LE CHÊNE VERT CAMPSITE
Discover Tarn and Occitanie

The extraordinary city of Albi is home to the mightily impressive, fortified Cathedral of Saint-Cécile, and the Berbie Palace, the ancient residence of former archbishops of Albi that overlooks the old town and the river below.
Albi is also the birthplace of post-impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, with a special museum in the city holding the world's largest collection of his works.
But most importantly, Albi itself is a major historical site, owing its name to the proponents and followers of Catharism, the Albigensians, who were violently repressed by the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century during the Albigensian Crusade.
Saint-Cécile Cathedral was built by the Catholics to fight against Cathar heresy.

Cordes-sur-Ciel is a fascinating village, rising above the clouds.
Thanks to its extraordinary location and spectacular architecture, Cordes became not only one of the most important Medieval villages in France, but also a major European heritage side.
It is now considered a Grand Site de Midi-Pyrénées (Great Site of the Midi-Pyrénées Region) and was named village préféré des Français (France's favourite village) in 2014.
The rare authenticity of the local way of life has enticed artists and artisans alike, persuading them to stay in search of their inspiration.

Amble along the narrow streets of these Medieval villages, pace up and down their ramparts, follow their fortified passageways and breathe in the encircling air. Favoured initially during the tragic episode of anti-Cathar repression known as the Albigensian Crusade, the bastides of Tarn were erected in the 13th and 15th centuries, marking the beginning of a period of commercial prosperity.

Penne: 18 km

Penne and the Aveyron Valley

Among the abundant green countryside of the Aveyron Gorge area is a shaded route concealing the small village of Penne-du-Tern. With its narrow streets and old château – a majestic Medieval construction perched on the spur of the highest hill – this picturesque village overlooks the River Aveyron below.
Here, whitewater enthusiasts can enjoy a nice bit of caneoing, while others may dive into the depths of the gorge to explore its caves, or simply bathe or relax along the riverbank.

Exuding the same lively, pleasant feel of other southern French cities, Toulouse (the "Pink City") will be sure to captivate you with its friendly atmosphere, charming narrow streets, ancient façades, religious buildings and highly diverse range of museums. The city is also steeped in art and history, boasting an impressive artistic and architectural heritage.
Its must-see sites include Place du Capitole, the St Sernin Basilica, the banks of the Garonne, Place St Pierre, La Cité de l'Espace and the Airbus factory.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortified Medieval city of Carcassonne has a unique cultural and historical heritage. The entire place immerses you in the golden age of knights and the Middle Ages: typical, narrow Medieval streets, half-timbered façades, ramparts and, of course, its mightily impressive château.
Its must-see sites include the St Nazaire Basilica, the Comtal Château, la Porte Narbonnaise and Porte d'Aude gateways, the Théâtre de la Cité, its baileys and ramparts, and Le Grand Puits guesthouse.