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Relais Mas de la Muse is situated in the small village Cestayrols
As ‘Pays de Cocagne’,
land of the Cathars, this region captures an interesting history
and the vineyards of Gaillac, being one of the
oldest of France, give you the opportunity to discover some lovely
wines.
The quality of sunlight is special in the Tarn. It warms the ochre-tinted chalkstones. Come visit and you will be inspired by the Muse of the Tarn!
Mas de la Muse lies in the heart of the Gaillac vineyards. Dozens of wine chateaux/domaines, wine tasting and sales. Follow the route of the fortified villages (route des bastides Albigeoises): most outstanding are Cordes sur Ciel, Puycelsi, Castelnau de Montmiral, Penne, Bruniquel, Lisle sur Tarn
Villages and cities (10 - 20 minutes from Mas de la Muse) Like Toulouse, Albi is called the "red" city, because of the carmine colored bricks. One of the most wonderful cities of the region with an Italianate atmosphere and a beautifully renovated medieval city centre, beautiful shops and: - Cathedral Sainte Cécile, built between the 13th and 16th century, the exterior resembles a spectacular fortress, conceals a number of unusually delicate masterpieces; Gothic art at its most flamboyant- Museum Toulouse Lautrec: more than 1.000 works by Toulouse Lautrec, the most important public collection devoted to him anywhere in the world - Palais de la Berbie and its gardens - Maison du Vieil Alby: one of the most ancient houses in the old centre Markets: - Covered market in old centre, open every morning except for Mondays - Place Sainte Cécile: Saturday morning - Place Fernand Pelloutier: every Tuesday- and Saturday morning - And many others Golf courses near Albi: - Golf d'Albi Lasbordes Chateau Lasbordes The longest 18 holes course in the Tarn with 6160 m (Par 72). Situated at the border of the Tarn river. - Golf de Florentin 18 hole course of 6041 m (Par 71), in the middle of the Gaillac vineyards
Cordes sur Ciel One of the most beautiful medieval villages of France, the pearl of the fortified villages includes an artist community, its Gothic facades in sandstone in shades of ochre, reddish-purple and grey. This perfect example of city architecture from the beginning of the 13th century, was name given by its high situation on a rock, giving the impression that Cordes sur Ciel is floating in the air.
- Musée Yves Brayer and place Andre Verdet
Gaillac House of "Maison du Vin", the capital of the Gaillac vineyards with:
- Museum of Art and popular tradition of wine
Castelnau de Montmiral Admire Castelnau's historic houses and wander under the arches in the town square. A place of serenity and wonderful views.
20 - 45 minutes from Mas de la Muse: Castres Located between the Sidobre and the Montagne Noir with
- Musée Goya, in the former Bishop's Palace, most significant collection of Spanish art (second only to The Louvre), including 3 of Goya's masterpieces
Lautrec Medieval village with views of the valley of the river Agout, the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees. Classified monument of the 14th century containing old 15th century halls, and ancient convents. Lautrec is the main producer of the famous pink garlic. Market: Friday morning
St Antonin Noble Val Beautiful medieval village on the banks of the river Aveyron. In the old days situated on the border of the English and French kingdoms, the city went often hand to hand. In times of peace St Antonin flourished because of its leather industry. The many authentic remaining medieval bourgeois houses bear witness to this golden age. At the beginning of the 20th century St Antonin became a "spa" destination famous for the curing waters of the 'Fountain de Salet'. Market: every Sunday morning (THE market of the region)
Toulouse Museums, theatres, high class shops, markets. Big city with all amenities, but with the soul of a village, that is very pleasant to wander around endlessly. The heart of Toulouse, dotted with mansions, has all the grace of Florence in witness to the passion of great families of the Renaissance period for Italian architecture, visit the Hotel d'Assezat, which houses the Bemberg Foundation and its collection of paintings and objects d'art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Only in Toulouse you will find a score of superb town houses belonging to the woad traders (known as "pastel" in France): their red brick towers and white stone sculptures still add to the picturesque charm of the city's narrow lanes. Beautiful architecture, magnificent cathedrals and a rich history, as good as untouched.
Monestiès Medieval village, gothic church of 13th century Market: Sunday morning (June - September)
Réalmont Fortified village with central place, Notre Dame du Taur Market: Wednesday morning
Lisle sur Tarn A walled town and its streets lined with corbelled houses, an enormous square, the Raymond Lafage Museum, the church of the Notre Dame de la Joncquière and the Art of Chocolate Museum. Market: Sunday morning
Puycelsi Fortified village, overlooking the valley of the river Vère, surrounded by the largest forest of the Sud-Ouest: "la Grésigne".
Penne Medieval village, situated in a valley in the ''Foret de Gresigne'', with an old ruin of a fortress located on the top of an impressive rockformation. Also you can find there an interesting little Gothic church.
Bruniquel Old Castle located on a cliff overlooking the Gorges de l'Aveyron with a prehistoric shelter built in the rocks.
Najac An enclave at an old castle, that rises on a high hill, surrounded by the river Aveyron. In the past Najac was one of the untamable fortresses of the region. Like an island up in the air, that many kings of both France and England, rebel farmers and dukes of Toulouse have been trying to conquer.
Gorges de l'Aveyron, Gorges du Tarn, Le Montagne Noir, Le Sidobre, Regional Park Haute Languedoc Enjoy nature at its best, take a leisurely walk, a more strenuous hike or try water sports activities
More than 1 hour from Mas de la Muse: Carcassonne One of the most famous restored fortified cities, Carcassonne is visited by tourists from all over the world. Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century at a strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the gateway of the Iberian Peninsula to the rest of Europe. Carcassonne reached the pinnacle of its importance in the 12th century.
Montsegur and other characteristic Cathar places in the Pyrenees, including Montaillou, Rennes-le-Chateau, Mirepoix, Pamiers and Foix. These are places of Holy Grail myth and legend, poetry, power and spirit. Visit Montsegur's castle and walk the meadow where echoes of the two hundred and twenty five souls were burned at the stake for their Cathar beliefs in 1244. Before Montsegur was taken, the Cathar treasure was hidden. Even today, no one knows where it is.
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