Slow Living and Tourism Contents

TARN-ET-GARONNE, slow living and tourism contents

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Presentation Presentation Contents and contents The Tarn-and-Garonne is in the heart resentation

of the South-West, a land of orchards Heritage: Montauban, Ingres jewel P and breathtaking nature. Come to Heritage: Moissac and the Pilgrim discover the mix of cultural tourism path and «slow tourism» leisure pursuits, Heritage: Aveyron gorges, nature the cloister of Moissac, the Ingres and Design Museum in Montauban but also the Heritage: The Most Beautiful villages safe cycle path along the Canal of and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val the two seas, the Aveyron Gorge Heritage: Belleperche, and its stunning villages. Épopée chapelière Taste the fruits, vegetables, garlic and truffles, not to mention the wine, Gastronomy and geese and ducks specialities such as delicious foie gras. Whether Leisure activities: The Canal you are a family, a couple or just des Deux Mers friends, each step takes you towards a discovery, a magical spot and a Events shared pleasure.

Crédits photos : ADT82 - Bernard Tauran - Patrick Press contact Batard - Jean-Michel Maume - CRT Midi-Pyrénées Dominique Viet - > Caroline Manens and Lauriane Donzelli Pays Midi Quercy C. Pélaprat La Tel: +33 (0) 5 63 21 79 53 cuisine - Laurent Rotiel - Musée [email protected] Ingres - Joël Damase - Patrice [email protected] Thébault - Philippe Ploquin et Françoise Peuriot - Photo Bouissel - Mark Merckpoel - Gonzalo Botet- Corinne Bacherin. jewel

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Heritage The best : eritage of Tarn-et-Garonne H

Montauban The Ingres Museum Montauban, town of Art and History, Today, the lower rooms accommodate both bition of Ingres in Madrid. Until April 2016. nine centuries old, is wearing well. archaeological and lapidary, a wide array of Then Italy will be highlighted with special Built of pink brick, it offers treasures such as pottery as well as temporary exhibitions. events, exhibition of Ingres draws from the 17th century Place Nationale with its On the ground floor, two rooms housing Italy landscapes, lectures… splendid arcades and surrounding old the sculptures of Antoine Bourdelle. The streets, its luxury private mansions, the first floor is devoted to the work of Jean- view of the former Episcopal or Bishop’s Auguste-Dominique Ingres. A collection Palace from the Pont-Vieux. The town has of paintings, artifacts and antiques is managed to keep its identity whilst reno- presented about a fund exceptional gra- vating its architectural heritage, witness phics. The second floor offers the visitor of a rich and eventful history. Must to see: an overview of European painting of the the Church of Saint-Jacques, the Ingres seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. museum, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the In 2017, important renovation works will sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle scattered begin, so 2016 will be the year of great around the town. events and exhibitions in the Museum. www.montauban-tourisme.com Starting with the exhibition of the national portraits of the Prado, related to the exhi-

HIGHLIGHT

The Hotel du Commerce This well-known hotel, in the heart of Montauban, on the cathedral square, has been renovated and decorated, to became a charming hotel with colourful and design decoration. Prices start from 80€ per night. www.hotel-commerce-montauban.com

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: eritage H Moissac Moissac, stone, water and fruit... With its cloister World Heritage, Moissac is one of the prides of the Tarn-et-Garonne. 30 km west of Montauban, this Mecca of Romanesque art in France is also a major fruit centre, bathed in the Tarn and the Canal des Deux Mers. Moissac, active city, enjoys an interna- tional reputation due to the abbey church of Saint-Pierre and its cloister, listed as World Heritage Site.

