Your French Road Trip

Bonjour!

I’m so excited to work with you to help plan your French country road trip. You’re going to love the incredible Tarn Region - a true hidden gem in France. It’s like stepping back in time and I just know you’ll love discovering the beautiful landscapes and medieval villages.

Below, you’ll find my suggested itinerary according to your wishes, along with a few of my favorite highlights. I’ve also included further excursions for your last couple of days. Next, I’ve shared my top hotel recommendations which you can look over and decide upon. You’re final itinerary will include my suggestions for restaurants, farmers markets, historical site visits, gardens, shopping and more!

A road trip tour to the Tarn Region, featuring picturesque villages, history, markets, shops, castles, countryside, and river gorge, with an image of a historic village on a hillside.

“Bienvenue dans le Tarn”

This Southwestern region is one of France’s best-kept secrets. It’s quite popular with the British so you’ll frequently hear english speakers (though you’ll still feel worlds away from America). The landscape is simply stunning and there is so much to do and see. You can spend your days wandering through the vast number of historic villages, visit incredible food markets, have leisurely lunches along the picturesque river gorge, drive through vineyards and fields of wild flowers, linger in wonderful antique shops and get a real taste of la vie en rose.

Map of France highlighting the Occitanie region with major cities Toulouse, Albi, Cahors, and Toulouse labeled.
Map of the Occitanie region in France with labeled cities including Toulouse, Cahors, Saint Antonin, Cordes Sur Ciel, Albi, Figec, Conques.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 -Saturday, May 24th
Arrive at Toulouse airport (late afternoon), pick up rental car. Drive approximately 1 hour to your hotel, get settled. Wander the town and have an early dinner to be properly rested for the week.

Day 2 - Sunday, May 25th
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Shop the famous farmers market (I’ll guide you to try regional specialties). Take a break for a hot drink in the town square. Riverside picnic (weather dependent) or lunch along the river. Drive through the Gorge de l’Aveyron. Tour medieval villages. Dinner near your hotel.

Day 3 - Monday, May 26th
Visit 3 historic hilltop villages - walking tours of each with a stop for lunch. History, shopping and gorgeous views abound. Dinner at top-rated restaurant.

Day 4 - Tuesday, May 27th
Explore further afield. Visit the incredibly photo-worthy village just 45 minutes away. Option to visit a prehistoric cave or take a walk along a locally famous riverwalk. Continue through the Vallée du Célé to dine and stay the night in the heritage city of Figeac.

Day 5 - Wednesday, May 28th
Drive along the scenic Lot River to visit the 11th century village of Conques (UNESCO world heritage site). Continue your tour through the countryside until we reach the brick city of Albi (UNESCO cathedral, shopping, gardens). Have an early meal in Albi or continue to Toulouse for a later dinner. Stay overnight in Toulouse before your early flight.

Day 6 - Thursday, May 29th
Return rental car at the Toulouse airport, then catch your flight back home.

Trip Highlights

  • Ancient historica abbey - an ancient cloister with columns and arches, a small group of people standing on a walkway, and a stone tower or cathedral in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    Historical Sites

  • Cordes-sur-Ciel tips - hillside town with historic stone buildings and red-tiled roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Hilltop Villages

  • Medieval castle with stone walls, turrets, and towers under a bright blue sky with clouds.

    Castles

  • Albi discoveries - A beautifully manicured garden with intricate, symmetrical green topiary design, bordered by white gravel, situated near a river with stone bridges and historic buildings in the background.

    Gardens

  • Discover the Tarn region, the Tuscany of France - Scenic view of rolling hills with colorful fields of yellow, green, and brown, some trees, and a distant house in the countryside under a clear sky.

    Beautiful Landscapes

  • Find antique brocante shopping tips throughout French villages.

    Antique Shops

  • Albi - Scenic view of a historic European town on a hill, featuring a large castle at the top, surrounded by colorful buildings, lush green trees, and a river with multiple brick and stone bridges crossing over it, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Red Brick Cities

  • Find the best French farmers markets with produce and artisan stalls.

    Marchés

Accommodation Options

May 24th-26th - you will spend 3 nights and 2 days exploring the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne regions.

Note: Most B&Bs only offer king or queen beds (some provide two twin beds but can be a bit tight) so you may opt for 2 rooms or stay in a 2 bedroom townhouse (to be decided).

Stay in Saint Antonin Noble Val
A lovely medieval village on the Aveyron river. Famous for it’s Sunday marché. The film “The Hundred Foot Journey” with Helen Mirren was filmed here. There are plenty of good restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Bright bedroom with large windows, blue curtains, a white bed with pillows and a blue bed runner, a white bedside table with a patterned lamp, wicker chairs, a floral rug, a floor lamp, and a large ornate mirror.

This is a great choice for location and guests love it. It has that old world charm, large rooms and includes a fresh breakfast in the lovely garden or dining room each morning.
Price range from $370-440 for one room for 3 nights (taxes not included)

Beautiful, unique hotel accommodations in Saint Antonin Noble Val. In the Tarn-et-Garonne department of France in Occitanie region.

This is a new B&B in town run by a nice young couple. The rooms are decorated in a modern boutique style. Homemade breakfasts are served in their tea room or the back garden.
Price starts at $315-$340 for one room for 3 nights (taxes not included)

Beautiful accommodations in Saint Antonin Noble Val. In the Tarn-et-Garonne department of France in Occitanie region.

For an alternative option, you can stay in a townhouse in the heart of the village. This tasteful home has a full living room, kitchen, 2 separate bedrooms and a bathroom. Breakfast is not included but I can help you stock up on some items and show you the local bakeries.
Price starts around $640 for 3 nights (taxes not included)

Room with a bed, green chairs, and wooden beams on the ceiling, decorated in a cozy, rustic style.

Stay in Figeac
Beautiful well-preserved heritage town in the Lot Valley. Ancient palaces, medieval boutiques and open air markets are some of the highlights of this small city.

May 27th - we will spend one night in the Lot River region after a day of exploring further afield.

This amazing 14th century B&B comes highly recommended from past clients. Located in the city center it’s full of history and charm. Breakfast is included and dinner upon request. It also has a spacious 2 bedroom loft.
Price starts around $200 per night (taxes not included)

May 28th - We will continue touring around the Lot region, then head back to Toulouse so you can catch your flight the morning of the 29th.

Stay in Toulouse
The “Ville Rose” or “Pink City” famous for its brick facades, this is France’s 4th largest city. A very different feeling from Paris, it has a hospitable southern charm. It’s brimming with history and cultural events, a thriving food scene and narrow streets and squares with great boutiques.

Beautiful hotel accommodations in the historical city of Toulouse in Occitanie region.
Beautiful hotel accommodations in the historical city of Toulouse in Occitanie region.

A 4-star hotel in the center of the city featuring 1930s decor.
A room with two single beds is available for $140 per night. Breakfast is an additional $23 per person.

A contemporary 4-star hotel, close to the river’s edge and the city center. A family room is available with a queen and twin bed for $179 a night. Breakfast is an additional $17 per person.

Final Itinerary Includes:

• Your personalized route for May 24-29th (5 nights)

• A Google map with your hotels, restaurants + my favorite sites

• A customized guide according to your desires, suggested daily activities with room for spontaneity

• Information on the area such as history, regional specialties and points of interest

• Restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners

• Available for emails/calls to help you prepare and answer any questions