The Tarn Valley

Our first extended stay is in the region around the Tarn river in Aveyron, around 2 hrs north of Carcassonne.

Our 'gite' apartment is in the small picturesque village of Ambialet. Despite being a tiny place of under 500 inhabitants, Ambialet holds the distinction of the Tarn passing through it twice, with the river snaking around it in a hairpin shape.

Our base for five nights is a comfortable 1 bed gite, built into a bank at the side of the road. With rain falling for much of our time here, the ping pong / laundry room below us has come in handy!

There are a couple of walks in the local area, most notably a hike up to the priory on the hill, with the 14 stations of the cross acting as useful waypoints along the journey!

In the middle of our stay in the area, we head to the town of Albi, which is most famous for its vast and ornate cathedral, and the former bishops palace that houses the works of hometown artist Toulouse-Lautrec. We opt for the little train to take us around the key points of the town.

Back in Ambialet, despite enjoying some home cooked food on most nights, we decide to dine out at the eerie and almost empty Hotel du Pont on Wednesday (one of only two establishments in the village).

After a few more days relaxation in the peace and quiet, it's time to head northwest and back to the bright lights, in Bordeaux!