With a pretty marina, Moissac is also the starting point for walks along the Canal des HIGHLIGHT Deux Mers, punctuated with locks and struc- tures (see the impressive aqueduct 1847). Le Moulin de Moissac Walking on the promenade along the Built as a mill in 1474 and once employing water of the Tarn river is enchanting, over 100 as it ground the wheat of Gascony between Napoleon bridge and the mill of Moissac (now a hotel), and the Uvarium, into fine flour for export around the surprising art deco building where we of- world, the Moulin de Moissac now beats fered toning cures base of grape juice. a gastronomic restaurant the M1474, and Moissac is indeed the home of the famous wonderful bedrooms with breathtaking view AOC Chasselas grapes, the first fresh fruit on the Tarn river. to benefit from AOC. High on the hills sur- Prices start from 105€ per night. rounding the king Chasselas results in joyous celebration (September). It helps www.lemoulindemoissac.com make the fruit capital of Moissac Tarn-et- Garonne department ranked among the top in the production of plums, apples, melons and grapes. www.tourisme.moissac.fr

The Saint-Jacques- de-Compostelle Pilgrims’ Way or GR65 This is almost a mythical route, at one and Founded in the seventh century, the the same time physical and spiritual, ena- abbey of Moissac was for centuries a bling the pilgrim to not only find inner considerable influence. It was and still is a peace but discover amazing architectural major step on the road to Saint-Jacques de wonders along the way. Compostela. With a mesmerizing serenity, cloister dedicated to the Year 1100 deploys its four gal- leries decorated with 76 beautiful capitals, historiated or decorative. There is no other example in the world of the cloister of the time that has survived well in its entirety. The tympanum of the abbey is also among the masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture. esign

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Aveyron Gorges La Cuisine eritage

The Gorges of the Aveyron are one of the La Cuisine, an Art & Design centre has H preferred destinations of nature lovers. been recently created in Nègrepelisse, Numerous footpaths enable you to explore on the walls of the former castle, with an and appreciate the remarkable views. architectural style subtly marrying ancient Winding along the dizzying sides of the and new. The result is a superb blend of gorges, hollowed out of the limestone 13th century remains alongside contem- slopes at the foot of the towering chalk porary lines and building materials. plateau, these paths will delight those “La Cuisine”, or The Kitchen, is the only art with a penchant for thrills. Canoeing is the & design centre in Tarn-et-Garonne hou- principal outdoor activity in this area, cy- sing entirely contemporary art works. As cling is great as well. Medieval towns, reflected in its nomenclature, the centre design and art centre, gourmet restau- focuses specifically on aspects of the rants, stunning landscapes, there is so culinary arts. Local, or artists in residence, cultural events programmed locally by much to explore in this land. are invited to create works reflecting upon associations and organisations, and the possible interactions between daily func- cooking lessons, always in relation with Canoeing and kayaks tional usage and creativity. the temporary exhibitions, is a great The east of Tarn-and-Garonne once be- The centre organises educational activities success. longed to the Aveyron and so consists of (visits and workshops) and also coordinates www.la-cuisine.fr gorges hollowed out of the limestone at the foot of sheer cliffs, to the delight of intense sports fans! HIGHLIGHT Canoeing-kayak is one of the most po- pular sports in this area: it takes 3 hours to Pella Roca navigate the 9 kilometres of the Aveyron. Several clubs or associations offer boat A new way to see holidaysIn the rental. heart of a Truffle field, these huts, in www.gorges-aveyron-tourisme.com magnificent trees, are as luxury and comfortable as you can expect! Design furniture and decoration, spa, terrasse… the perfect choice for romantic stay or family holidays. You can have a special “truffle stay” with cooking lesson, a tour at the truffle market near by and truffle menu in a gastronomic restaurant. Prices start from 190€ per night. www.pella-roca.com al

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Tarn-et-Garonne beats 3 of the most beautiful villages of France,

and a lot of medieval villages, with such history and charm. villages

Lauzerte Bruniquel Not to be missed on the Pilgrims’ Way, This village forms the crossroads of the t iful eau B Lauzerte is perched in a typical Quercy Quercy, the Rouergue and Albigensian t os Blanc landscape. Built in the twelfth cen- territory and plunges you into its me- M

tury, numerous vestiges of the Middle Ages diaeval past thanks to its ramparts, the he T

survive: the classified Romanesque chapel twin castle ruins overhanging the River : of Saint-Sernin du Bosc, the Place des Aveyron and not forgetting the Maison Cornières with its arcades as well as me- Payrol, former residence of the Governors

dieval houses with 13th and 15th C facades. of Bruniquel and 12th C storeroom. eritage H

Auvillar Overlooking the river Garonne, Auvillar is a picturesque halt for pilgrims. The village, famous in the 18th and 19th centuries for its pottery, is now renowned for its cir- cular town hall dating from 1825, its clock tower and Saint Peter’s church.

