What to Do Around the Tarn – First Half of August

The first half of August promises to be exceptional around the Cottages du Tarn. After enjoying the comfort of your cottage with private pool in Peyrole or relaxing in the shared sauna in Brens, discover a vibrant summer program that will transform your stay into a true Tarn adventure. Thanks to our partnership with La Toscane Occitane, you’ll benefit from exclusive advantages to explore the richness of the region during this iconic time of the summer.

 

La Toscane Occitane Deal Pass: Your Key to an Unforgettable Stay

 

An Exclusive Partnership for Our Guests

Cottages du Tarn is proud to present its partnership with La Toscane Occitane. This deal pass grants you exceptional discounts on over 60 activities and iconic sites in the Tarn region. From your comfortable holiday home, set off to explore an authentic territory with privileged offers.

 

Heritage and Culture at Special Rates

Your La Toscane Occitane pass gives you access to remarkable cultural treasures: the medieval Château de Mauriac in Senouillac, the Fortress of Penne, or the Castles of Bruniquel. The Gaillac Museum of Fine Arts and the Abbey Museum also add an enriching artistic touch to your holiday.

History lovers will enjoy the Montans Archaeological Centre (April 1 – October 31) and the Château-Museum of Cayla in Andillac (July 1 – August 31), while families will appreciate the Chocolate Art Museum in Lisle-sur-Tarn (June 30 – August 30) and the Bellevue Animal Farm in Salles (April 30 – August 30).

 

Exclusive Wine Experiences

Your pass also includes advantages with local wineries: Domaine Carcenac (Montans), Domaine Vayssette (Gaillac), Domaine Labarthe (Castanet), Domaine Gayrard (Milhavet), and Domaine Laubarel (Gaillac). The Gaillac Wine House and the Pass Vigneron further enrich this remarkable oenological offering.

The Pass Vigneron deserves special mention: this authentic experience invites you to an intimate visit with a Gaillac winemaker, in a small group of max 6 people. On the agenda: tour of the estate, passionate conversation with the winemaker, and a personalized tasting — all for just €22 per group. Booking required.

 

Event Calendar: 15 Days of Authentic Experiences 

 

A Full Immersion from August 1 to 15

 

Friday, August 1: A Majestic Opening

The first half of the month kicks off with the grand Gaillac Wine Festival (August 1–3). This world-renowned celebration creates an unforgettable festive ambiance just minutes from your accommodation.

Art lovers can attend the “Head and Human Body” Sculpture Workshop in Castelnau-de-Montmiral, while the guided tour “Welcome to the Museum” in Gaillac (€6 adult, €4 child) begins your cultural journey. The creative workshop “Little Artists” (€6 child) delights the youngest guests.

The Graulhet Local Producers Market connects you directly to the region’s land and flavors, the perfect complement to a relaxing day by your private pool.

 

Saturday, August 2: Continuing the Festivities

The Gaillac Wine Festival continues in full swing, and the Brens Market offers a great opportunity to meet local producers just steps away from your accommodation. This proximity allows guests (from couples to groups of 12) to bring back authentic flavors of the region with ease.

 

Sunday, August 3: Cultural Diversity

Start your day at the Arcades Flea Market in Lisle-sur-Tarn. In the evening, the Oeno-Astro Hike in Canabès combines wine tasting and stargazing.

The concert “Curieux – A Shoreless Concert” in Lisle-sur-Tarn adds a refined musical touch, a perfect close to a weekend of discovery.

 

Building Momentum – August 4 to 10

 

Monday, August 4: Musical Elegance

“Architecture and Music in Occitania – The Harp in the Belle Époque” opens the week in Castelnau-de-Montmiral with sophistication. The Wine House’s Apéro Concerts in Gaillac offer a lively atmosphere to discover local wines.

The Terroir Mondays at Château de Terride (Puycelsi) and Winemaker Mondays at the Wine House in Gaillac create weekly highlights for lovers of authenticity.

