Light walks, ( stages 16 km average) with bags transfer. Hiking from hotel to hotel in Tarn valley.

Pictures of the valley of the Tarn

The landscape of the Tarn is Mediterranean in character. The beautiful small city of Albi nestles on the River Tarn's banks, dominated by its magnificent cathedral whose fortifications are testimony to more turbulent times during which Albi and surrounding settlements such as Ambialet were attacked first as part of the crusades to suppress the Cathar heresy and later in the Wars of Religion. As you follow the course of the river eastwards, you pass villages of mellow stone-work, and discover the valley unspoiled and full of cultural interest. Staying in comfortable hotels, you will discover the distinctive, rich cuisine of the region, and its excellent wines, such as the flinty Gaillac whites.

Terrain: riverside tracks and woodland paths
Hotels: 2**- and 3*** hotels
Meals: most dinners & breakfast included.

Lunches can be ordered at the hotels. No shops in Ambialet, Villeneuve sur Tarn, Brousse-le-Château, Melvieu and Castelnau Pégayrols.

Climate: this southern region enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate, with a hot summer and warm spring and autumn. Temperatures average 19C in May and October, 25C in June and September, and 27C in the height of summer.

Starting point: Hotel Saint Claire (B & B**), Albi. This family-run hotel is located in centre of town, just one minute walking from the main sights. Enjoy soignée cuisine in the smart restaurant.
End in Albi (6-9 days packages) or in Millau (10 and 11 days packages)

ALBI is a beautiful, Southern town along the Tarn river. With its beautiful lively orange-red brick old streets, alike Toulouse, from which it is only 75 kms away, its cathedral, of the times of the Cathar and its Museum Toulouse Lautrec it is a perfect start and end for a cultural, gastronomic and Moderate (walking as well as cycling) vacation. Restaurants and hotels in this trip are of excellent quality. You will be walking through the Vallée de l'Amitiée(friendly valley) of the Tarn. On the last day you will get a transfer back to Albi. You will be walking along the slopes of the meandering Tarn River at Ambialet.

Next day walking to the little village of Villeneuve sur Tarn in a scenery much alike the Lot valley. Lovely villages on your way like Coupiac with 13^th century castle and Brousse-le-Chateau at Tarn river with 9^th and 12^th century castle. You will enjoy the views on the Cevennes mountains, the Monts de Lacaune and even the Pyrénées if the weather is right.

After St. Rome-de-Tarn the geology changes and you'll enjoy the vegetation of the limestone scenery.

Altitude: 200 - 600m
95 % walking on footpaths.

Accommodation: Hotel du Pont (2*), 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.

Accommodation: *** Chambre d'Hôtes de charme Dinner, B & B.
Possibility of canoe trip in July and August on the way to Le Truel in Broquiès.
Transfer at the end to Ayssènes

Elevation : -200m
Accommodation: ** B & B hotel .