Self-guided walking holiday in the Mediterranean landscape of the Tarn valley. You follow the course of the river Tarn as it meanders East and passes through villages of mellow stone-work.

During this holiday in France you walk a trail from hotel to hotel. You'll be walking through wooded hills and along mellow villages in the Tarn Valley. Discover the distinctive, rich cuisine of the Languedoc region, and its excellent wines.

Starting in the beautiful ancient town of Albi, you embark on a cultural, gastronomic and active self-guided walking holiday in France.

Accommodation in the Tarn valley

The accommodation during your walking holiday is in comfortable, small-scale, often family run hotels. All accommodation is two stars with shower and bath en-suite.

Breakfast at each accommodation is included in this holiday, and on five evenings you will have dinner in some of the regions' finest restaurants. Picnic lunches are not included but you can order these at the reception of your accommodation.

Walking in the Tarn Valley

You can choose from two levels of walks. Both are easy walking trips in mellow hills but the daily walking distances differ. In each case your luggage will be transported for you to your next accommodation.

Between Albi and Millau, in the centre of Parc des Grands Causses, you'll be walking alongside the Tarn river flowing in a steep sided valley. Down in the valley between two hilly plateaux which rise up to 700 metres height, you'll get the feeling of being up in the mountains.

You'll be walking past the river, which flows swiftly to the West through the valley, also called "La Vallée de l'Amitiée", a very friendly place.

There are some old castles like Brousse-le-Chateau, Coupiac, St.Izaire and pitoresque villages like Ambialet, St. Rome-de-Tarn and Le Minier. For centuries life and local trade has centered around these places.

Millau is a pleasant small Mediterranean like city. It's also the gateway to the better known canyons of the Gorges du Tarn and a centre for activity holidays. Albi is also called the pink city and has a beautiful old brick-built centre.

You start the Tarn Valley walk under Albi's viaduct from where you will be heading further downstream. From the second half of June the chirring sound of cicades will go all along with you as if in Provence. The old medieval villages and towns of the Pays des Raspes du Tarn on your way will add to your feeling connected with ancient times.

Albi and Tarn Valley walking holiday itinerary

Day 1 - Travel to France and arrival at your first accommodation in the beautiful historic town of Albi.

Day 2 - Walking from Albi to Marsal to Ambialet. The day starts with a short transfer out of the city. Your walking route then leads along the south bank of the Tarn River. You'll be walking through hamlets and woodland along tracks and country lanes that echo the twists and turns of the river. After a short but quite steep ascent towards the end of the day, you are rewarded with superb views of the river.

Elevation gains: 3 times 200m+ and 200m-.

Accommodation: Hotel du Pont (3-star), Ambialet. Located by the bridge into the village, with gardens leading down to the water's edge, this friendly, comfortable hotel has been run by the same family for over two centuries.

Day 3 - Walking from Ambialet to Villeneuve-sur-Tarn. Like the first day's route, this walk keeps south of the river, echoing its course as it leads through woodland and farmland as well as occasional hamlets. During the course of the day, you reach one of the highest points of the walk, with great views of the river as it meanders through the valley.

Elevation gains: 2 times 200+ and 200-.

Accommodation: Hostellerie des Lauriers (2-star), Villeneuve. A small auberge converted from a handsome 18th century stone building, with indoor pool and terrace overlooking the river.

Day 4 - Starting from Villeneuve-sur-Tarn you transfer to Coupiac and walk to Brousse-le-Chateau. Transfer to the 14th century village of Coupiac with its beautiful castle is included. You'll pass some stone crosses which are reminders the crusaders who were very active in this area in 12th century. Coupiac is a pretty village with a Brocante market begin August.

Walk onto the plateau where you get panoramic views at Cevennes mountains. The route leads across rolling countryside of open fields and woodland. There are lovely views of the chateau as you approach your destination, the delightful village of Brousse-le-Chateau, and reach the Tarn once more.

Elevation gains 200+ and 400m-

Accommodation: Relays du Chasteau (3-star), Brousse-le-Chateau. This pretty auberge has been run by the same family for several generations and its restaurant is popular with the locals.

Day 5 - Walking from Brousse-le-Chateau to Broquies. Today you'll be walking on the North bank of the Tarn. Here there are splendid panaoramas on the Grands Causses Nature park and the Cevennes Mountains.

Elevation gains: 200m+ and 200m-

Accommodation: 2-star hotel with a pool. Excellent cook! Possibility of canoe trip in July and August at La Jourdanie.

Day 6 - Walking from Broquies to St.Affrique, followed by a transfer to le Cambon (12 km).

Elevation gains: 200m+ and 200m-

Accommodation: 3-star hotel Dinner, B&B.

Day 7 - From Broquies to Albi. A roundwalk past La Jourdanie (home base of La Ligne Verte). (14 km).

Elevation gains: 200m+ and 250m-

Possibility of a canoe trip in July and August at La Jourdanie. A transfer to Albi is possible after the walk or after breakfast if you don't want to walk any more.

Accommodation: 2-star hotel B&B.

Day 8 - End of this self-guided walking holiday. Departure day.

Dates and availability

This self-guided walking holiday to the Languedoc region in France is completely flexible and can start on any date, depending on your travel plans. Your holiday can be made shorter into a 6 or 7 day package, or longer, by adding additional days at any of the accommodations. Single room supplement is available at €221.-

Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form, for more information.