What to do with children in the Tarn? Our complete guide to an unforgettable family holiday
The Tarn is one of those destinations that delights parents and children alike. No need for overpriced theme parks or endless queues — the nature, history and Occitan landscapes are the attraction themselves. From giant inflatable structures on the river to Gallo-Roman pottery workshops, enchanted gardens, family bike rides and museum visits designed for the very young, the Tarn is packed with activities for children and families within easy reach of our cottages. Here is our complete guide to making the most of every day.
The Aiguelèze leisure base: the aqua park on the river Tarn
This is the number one address for families in the area. The Aiguelèze leisure base, in Rivières, offers on the banks of the Tarn an aqua park of 2,500 m² of inflatable water structures set directly on the river — giant slides, water trampolines, obstacle courses and play areas for younger children. A full day of guaranteed fun for the kids, in an exceptional natural setting.
The site also offers canoe, pedalo, vintage boat and gabarot rentals to explore the river as a family, a supervised swimming area, campsites and on-site catering. A destination in its own right for a complete family day out.
- 📍 Aiguelèze leisure base — Rivières (81600)
- 📞 Information: 05 63 41 72 65
- 🌐 aqua-parc-aigueleze.fr
The Montans Archaeological Centre: a journey back in time
Just 5 km from our Peyrole cottages, the Montans Archaeological Centre is one of the Tarn’s hidden gems. Nestled in the heart of an ancient vineyard, this living museum immerses you in the daily life of the Gallo-Romans through authentic archaeological finds and full-scale reconstructions of pottery kilns, craftsmen’s workshops and scenes from ancient life.
What makes this site particularly well suited to families is its programme of educational workshops during school holidays: two workshops for 4-6 year olds and two others for 7-12 year olds, allowing each age group to try their hand at ancient craft-making techniques. Free activity booklets are also available for children during self-guided visits. An original and playful way to bring history to life for your children, just minutes from the cottage.
- 📍 Montans Archaeological Centre — Montans (81600), 5 km from Peyrole
- 🌐 Tarn Tourisme — Archaeological Centre
The Jardins des Martels in Giroussens: an enchanted floral park
20 km from our cottages, the Jardins des Martels are a 7-hectare floral park that invites families on an enchanting walk among more than 2,600 plant species from five continents. Tropical greenhouses, themed gardens, ponds, secret corners to explore… Children love roaming freely through this generous space, discovering biodiversity and visiting the park’s mini farm.
Entry is free for children under 4. During school holidays, the park offers specific activities for groups and families — book ahead in high season to avoid disappointment.
- 📍 Jardins des Martels — Giroussens (81500), 20 km from our cottages
- 🌐 jardinsdesmartels.com
The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi: even children love it
You might not immediately think of taking children to an art museum — but the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi is one of the most family-friendly museums in the entire region. Housed in the magnificent Palais de la Berbie on the banks of the Tarn, it offers a full programme of activities tailored to each age group.
For 2-6 year olds: musical walks and storytelling visits designed for the very young. For 6-10 year olds: two-hour workshop visits combining a gallery tour with hands-on art practice (drawing, painting, printmaking). For over 10s: interactive explorations and playful discoveries of the collections. And great news: entry is free for all children up to and including 17 years old on self-guided visits. A free activity booklet is available at reception for children aged 6 and over.
- 📍 Toulouse-Lautrec Museum — Palais de la Berbie, Place Sainte-Cécile, Albi (81000)
- 🌐 musee-toulouse-lautrec.com
Fishing at the Île Sauvage carp lake in Montans
For introducing children to fishing in a preserved natural setting, the Île Sauvage carp lake in Montans is an ideal address. Just 5 km from our cottages, this riverside fishing spot welcomes enthusiasts and beginners alike in a calm and green environment alongside the Tarn. While the older ones try their luck with the carp, the younger ones can enjoy walks and strolls through the surrounding countryside. A lovely way to unplug together as a family.
- 📞 Montans carp lake: 06 04 40 71 69
Family walks and hikes around our cottages
The area around Peyrole and Brens is criss-crossed with waymarked trails suitable for families. Short, engaging circuits allow you to discover the Gaillac vineyards, wooded hillsides and medieval villages on foot, at a pace that suits children. The Toscane Occitane tourist board offers “Explorateurs du Tarn” routes featuring treasure hunts through the forest — a brilliant way to turn a walk into an adventure.
Route sheets are available as free downloads on the Toscane Occitane and Tarn Tourisme websites. We also have local walking maps available for our guests on arrival — just ask us when you check in.
The Tarn’s markets: a family outing in its own right
Never underestimate a market as a family outing. In the Tarn, markets are lively, colourful and generous — children love wandering between the stalls, tasting cheeses, watching farm animals and heading home with a still-warm apple tart. Sunday morning in Lisle-sur-Tarn, Friday morning in Gaillac or the Tuesday evening Noctambio in Gaillac are among our favourite family outings. Read our complete guide to the Tarn’s markets →
Les Mimines in Peyrole: the sheep to say hello to
This is one of the exclusive little joys of staying in our Peyrole cottages. Les Mimines are our Solognote sheep grazing in the meadows, visible from every cottage on the site. Children love watching them at dawn, saying good morning from the terrace or getting close to them in the field. A gentle, authentic connection with nature that often becomes one of the most treasured memories of the stay for the youngest guests.
A day in Albi: cathedral, riverside and ice cream
Albi is just 25 km from our cottages and is very easy to explore as a family. The Sainte-Cécile cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses children with its colossal size and spectacular interior frescoes. The gardens of the Palais de la Berbie offer a stunning view over the river Tarn and a green space perfect for a picnic break. The riverbanks and the old bridge are ideal for a late afternoon stroll before heading back to the cottage.
In summer, don’t miss the Nocturnes Gourmandes every Tuesday evening on the Place Sainte-Cécile — a wonderful family evening with local producers, live music and sharing plates to compose on the spot.
Our practical tips for a family holiday in the Tarn
When is the best time to visit?
The Tarn is ideal for families from May to September. The spring and summer holidays are perfect for water activities, evening markets and outdoor outings. The autumn half-term offers a gentler atmosphere with the golden colours of the vineyards — magnificent for family walks.
What to bring
- Sun cream — the Tarn sun is generous from May onwards
- Walking shoes for trails and visits to hilltop villages
- Swimwear always in the bag — there are plenty of opportunities to swim
- Cash for markets and small local providers
- Walking route sheets downloaded before you leave
Distances from our cottages
- Montans Archaeological Centre: 5 km
- Gaillac and its markets: 5-10 km
- Aiguelèze leisure base: 15 km
- Jardins des Martels (Giroussens): 20 km
- Albi (cathedral, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum): 25 km
- Cordes-sur-Ciel: 25 km
Come back and unwind at Les Cottages du Tarn
After a full day of aqua park, museum visits and market browsing, our cottages are the perfect place for the whole family to come together and recharge. At Peyrole, every cottage has its own private heated pool — pure bliss for children after a day of activities. At Brens, the spacious accommodations and complimentary infrared sauna give parents a chance to breathe while the children enjoy the wide open spaces.
- Stay in the Bohème Cottage in Peyrole for a family of up to 8 with a private heated pool
- Choose the Grand Cottage for larger families with its wheelchair-accessible layout
- Opt for our Brens cottages to be 5 minutes from Gaillac and 15 minutes from Aiguelèze
And for the very youngest, remember that our cottages are surrounded by nature — Les Mimines sheep in Peyrole, the vineyards, the fields… A natural and soothing playground, right from the moment you wake up.
👉 Book your family stay in the Tarn at lescottagesdutarn.com.