 

Tuesday, August 5: Farmer’s Aperitifs

This day showcases the region’s richness with no less than eight simultaneous farmer’s aperitifs, including Domaine de Borie Vieille (Lisle-sur-Tarn), Château Lacroux (Cestayrols), and Domaine de Larroque.

Enjoy a storytelling walk at Château Lacroux, followed by Oriental Music at the Colo & Co Guinguette in Castelnau-de-Montmiral.

 

Wednesday, August 6: Nautical Innovation

Apéro Boat Cruises departing from Aiguelèze bring a refreshing river twist to your experience, ideal after a day at the pool.

The Lisle-sur-Tarn Food Market and the “Little Architects” workshop in Gaillac provide family fun for guests of all ages.

 

Thursday, August 7: Heritage Discoveries

The “Tour of Ancestral Grape Varieties 2025” in Cestayrols uncovers ancient wine secrets, while “Hidden Gaillac: Private Mansions” reveals historical gems.

Thursday Evenings at Domaine Vayssette offer an immersive “3-step journey” — a perfect romantic activity for couples staying in cottages with jacuzzis.

 

Friday, August 8: Creativity and Tradition

Miss Grumpy Comes to Cordes-sur-Ciel brings playfulness to the medieval town. Apéro Concerts at Mas d’Aurel (Donnazac) and the Abbey Gardens (Gaillac) offer exceptional music in heritage settings.

“Between Tales and Vines” at Domaine Michel Issaly (Gaillac) blends storytelling and wine for a deeply cultural experience.

 

Saturday, August 9: Immersive Experiences

The Wine Workshop at Domaine Carcenac (Montans) explores winemaking techniques, while the Saint Salvy de Coutens Wine Walk mixes hiking and storytelling.

A Dinner & Concert at Domaine de la Monestarié (Bernac) provides a full gourmet experience, ideal for larger family groups staying in our spacious cottages.

 

Sunday, August 10: Popular Festivities

Graulhet Flea Market and Vintage Car Gathering in Gaillac set a nostalgic tone. Enjoy the Guinguette des Songes in Cordes-sur-Ciel and World Music Concert “Leïla” in Gaillac to close this festive day.

 

Grand Finale – August 11 to 15

 

Monday, August 11: Cultural Continuation

The Guinguette des Songes continues in Cordes-sur-Ciel. The guided visit “Museum Fables” in Gaillac enhances the cultural offer. Apéro Concerts at Domaine de Larroque (Cestayrols) keep the wine tradition alive.

 

Tuesday, August 12: Themed Evenings

The Texas Night Apéro Concert at Château de Terride (Puycelsi) and the Swing Night at the Colo & Co Guinguette (Castelnau-de-Montmiral) showcase the musical diversity of the region.

 

Wednesday, August 13: Karaoke and Family Fun

Enjoy Karaoke Night with David Espiau in Lisle-sur-Tarn and the “Little Chefs” workshop in Gaillac, joyful moments guaranteed for all.

 

Thursday, August 14: Wine Hikes

“Le Chemin de Pompirac” in Gaillac, a storytelling wine hike, serves as the crowning event of the program.

Fèsta Occitana 2025 in Cordes-sur-Ciel celebrates regional culture with authenticity.

 

Friday, August 15: A Grand Finale

The two-week program ends on a high note with the Honey Fair in Castelnau-de-Montmiral and a storytelling walk at Place des Arcades. The Fèsta Occitana continues in Cordes-sur-Ciel, wrapping up the festivities in style.

 

Bonus Activities with the La Toscane Occitane Pass

 

Adventure & Nature

The deal pass includes exceptional outdoor activities: Bonnan Aventure (electric mountain bikes year-round), Aqua’Causs (water sports from June 6 to Sept 30), and Escapad’0 (canoe-kayak from May 26 to Aug 31). The Vère Grésigne Leisure Base (July 6 to Aug 24) offers a peaceful natural escape for the whole family.

