The Presqu’île d’Ambialet
The Presqu’île d’Ambialet has some of the most beautiful scenery in Tarn
Lush, unspoilt countryside between plateaux and small valleys, mountains and plains where the last foothills of the Massif Central give way to the Plain of Albi. Here, every little road and path is an invitation to explore the countryside and discover curiosities.
The Presqu’île d’Ambialet has some of the most beautiful scenery in Tarn. The priory and calvary are perched on the top of a rocky spur encircled by a 3km meander of the River Tarn, forming the most marked isthmus in Europe. This important Cathar site, founded by the Trencavel and occupied by Simon de Montfort, is a great place for a day out, not far from Albi.
Chapels and churches can be found at the bottom of every valley and in every village. The most surprising of these are the church of Notre Dame d’Alban and the Chapelle-Musée à la Maurinié at Marsal both of which contain wonderful Byzantine paintings and frescoes by Nicolaï Greschny.
While travelling around the countryside near Alban, you may come across menhirs and dolmens and the very unusual statue-menhirs at Miolles. To know more about the history of this megalithic ensemble, visit the Musée de Fenaille at Rodez and, while you are there, the Musée Soulages too.
Further south, you can spot numerous châteaux (not open to the public) tucked away in the wooded countryside. The gentry of Albi used to go there to enjoy the fresh clean woodland air every summer. These include the ruined Château de Grandval, a castle flooded by the waters of the Razisse reservoir at Teillet, Château de Paulin overlooking the Gorges de l’Oulas at Paulinet and Château de Saint-André overlooking the valley of the same name. Mont-Roc, which marks the entrance to the Monts de Lacaune, is a superb natural attraction. For a lovely walking day out, take a picnic and explore the Cascades d’Arifat, three successive waterfalls.
Between Valleys and Plateaux
There is so much to discover in the area, a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
Pascale and Michel, owners of a B&B at Mont-Roc say : « Have an enchanting break with a partner in the Tarn to relax and recharge your batteries. We have a unique tranquil home far away from the hustle and bustle of cities and mass tourism. In keeping with the values of Gites de France, we are on hand to help you organise your stay.
Our renovated farm, Puech Noly, will be your home during your stay and we are sure you will have a memorable time. Take time to sit and read. Enjoy tasting produce from our garden. Marvel at the deer and squirrels which gambol around under the watchful eye of our horses. Leave your car in the garage and put on your walking boots, the GR36 hiking path runs past the house and will lead you to the Cascades d’Arifat. Borrow our electric bikes and go for a ride to Lac de la Bancalié. Enjoy discovering an area where man and nature show mutual respect for one another, we are sure you will want to come back again. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing some wonderful moments with you. »
Discover the Tarn with Gîtes de France Tarn : Montagne Noire, Vaour and the Foret de Grésigne"
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