the meals provided by our hosts were superb. The trails were mostly well sign posted and the GPS app worked very well.
The Medieval Villages of the Tarn was a spectacular walking holiday - beautiful scenery, charming villages, great accommodations/food. The roadbook that was provided was detailed and very helpful, as was the local agency. I always appreciate it when alternate routes are provided, as well as when extra caution may be needed on the trail, especially when I am a solo walker. All-in-all, a fantastic trip that I highly recommend.
The notes and maps were excellent. The weather was wet and cool but is was all part of the overall challenge of the walks. The accommodation was good. We travelled at the very start of May. Some of the hill-top villages had not really started their season which meant dining options in the evening were limited (if not provided by the hosts).
Good to Know
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