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These stunning villages to visit immediately not far from Toulouse

undefined undefined 31 janvier 2023 undefined 08h30

undefined undefined 23 avril 2024 undefined 21h54

The Editor

Cordes sur Ciel

Founded in 1222 by Raymond VII, count of Toulouse, this small village in the heart of the Tarn is a treasure of Gothic architecture as it is built on rock. Basically, you'll need your sandals to visit the town, because it's a steep climb, or else, you can wear your sneakers even if it's a bit old-fashioned! Because yes, in Cordes, you'll feel like you're traveling back in time, heading to the Middle Ages! This village was voted "France's favorite village" by the TV show of the same name broadcast on France 2 in 2014. So, what are you waiting for to visit? The city has a great medieval festival during the summer, but if you go outside of the summer season, you'll still have plenty to do! Cordes sur Ciel is full of artists who combine tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity. As you walk around, you'll come across many galleries and small workshops where local artisans showcase their work. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore this charming village full of history and art!

There are hundreds of crafts available on our website that may interest you, such as painting, engraving & sculpture, ceramics, enamels & pottery, jewelry, woodworking, leatherworking, ironworking, or even glassblowing!© cordessurciel.fr

How to get there?

To get there, the easiest way is to drive. We are at the border of Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Averyon. If you don't have a car, consider carpooling or renting a vehicle. Buses also connect from Albi, which is the nearest city at 25 km away.

3 must-visit spots

.© Instagram @d.garofano64

The Arts of Sugar and Chocolate by Yves Thuriès

There is no shortage of museums, but the one you will love and can already note the address of is the museum of Sugar and Chocolate Arts by the chocolatier Yves Thuriès. You will discover the techniques of working with sugar and chocolate and admire subjects displayed and crafted from sugar and chocolate. Yes, there is also a shop at the exit of the museum... how tempting!

The Arts of Sugar and Chocolate by Yves Thuriès
33, grand Rue Raymond VII – 81170 Cordes sur Ciel
Price 4.90 euros
Website 
Facebook Page

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The Old Cordes Inn The Bistro

Here, you can eat local dishes: cassoulet, duck, foie gras... Classic and delicious! The restaurant even received the certificate of excellence on Tripadvisor.

The Old Cordes Inn The Bistro
21, rue Saint-Michel

Phone : 05 63 53 79 20
Website

Charming Airbnb House

And for accommodations, you should find many hotels, gîtes, and guesthouses in the city. But if you prefer a whole accommodation, this house for rent on airbnb is quite ...Cool. With its size and price for one night, come with your crew... Admit it, this huge house is totally tempting!

Airbnb

To learn more about Cordes sur Ciel, the city has a very complete website http://www.cordessurciel.fr/

Cover Photo: © cordessurciel.fr


Collioure

Collioure is that charming little village that is crowded as soon as the weather is nice. Known as the French Cadaquès, it has everything to offer: sun, sea, crafts, history, seafood, AOC wine, and sangria. No matter when you go, as long as the weather is nice and you are sitting on a terrace, you feel like you are on vacation., and just for that, it's worth going there. We stroll through the streets to do some window shopping. Designers, artisans, and artists mix easily with ice cream parlors and restaurants. Then, you will have a glass of sangria on one of the terraces that line the beaches and if you feel like it, you will go for a swim. Watch out for your feet, no sand here, just pebbles. And yes, the beaches of Collioure are the only places where wearing jellyfish is essential! You can also visit the royal castle overlooking the city center and then head up to the Saint-Vincent chapel to admire the view (and get a strong gust of wind in your face). A tip when you come to Collioure: bring your camera. Everything is so cute that you will want to take it out at every turn.

© Instagram @missleetchi

How to get there?

By train, bus, or boat! Forget the car, parking down there, especially in high season, is a total nightmare and the parking lots are pricey. But if you insist, take the A9 and exit at Perpignan (exit 42), then head towards Elne/Argelès-sur-Mer. The train station is right in the heart of Collioure and many trains stop here. Buses can take you from Perpignan and all the surrounding towns. For the boat, numerous shuttles from nearby cities make the connection. Argelès-Collioure is about 8€ round trip.

3 must-visit addresses

.© Instagram @Minouchkha

Anchois Roque

Anchovies are a Catalan specialty and since 1870, the Roque house has perpetuated the ancestral tradition of anchovy salting. Stop by one of the two stores to get your hands on typical Catalan products: fish soup, anchovy-based products including the famous stuffed olives.

Anchois Roque
17 Route d'Argelès 
40 Rue de la Démocratie 
Website 

San Vincens

Here you can eat and drink, so go ahead and order a glass of sangria and sit outside on the terrace. You're in the right place, so enjoy!

Hey there! By the way, why this bar here and not the one next door? Because it's called San Vincens, which reminds you with great pleasure of the Feast of Saint Vincent that takes place every August 16th (and a few days before), and that's worth all the bars in the world! San Vincens Boramar Beach Phone: 04 68 82 05 12 Studio Saint-Vincent When you come to Collioure, it's ideal to rent an entire accommodation in the heart of the city so you can be free to move around, and this little studio found on Airbnb is perfect. It's pretty spacious, super well located, and on top of that, there's WiFi! What more could you ask for? Airbnb

Rocamadour

Rocamadour is this little village in Lot clinging to a cliff 150m high. Established there since the Middle Ages and located on the way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, it has been known since the 12th century to welcome pilgrims who want to pray near the Black Virgin and the relics of Saint Amadour. The Saint-Sauveur basilica and the Saint-Amadour crypt are classified as UNESCO World Heritage. But now, Rocamadour is mostly known for its delicious goat cheeses... Come celebrate cheese in May! You can also visit the caves and abysses of the area: the prehistoric cave of wonders is famous for its Paleolithic paintings and the Padirac Abyss is a true wonder. And if you're with children, you can go to the monkey forest where they live freely. Grab a bag of popcorn and go feed them, unless they snatch the bag first!

In remente. © Instagram @angie.hareau

How to get there?

To get to Rocamadour, you can take the train to Cahors, which is the closest city, and then take a bus to the citadel. The nearest airport is in Brive. Alternatively, you can rent a car or carpool.

3 must-visit places

.© Instagram @michal_kokot

The Prehistoric Cave of Wonders

Classified as a Historical Monument since 1925, you can admire prehistoric cave paintings from the Paleolithic era. The cave is adorned with very beautiful crystalline concretions that are lovely to observe.

The Cave of Wonders
L'Hospitalet 
Phone : 05 65 33 67 92
Price : €7
Website 

Beau Site-Jehan de Valon

This restaurant offers you traditional dishes from the region that will make your mouth water in anticipation: the local cuisine is simply divine.strong> is still really good, don't you agree? The restaurant is highly rated on Tripadvisor, which has awarded it the Certificate of Excellence. The menus start at 27€.

Beau Site-Jehan de Valon
Rue Roland le Preux 
Phone : 05 65 33 63 08
Website 

Gîte Rocamadour L'Oustal de Beline

This entire house rental is very well located in the medieval city. You can stay there with 5 travelers. And to top it off, there is a private garden!

Airbnb Hello! I hope you're having a fantastic day! 😊 Just a reminder to always keep smiling and never forget to spread kindness wherever you go. Remember, a little act of kindness can go a long way in making someone's day brighter. So keep shining your light and making the world a better place! 🌟 Sending you lots of love and good vibes your way! 💕✨ Take care and have a wonderful day! 😄🌈 Until next time! 🌺