HIGHLIGHT HIGHLIGHT

Visit the beautiful villages driving a Morgan or a French “2chevaux” in the Château de l’Hoste, for an authentic stay in the white Quercy. Staying here is like being invited by friends. The cosy, friendly atmosphere in the bar and library, as well as the magnificent marriage of old and new in the decor, will warm the cockles of your heart! In the winter, a fire crackles in the hearth but, whatever the season, top notch cooking, with dishes combining tradition and innovation, figures on the menu. From spring through summer, the chef is inspired by produce from the organic vegetable garden in the grounds. In season, meals are served on the terrace allowing you a leisurely look at the excellent wine list. Prices start from 110€ per night. www.chateaudelhoste.com Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Hollywood, famous film set 2013 was an exciting year for the medieval village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the Aveyron Gorge. It was transformed into a film set to shoot the Hollywood film The Hundred-Foot Journey, which was released worldwide in 2014. Now the public can join a special guided tour following in the footsteps of Hassan Haji, the young Indian with a special gift for cooking, who comes to live with his family in this peaceful little village. The tour features the produce market, the banks of the Aveyron and also Le Lion d’Or bed and breakfast, which plays a big part in the film. www.tourisme-saint-antonin-noble-val.com/ chapelière

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: eritage H Wear a real canotier in Caussade Have a tea in Belleperche Caussade is known worldwide for its factories The unique exhibition « Earth and Tea » at hats and truffle markets. In the XIX century, the Museum of Table Art in the Cistercian Caussade made hats for French actors and rich Abbey of Belleperche is not to be missed. ladies of Paris. This exhibition displays the “Valfré collection”, unique in Europe, it is a real Today, the hat festival in July invites artists and aesthetic and cultural treasure, a collec- designers of hats from the all world to present tion of old ceramic masterpieces, mainly their best creations at the competition. from China. Since 2015, Caussade has also its kind of Hat In the middle Ages, Belleperche was one Museum, “L’Epopée chapelière”. of the largest and richest monasteries in This original space, dedicated to the hat history the south. of Caussade, allow visitors to discover the crea- The General Council of Tarn-et-Garonne tion and history of hat factories in Caussade, has acquired the Abbey in 1983 and 1998 wearing a real hat and earring the story. and has been developing since 2002 a of red, violet, purple, brown, yellow or project of the Museum of Table Art (Art de black, have been appreciated and sought la Table) In 2010, the museum was en- after in China for five centuries. There are riched with the addition of the collection also items from the 19th and 20th centu- assembled by Mr Patrice Valfré since ries covering a wide range of shapes and 1989; it includes hundreds of items rela- origins (China, Japan, France, United tive to tea consumption, the main part Kingdom, Germany...). manufactured in China for the domestic Western Europe, after a long 250 years market and export, as well as items made hiatus, is now rediscovering these teapots in Japan and Europe. that kings in the 17th century and at the The Valfré collection is above all 246 beginning of the 18th century would ea- stoneware pieces, mainly teapots from gerly snatch up for the price of gold. What the city of Yixing. A ceramics city half way was once a collector’s item and curiosity between Nanking and Shanghai, Yixing is reserved for princes has once again be- the place where the teapot was invented come a daily object, and rightly so; Yixing at the beginning of the 16th century, stoneware is the perfect material for pre- when tea prepared by infusion finally re- paring tea in the best conditions to express placed the decoction (pressing/mashing) the aromas and flavours. process that had been used for centuries. HIGHLIGHT Yixing teapots, with their many nuances www.musee-arts-de-la-table.fr

Sleep in a former convent, in the Quercy, between history and nature. Neuviale is a small hamlet near the charming village of Parisot. The convent is a former cloister, now delightfully renovated with four B & B guest rooms, all suites. Every room is named after one of the sisters who lived in the convent: Valérie, Geneviève, Alberte, Noëlle. www.lecouventdeneuviale.fr astronomy G

Gastronomy

Irréristible Chasselas de Moissac In 2015, the Chasselas de Moissac has been celebrated with a new marketing campaign and new design for the trays, because this special fruit is so irreristible.

