Department profile: Tarn

The Tarn is a relaxed rural department that offers some of the best things in life – a time to think, taste the wine and forget about the rest of the world. The area has been a favourite with British buyers in the south west of France for many years. Tarn is a prosperous and lively area that possesses a wealth of stunning towns and medieval villages, many of them classified as the most beautiful of France. The landscape is contrasting, with green forests giving way to sun-soaked vineyards. The natural beauty of the area has been spared from over-development, apart from the areas close to main roads. The 350,000 inhabitants enjoy a Mediterranean-like climate. The amazing landscape, lively towns, the advent of cheap flights (to Rodez, Toulouse, Castres and Carcassone), the great climate, the hospitability of the inhabitants, the artistic and architectural heritage, the good roads, the brilliant schools, a slow pace of life, low crime and excellent healthcare have inspired many British people to move here.

With more than 50,000 inhabitants, Albi is a lively city with something for everyone whatever their taste. In the summer, there are several festivals. Now that Albi Rugby Club (SCA) reached the Top 14 in France in 2006, rugby is very popular. Its old quarters are charming, having been constructed with a distinctive red brick (similar to Toulouse), giving a rosy glow in the warm sunlight which frequently blesses the area. Art and history stand side by side along the alleyways packed with crooked timber-framed houses and beautifully restored renaissance mansions. It takes less than 1 hour to reach Toulouse via the A61 motorway.

Castres is a bustling market town and has been tastefully redeveloped and the Place Jean Jaures is now stunning. Its old world charm is typified by the balconied tanners’ and weavers’ properties overhanging the water. Castres is good for shopping and sport activities. Castres Rugby Club is also amongst the Top 14 in France. It is also a very dynamic industrial and private research centre. There is an airport 8km south-east of Castres with low-cost flights to Paris-Orly and Lyon and maybe to London soon. The proximity to the Sidobre and Montagne Noire make it a good base for outdoor activities. Many houses are made of limestone. Castres, and its surrounding countryside, has a good selection of competitively priced farmsteads and “maisons de maître” for sale.