Mas De La Griotte

The villa

Stay in the bucolic surroundings of the Tarn countryside, in the ‘golden triangle’ of Gaillac, Cordes - sur - Ciel and Albi, and experience the authenticity of this stylish French farmhouse with such beautiful gardens and a swimming pool.

The rustic interiors are perfect for a holiday with family or friends with space for up to 22 guests across the ten pretty bedrooms, most of which feature air - conditioning. The soul of the home has to be the welcoming kitchen - diner, brilliantly equipped for creating feasts to be enjoyed around one of the vintage dining tables and wood - burning fire or outside alongside the summer scent of lavender, accompanied by good wine from a historic Gaillac vineyard nearby. Don’t forget to see what may be growing in the organic vegetable garden too!

The living spaces are just as charming with comfortable sofas, antique furnishings and a fantastic TV snug next to the winery, even featuring the farm’s old wine vats. Yet in the warmer months it is all about the outdoors with the salt - water swimming pool, plenty of space for lounging on sun - beds or in a hammock, the delightful summer kitchen and al - fresco terraces. All surrounded by picturesque views of the gorgeous Tarn countryside.

Book yourself into the award - winning French restaurant in the small local village just 2km away or find one of the many fine places to eat in nearby Gaillac, Cordes - sur - Ciel and Albi, also known as the ‘Golden Triangle of Tarn’.

Discover wonderful walking and cycling trails, canoe or kayak along the Tarn near Albi or through the Ayeron gorges at idyllic Saint - Antonin - Noble - Val or drive to some of France’s ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’ such as Castelnau - de - Montmiral, Puycelci and Bruniquel.

Visit historic wineries, peruse local farmer’s markets and soak up the relaxing and slow - paced ambience of ‘little Tuscany’ in this glorious part of southern France.

Mas de la Griotte is located in the heart of the golden triangle of the Tarn department, surrounded by glorious landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards and cypress trees, only 19km from the small city of Albi.

A 2km drive will take you to a small rural village with an award - winning restaurant (book ahead) or head further to local villages for bakeries, grocery shops and traditional delis. Larger supermarkets can be found near Gaillac, around 10 to 15 minutes by car.

Gaillac (15km) itself is a beautiful place to visit, set on the River Tarn and famous for its excellent wines which are known across the world. Indeed, Gaillac wine production dates back to the Roman era and there are many wonderful wineries to visit as well as the town’s Maison des Vins . The market on a Friday morning is a delight with locally produced fruit, vegetables, cheeses, flowers and artisan crafts. The Abbey Saint - Michel is another must - see during your time in this charming and historic town and look out for atmospheric events and festivities across the summer.

The second town in the glorious golden triangle is hilltop Cordes - sur - Ciel (14km), dating back to the 12th century with its narrow lanes, impressive Gothic buildings and magnificent perched setting. Followed by the amazing small city of Albi (19km), a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobbled lanes filled with shops and restaurants, an enticing indoor market hall, gorgeous historic buildings including the rose - brick cathedral and idyllic spots by the Tarn river with many lovely city walks as well.

Then there’s the many classified ‘ Plus Beaux Villages de France ’ across this region such as Castelnau - de - Montmiral, Puycelci and Bruniquel, all within 30 - 40 minutes by car. The medieval town of Saint - Antonin - Noble - Val (35km) is a paradise for water lovers, set in the gorges of the Aveyron river with some outstanding kayaking and canoeing opportunities, not to mention canyoning, horse - riding, climbing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Visitors are also attracted to the town’s bustling Sunday morning market.

The most active of guests will also enjoy the wonderful walking trails across the region and many great cycling routes (after all, the Tour de France often passes close by). Discover why this idyllic part of southern France is often referred to as ‘French Tuscany’ with its rolling hills, green valleys and forests as well as its authentic cuisine and welcoming locals.