Albi and Tarn Valley

Self-guided walking holiday in France

From € 928.- / 8 days
Price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • +
  • Self-Guided
  • Trail

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 alongside Tarn River and 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.​

Small hotel used on this walking holiday in the Tarn Valley
Hotel bedroom with double bed
Hotel at night with swimming pool

In Plaisance you’ll stay in a *** Manoir, les Magnolias with a pool and excellent cuisine.

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

The Tarn River flowing through a deep sided valley lined with green trees
The old centre of Albi with buildings made from pinkish stone

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.

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

Hikers on a walking path looking towards a valley and mountains in the distance
Woman with small backpack hiking over a track on the side of a hill over the tarn valley

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 Walk alongside the Rance river to Plaisance. Overnight in the luxury Manoir of Claudia Les Magnolias.

Elevation gains 200+ and 400m-

Accommodation: *** Hotel les Magnolias

Day 5 – Walking from Plaisance to Brousse-le-Chateau. Ttransfer 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: 200m+ and 200m-

Accommodation: 2-star hotel Relays du Chasteau (2-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 6 – Walking from Brousse-le-Chateau to St.Affrique. First a transfer to le Cambon for a walk of 17km to the nice little town of Sud-Aveyron.

Elevation gains: 250m+ and 25m-

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

Day 7 – You take the bus back to Albi. (Bus not included). A quiet day to visit Albi. You can take the bus at 07h21 or at14h10. If this day is a Saturday you can enjoy a typical south french market before leaving to Albi.

Accommodation: 2-star hotel B&B close to the center of town of Albi.

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

Dates and Availability

Stone bridge leading to the centre of the town of Albi.
Stone bridge crossing the Tarn River.

This self-guided walking holiday in center of Occotanie region in South of 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 €313.-

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

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    Map of France showing the location of the Albi and Tarn Valley Self-guided walking holiday

    Holiday Type:

    Self-GuidedTrail
    Walking Holiday


    Board Basis:

    Bed & Breakfast + 5 dinners

    Price:

    From € 928.- / 8 days
    Price per person based on 2 people sharing

    Features:

    • Luggage transport
    • + Multiple accommodations

    What's included:

    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast
    • 6 dinners
    • luggage transfers
    • roadmaps
    • written instructions and assistance in case of any trouble.

    NOT included:

    All other costs, including travel costs to the starting-point of this holiday.

    Walking Grade:

    hills and low mountains
    • Hills to low mountains
    • Easy to moderate walking

    Remarks:

    Tailor-made walking possible

    Best time to go:

    May – June / September – October

    Contact Details:

    Albi and Tarn Valley, a Self-guided walking holiday in France by La Ligne Verte

    Contact: Frans Bévort
    Telephone: +31 657098426

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    Languages spoken:

    English, French

    Getting there:

    • Toulouse Airport (92 km)
    • Paris Airport (545 km)
    • Albi Train station (3 km)

    Location map

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