Rodez (30mins by car, there
is a bus link on the RN88 and a direct train from Naucelle Gare,
a 10min taxi ride from property). Departmental capital of
the Aveyron, this lovely old city stands proud on a hilltop where its
beautiful cathedral can be seen from miles around. Many of the
historic buildings are built in red brick which gives a red glow to this
city. There are lots of sites to see and the city is culturally rich
with concerts, choral works and theatre productions all year round. The
quaint backstreets offer some lovely boutique shops and there are plenty
of pavements cafes and restaurants to choose from. www.ot-rodez.fr
Albi (30
mins by car, there is a bus link on the RN88 and a direct train from
Naucelle Gare, a 10 minute taxi ride from property. Rival
to Rodez, Albi is the departmental capital of the Tarn. It boasts
the largest brick built building in the world, its majestic Cathedral.
Albi is steeped in character, located above the Tarn River.
It has a maze of backstreets to explore and some exquisite shops
to entice you. Pavement cafes and restaurants leave you spoilt
for choice and are not too hard on the pocket! The tourist information
office, next to the Toulouse Lautrec Museum is a good place to start
as they provide excellent advice on what to see, daily event listings
and a range of tours to take on foot through the city. http://www.mairie-albi.fr/eng
Toulouse (1 hour 20
mins by car. Direct link by train from Naucelle Gare or Carmaux
- train journey is very interesting cutting through stunning scenery
and of course no traffic to fight with or car parks to find in this
very busy city). If you like to shop then Toulouse is a
MUST. Streets and streets of pedestrianised boutiques offer
designer heaven for the serious shopper. There are many city
sights to take in and you can even ride the metro! http://www.mairie-toulouse.fr/ANGLAIS/Accueil_En.htm
The Bastides
There are many medieval bastides in this area, varying
in size and notoriety. However, what they all have in common
is that they are built around a central market square, and have the
most delightful buildings to explore and admire. Nearly all
the bastides have summer markets and many of them are nocturnal to
escape the heat of the day. These markets are often local 'farmers
markets', and are excellent for trying out local cuisine and crafts.
Some of our favourites are: Sauveterre de Rouergue, Cordes-sur-ciel,
Villefranche de Rouergue, Lille-sur-Tarn.
The Millau Viaduct
Well worth a visit and a good thing to combine with a visit
to Roquefort caves. Make it a great day out by coming back through the
Gorges du Tarn.
Sporting Activities
There are a wealth of activities to do in the area,
suitable for young and old. Here are just a few ideas: Walking: the area is covered with way marked
walks which helpfully give an estimated time for completion of
walk as well as the distance. We have a number of stunning walks
which can be accessed direct from our property. As we are keen
family walkers - we will be happy to advise on suggested walks to
take and have a number of books with local walks documented.
Cycling: the area offers quiet country roads
to challenge the cycling enthusiast. There are many cycling
clubs in the area and weekends in particular indicate how popular
serious cycling is here. Two years ago the 'Tour de France' finished
in nearby Cap Découverte and the road markings are still there
so you can have a go at some of the sections yourself! The property
is ideally placed to take to the country roads. Fishing: a very popular sport in the River
Viaur, just below the property - Trout, Bream + Eel are a few of
the popular catches. Our French neighbour Mr Rigeau will be happy
to offer advice on the best spots! There are also local fish
farms where you can go and lake fish + bring your catch home for tea. Sailing, windsurfing,canoeing. In the
summer months canoes can be rented at the nearby camp site on the
Viaur. There are also two sailing clubs at the Plan de L'eau
de Roucarié (15 mins drive), where you can take sailing and
windsurfing lessons, hire equipment and hire canoes. Swimming: If you find our lovely pool too tame
then there are a number of swimming options locally. There
is a pristine, outdoor pool complex in our neighbouring town
Naucelle. It caters for all types of swimmers with constant
depth pools, diving pools, serious swimming, water volleyball + toddlers
paddle pool - 6 pools to choose from and amazingly cheap!
You can swim from the banks of the Viaur at the campsite,
5 mins down the road. The Plan de L'eau de Roucarié
has a purpose built sandy beach and lifeguard supervision - a wonderful
setting with safe, quality water to swim in. (15 mins from property).
In Albi there is Atlantis Espace Nautique - offering indoor
and outdoor pools, flumes and wavy slides. And of course you
can swim at Cap Découverte - swimming enclosure offering wavy
slides and fountains, varey-depth pools - ideal for families. Plus
beach + secure swim area in the lagoon. Horseriding: There is a great equestrian centre
in our neighbouring village, which offers pony, donkey and horse
rides for the novice to the experienced rider. Our girls both
ride there, the animals are well looked after and the centre staff are
really friendly.
Children's activities There really is a wealth of things for families
to do in the area. Some of our favourite visits are listed
below but the list is by no means exhaustive: Cap Découverte - a reclaimed open cast
mine which offers challenges for the whole family. Skiing,
water-skiing, toboggans, ziplines, swimming, cycling and on it goes.
A great day out for the whole family! http://www.capdecouverte.com/ Jardin des Bêtes - a childrens farm where
the animals are at arms length with lots of opportunity for hands
-on feeding. Especially good for smaller children. www.travel-library.com/holidays/europe/france/rodez/ Pradinas - a wildlife park with lots of space
where children can see animals in their natural habitat. Micropolis - an amazing development which houses
the most incredible insects - live and preserved, there are plenty
of things to make the skin crawl - fascinating for the children (and
a good restaurant for the adults to recover in) http://www.micropolis.biz Chateaux - there are many chateaux in the area
which often put on special days for children during the holiday
season. Our girls love to go and dress up in costume- pretending
they are princesses in a time long ago.
Having great fun at the 'dancing fountain'.
The Chesnut festival at our neighbouring bastide - Sauveterre