Vaour and Grésigne
Vaour – between medieval history and unspoilt countryside
This is an area steeped in history in a magnificent rural setting with unique panoramas of the Gorges de l’Aveyron, the Forêt de Grésigne and Quercy… a holiday destination off the beaten track.
The Commanderie de Vaour was founded by the Knights Templar in 1160 on land given to them by the Seigneurs of Penne, Montaigut, Viscounts of Saint Antonin… names which echo back to the Middle Ages. Every year in August, the Commanderie is the venue for « l’Eté de Vaour », a festival of burlesque, circus performers, street entertainment and concerts.
Another important medieval site the area is Château de Penne, the castle of the Seigneurs de Trencavel, a unique site in Occitania and a listed historic building. This open air medieval building site is a journey back in time where modern-day carpenters and stone cutters using period tools are restoring this ancient castle overlooking the Gorges de l’Aveyron, on the edge of the Tarn département. Open all year round and with tours in summer by guides in period costume.
Forêt de Grésigne
To the north, the Gorges de l’Aveyron, to the south, the Forêt de Grésigne, a national forest, one of the largest oak forests in Europe, a protected area and part of the Natura 2000 network. The forest is criss-crossed with paths which enable visitors to discover untouched nature. Parts of the Louis XIV wall around the forest are still visible in places such as the foot of the « Pechaguze », the eagle rock. Colbert sourced oak masts for naval ships from the forest, glass-blowers took sandstone for greenish-blue glass and coal merchants sourced charcoal.
The forest is a delightfully refreshing place to visit during the heat of summer. In mid-October when the leaves take on flamboyant colours, come and listen to the roar of rutting stags at nightfall. In June the Trail de Grésigne is a moment of great adventure. The GR46®hiking path linking Conques and Toulouse on the Pilgrim way to Santiago de Compostela takes you to the bastide villages of Puycelsi and Castelnau de Montmiral.
Nathalie, B&B owner at Vaour says :
« For a holiday with family, friends or a partner, come and stay ‘chez nous’ in our private little valley surrounded by meadows and woodland. Forget the stresses and strains of life in the fast lane and take time to breathe, watch, listen, share and talk : in short, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of life here. Sporting enthusiasts are spoilt for choice as far as activities go : walking, rock climbing, canoeing, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding in Grésigné Forest… For medieval history fans, our home is an old farm founded by the Knights Templars and we are surrounded by some beautiful medieval villages. Explore the Bastides Albigeoises (hilltop villages) at any time of year starting with the Gorges de l'Aveyron and following the Route de la Corniche. In spring, walk between Vaour and Penne to see more than 40 species of wild orchid (look, don’t touch !). And don’t forget to visit Albi and the Gaillac wine-growing area, to walk or canoe through the Gorges de l’Aveyron, go horse riding, walking or mountain biking in the Forêt de Grésigne. I’ll be delighted to tell you the best places to enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views.»
Discover the Tarn with Gites de France Tarn : Between Valleys and Plateaux Tarnais, Montagne Noire.
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