The Tarn [ Department 81] is part of the Midi-Pyrénées region of South-west France.
Until quite recently it was an undiscovered area, being in the heart of rural France, but with the opening up of the travel infrastructure by road and TGV rail links, and with the location of Toulouse International Airport nearby-the region is commutable from the UK, Ireland and other European cities-and an air hop to Paris brings access other continents. Low cost airlines now fly into Rodez and Carcassone, and Easy jet flies to Toulouse International. For those who still like to make the ferry crossings into France-the journey is a days drive, on the open and uncluttered roads of France.
The Tarn has a varied landscape, ranging from the mountainous landscapes of the Black Mountains to the rolling hills of the vine growing regions around Gaillac.
The snow capped mountains of the Pyrenees can be seen on a clear day from the area in which we work. However, the landscape has been likened to Tuscany- with rows of carefully tended vines on the hillsides, alongside cypress and fruit trees. The limestone and sandstone foot-hills of the Gaillac region are clothed with vines and fruit trees, and are broken by deep alluvial valleys of particular fertility.
The countryside remains green and lush for much longer than the more southern lands around Carcassone.There are hot Summers and cool Winters and Spring arrives a few weeks earlier than in the UK. The climate is continental, but it also benefits from the maritime influences of both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The local markets are a constant delight, where local producers can sell their products directly to the customers-so we eat mostly organic and ultra fresh food.
The area of Cordes-Gaillac-Albi is locally called the Golden Triangle as the landscape, houses and villages are so beautiful, and the area attracts discerning buyers, who are looking not just for a dream house, but for a way of life that seems to have passed in the UK. This is the Tarn's prime location.
The Tarn was formed in 1790 from the three dioceses of Albi, Castres and Lavaur belonging to the province of the Languedoc. The region is steeped in history and thee mystical stories of the Cathars. The bastide towns and villages hold tales and secrets, not only of the persecution of the Cathar people in the 13th century, but of the more recent occupation of the area by the Nazis in Vichy France. The story of Charlotte Gray was set here,and filmed in the region.
In both persecutions there have emerged stories of amazing courage and bravery by the local people, hiding initially the heretics, and giving them safe passage[ safe houses had the symbols of the Parasol Pine growing nearby] and centuries later, hiding the Jewish neighbours from the occupying army, and having a heroic Resistance movement..
Toulouse,once the capital of an independent region of old France now is home to an expanding hi tech industry. It has a buoyant economy, with Air Bus being an important employer. Yet Toulouse manages to keep and treasure it's inherent style and charm. There is a contrasting mix of old culture along side the ultra modern.
Albi has the amazing Cathedral of St. Cecile-built from the famous rose pink brick-and it remains the largest brick building in the world. It is a monument to the suppression of the Cathars.
The history of the area has given rise to the global interest in the myth of the identity of the Holy Grail. One clue that Dan Brown seems not to have included in his account of its identity is held in the stunning mediaeval limestone sculptures tucked away in a tiny chapel in Monesties, where a heavily pregnant Mary Magdalene stands at the foot of the crucified Christ.
The sculptures were rescued and hidden by the locals-and now amazingly are accessible to anyone who comes across the modest chapel.
People wonder what it really is that makes this small area of France so special. It's a combination of culture, history, the different pace and priorities of life here, the breathtaking landscape, the local festivals for the celebration of wine,garlic,cheese,truffles,pumpkin,duck products and all things good and wholesome.
For those wishing to relocate a young family here , the local schools give the children an excellent education and feed them well on properly balanced food. No fizzy drinks or sweets allowed !! No need for Jamie Oliver - yet!
For those wanting a second home or thinking of retiring to the area-it is ideal.
We are near enough to the Atlantic coast and Mediterranean sea, to be able to enjoy Winter sports and sea side holidays. However, once you fall in love with the Tarn and establish your own life here-you will find it hard to leave.