Two new hikes enrich the marked trail offer in La Toscane Occitane: La Boucle des Potiers in Giroussens (6.4 km) for an artisanal nature walk, and Le Sentier de la Plaine in Rabastens (20 km) for seasoned hikers.

Artisanal Discoveries

The Contemporary Ceramics Centre in Giroussens (July 1 – Aug 31) and the Leather Craft Museum (June 16 – Sept 30) highlight local know-how. “Family Beekeeping” workshops (June 1 – Sept 30) offer fun and educational insights into apiculture.

Also explore lesser-known crafts: Brasserie de l’Auros (Cordes) shares the secrets of artisanal beer, while Oppidum Soap Workshop (Puycelsi) reveals the art of traditional soap-making.

 

Theme Parks & Leisure

Aqua Parc d’Aiguelèze (June 28 – Aug 26), Aqua-Kids Parc (July 2 – Aug 24), and Petit Poucet Farm (Feb 7 – Dec 31) guarantee family fun. These attractions complement the wellness amenities of your holiday home.

 

Guided Tours & Cultural Discoveries

 

Medieval Heritage

Guided tours of Cordes-sur-Ciel (July 23 – Aug 21), Puycelsi (July 23 – Aug 20), and Castelnau-de-Montmiral (July 22 – Aug 19) immerse you in the region’s medieval past.

Costumed Guided Tours offer a unique and playful way to (re)discover the area — combining historical facts, quirky anecdotes, and a touch of theatricality, all at a discounted rate with the Deal Pass.

A brand new 44-page guidebook on Cordes-sur-Ciel is now available in local visitor centers for €8 — blending scholarly insights and pleasurable reading.

 

Urban Discoveries

Evening tours of Gaillac (July 28 – Aug 18), Lisle-sur-Tarn (July 31 – Aug 21), and Rabastens (July 25 – Aug 22) unveil the hidden charm of these towns of art and history — a perfect counterbalance to the countryside around your holiday home.

 

Unusual Experiences

Castel’Inoctambules (July 29 – Aug 12), The Night of Churches (only on June 28), and Miss Grumpy at Cordes (only on July 31) provide quirky and fun night-time entertainment for all ages.

 

Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Stay

 

Smart Planning

Get your La Toscane Occitane pass as soon as you arrive at the Cottages du Tarn to start enjoying its benefits immediately. The wide range of events allows for a custom schedule based on your interests and mood.

Alternate activities: a lively guinguette evening after a day of cultural discovery, a water activity followed by a sauna or private pool session.

 

Transport & Logistics

Rent electric bikes with Stations Bee’s (Jan 1 – Dec 23) for eco-friendly travel. Vintage Cyclomoteurs 81 offers a stylish way to explore the region.

Albi River Cruises and traditional gabarre boat rides let you discover Tarn landscapes from the water.

 

Local Gastronomy

Partner restaurants like La Ferme Animalière de Bellevue and Le Soleil des Bastides serve high-quality local cuisine, ideal for indulging in the region’s flavors.

 

A Complete and Exclusive Holiday

 

The Excellence of the Cottages du Tarn

This first half of August confirms our commitment to excellence. Our holiday homes in Peyrole (with private pool and jacuzzi) and in Brens (with shared sauna) are the perfect base for exploring everything the region offers.

Every day is full of discoveries: historical sites, wine experiences, intimate concerts, and water adventures. This variety guarantees a stay tailored to your pace and passions.

 

Your Premium Partner

The Deal Pass from La Toscane Occitane transforms your holiday into a treasure hunt, with more than 60 activities at privileged rates. This all-encompassing approach greatly enhances your Tarn experience.

Book your stay at the Cottages du Tarn now for an unforgettable first half of August. Our cottages (2 to 12 people) are ideal for couples seeking romance or large families in search of shared adventures.

Martial et Cathy
We look forward to welcoming you
Les Cottages du Tarn