An often underrated French region, the Tarn boasts dramatic gorges, craggy cliffs and narrow rifts through which wind the sparkling Tarn River. East of Toulouse and Haute-Garonne, this is a scenic area, where life moves at an appealingly leisurely pace. Whether you’re tempted by the thought of historic towns and villages, rolling vineyards or riverine excursions, the Tarn’s array of B&Bs and restored châteaux promise a tranquil base for visitors of all ages, tastes and budgets. Our list of the best places to stay in Tarn awaits.

Albi, the region’s main hub, is a colourful heritage city with a number of imposing landmarks and museums. The birthplace of the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it’s home to the acclaimed Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, the 13th-century Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile and the landscaped Jardins de la Berbie. The city has a buzzy evening scene, and lots for foodies to discover, too.

For a more laid-back break, look to elegant Cordes-sur-Ciel and Castres, or to Gaillac, surrounded by the Tarn’s top vineyards. Beyond the region’s towns and villages, you’ll find hiking, cycling and horse riding trails, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and fantastic farms and wineries to savour. All will be at their busiest in July and August, when it’s worth booking the best places to stay in Tarn well in advance.

The Best Places to Stay in the Tarn

FOR AN INTIMATE B&B

• Villa Caroline offers four charming rooms in the heart of Albi. Pick this place for the central location — just along from the Vieux Pont and across the river from the cathedral — and the beautiful rooftop views. The family room sleeps four guests, and the Toulouse-Lautrec room has a private patio. An intimate B&B with a communal kitchen for independent guests.
• Domaine de Rasigous has five guestrooms and a private cottage, all with heaps of charm. The friendly owners offer generous breakfasts and lots of local knowledge, and guests share access to the pool and sauna. A traditional B&B choice, with occasional table d'hôte evenings.
• La Maison, Albi has three stylish rooms in a 19th-century house. Five minutes from the centre of town, this B&B boasts a verdant enclosed garden and fresh, contemporary interiors. Small and welcoming.
• L'Autre Rives will appeal to wellness-minded travellers, who can unwind in the sauna and garden swimming pool after hitting the gym. Explore Albi on complimentary bicycles before returning to one of five spacious rooms with modern furnishings and stacks of old-school charm. A chic B&B choice.

FOR Romance

• Hôtel Alchimy is a lavish, family-run boutique hotel with just seven striking guest rooms and suites in the heart of Albi. A sensitive renovation has preserved the building's Art Deco soul, adding sophisticated modern twists in the bar, atrium brasserie and elegant rooms. Trendy and romantic.
• La Maison Bakéa offers a gorgeous, adults-only escape in a lovingly preserved 15th-century mansion. Expect exposed stone walls, elaborate tapestries and antique wooden furnishings, with beautiful views from ancient windows. In the heart of Cordes-sur-Ciel, this is a relaxing, romantic spot for history buffs.
• Hotel Cap de Castel is a beautiful little hotel with airy, contemporary rooms, a large swimming pool and superb valley views. The French fine dining restaurant is a real highlight. A chic choice for foodies or romantic couples in Puylaurens.
• La Villa de Mazamet has welcomed guests since 1934. An impressive late-Art Deco building with sumptuous rooms and suites clad in soothing cream and white tones, the hotel has a swimming pool, manicured gardens and a restorative spa as well as a gourmet restauraunt. A stylish choice for couples.
• Cuq en Terrasses offers classic rooms with wooden beamed ceilings, antique furnishings and rural views. Couples can hide away in a private apartment and enjoy blissful days by the pool, in the gardens or at the spa. The gourmet eatery boasts stunning valley views, perfect for an evening to remember.

For Families or Groups

• Domaine d'en Naudet offers charming guestrooms for families or groups in a restored farmhouse and cottages with two swimming pools, a pétanque court and table tennis facilities. Characterful events spaces make this a great choice for a big family birthday or wedding celebration.
• Maison d'Hôtes de la Boissière is the perfect pick for keen horse riders of all ages. Book a private room or the gîte, which sleeps up to five guests, and embark upon scenic rambles on the property's wonderful horses. A family-run gem, ideal for horse-mad little ones.
• Les Vents Bleus, in Donnazac, has five pretty guestrooms as well as three standalone cottages. The multi-room cottages, with space for up to six guests, are perfect for fun-filled family or group trips. Think traditional interiors with exposed stone walls, shaded terraces with barbecues and a shared swimming pool. Hike, fish, cycle and visit nearby farms.

FOR FOODIES

• Château de Salettes is a renovated 13th-century castle, famed for Chef Pascal Auger's Michelin-starred restaurant. Come as a couple or family, book a contemporary room or suite, and kick back by the pool after visiting the area's top-notch vineyards. A foodie favourite, close to Gaillac.

FOR A RURAL RETREAT

• La Reserve, Albi is an indulgent 22-bedroom escape on the banks of the Tarn River, just north of Albi. Hide away in sumptuous suites, admire the views from the leafy gardens and enjoy fishing, sailing and tennis. A luxurious rural choice for romantics, with a great restaurant.
• Domaine de Perches is an idyllic little hotel with four indulgent rooms and suites, a swimming pool, table tennis, boules and tennis court. Pick this place for the intimate, romantic feel, the delicious breakfasts and the proximity to Gaillac's many vineyards. Join your hosts for generous dinners crafted from seasonal ingredients. Gorgeous.
• Domaine Le Castelet is a pastel-pink country house with lovely guestrooms offering floral fabrics, antique furnishings and lush garden views. A tranquil rural retreat for couples or families with a swimming pool, expansive gardens and a friendly restaurant. Close to Castres.
• Domaine du Buc offers a restful hideaway in a 19th-century château set within its own parkland. Expect appealing rooms with period furnishings, gilded mirrors and big fireplaces, as well as cosy communal spaces for unwinding under vaulted ceilings. Ideal for couples, friends or families.

For Great Value

• Hôtel Saint-Antoine is a historic townhouse with six appealing rooms in medieval Albi. Expect bold wallpapers, antique furnishings and modern bathrooms. The sunny conservatory and big breakfasts are a real treat. Lovely, quiet and affordable.
• La Maison au Puits is cosy B&B housed in an 18th-century building in Les Cabannes, just outside Cordes-sur-Ciel. Rooms are simple and characterful, and breakfasts benefit from the addition of ingredients grown in the garden. Delicious dinners can be arranged on request. Friendly and reasonably priced.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, and travel to your destination in the Tarn by road or rail. Alternatively, take a domestic flight to Le Sequestre Airport, Montvale Airport or Mazamet Airport, or hop aboard the train from Paris via Toulouse.
• The Tarn region is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit in July or August for temperatures ranging from 21°C - 30°C, but bear in mind that this is also peak season. For cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, travel in May - June or September - October.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Albi.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Haute-Garonne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Tarn