The department, with its microclimate and rich soil, produces 80% of the fruit in the Midi-Pyrénées, 420 000 tons to be exact. It is the vineyard of the South-West. Chasselas de Moissac AOC, with its light golden fruit, is one of the bestselling grapes. Reine-Claude Label Rouge is a unique variety Château Bouissel, of plum from the south-west with a firm, juicy, sun-drenched texture. The plum tree one of the best wines is in fact the oldest plant species cultivated in the world for marketing. At the last Vinexpo in Bordeaux, the “Bouissel 2011” was the winner of the Tarn-et-Garonne also produces Quercy “Decanter World Wine Awards”, such a melons with their exceptional aroma and great celebration for this excellent wine taste, Moissac cherries, food fit for a king; from AOP Fronton. local restaurant chefs know how to do them credit, Hazelnuts, Apples, Lomagne chestnuts, Laguépie chestnuts. Wines Possessing 6 appellations (AOP Fronton, AOP Coteaux du Quercy, AOP Brulhois, AOP Saint Sardos, IGP Lavilledieu, Coteaux HIGHLIGHT and Terrasses de Montauban IGP Comté Tolosan), the Tarn-et-Garonne produces wines where one can taste the influence Taste great wines and famous “millésimes” in and earthiness of the rich soil that nou- Beaumont-de-Lomagne. rished the grapes. The Hotel La Maison des Lumières beats a large Practising either organic or rational agri- wine cellar, well supplied with more than 1000 cultural methods, the winegrowers of Tarn- bottles, with wines from famous French Maisons et-Garonne respect the land, to the delight of fans of authentic and natural produce. and World great wines. This old mansion from the XVIII century is simply magic, with its 2 peristyles, the magnificent cellar and the sophisticated bedroom, with original furniture from all over the world, returned in this village by the owners during their journeys. Prices start from 79€ per night. http://maisondeslumieres.com/ Markets Weekly markets are local reunion for locals and tourists, and take place in the heart of our towns and villages. Dawdle through mediaeval towns and villages, in front of stalls laden with local produce; soaking up local atmosphere and its warm welcome. In the Tarn-et-Garonne, the markets are colourful and clamorous… just like its inhabitants! ers

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Leisure activities :

Experience the cycling in Tarn-et-Garonne activities For cycling enthusiasts, some superb cir- cuits exist, either steep or on the flat. The

Bicycle Greenway Canal des 2 mers seas eisure offers beautiful walks suited for cycling, L this cycle lane is fitted on the old- tow paths and totally secure, lined with plane trees and ponds. The cycle route in the Aveyron valley is also a great experience, more physical. Cycling in this area is a wonderful way to discover, or revisit, this hidden corner of France with its prestigious tourist attrac- tions and picturesque landscapes, as well as meeting the redoubtable locals.

Rent a boat and explore the heart of southwest France enables you the beauties of Tarn-et- to explore the area and its treasures, only Garonne, along the Canal interrupted by 33 locks and several odd des Deux Mers. quirks such as the canal bridge on the Tarn Cruise in Tarn-et-Garonne with Le Boat River or the Montech water slope, unique from Castelsarrasin: glide along the canal in the world. With cycles on board, don’t of the two seas in your boat, a floating miss the major sites around the canal. house, stopping off in charming small To book your unusual sailing holidays: harbours in the heart of villages along the http://www.leboat.co.uk/ route. This slow, gentle canal journey in

Discover the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo This new asset of the South of France is an exceptional cycle route linking the two seas of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from Royan to Séte. You can pedal along for almost 800km beside the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi, the latter is a World Heritage Site, to explore unforgettable landscapes and sites. http://en.canaldes2mersavelo.com/

HIGHLIGHT

Cycling holidays from Bordeaux to Toulouse along the Canal des Deux Mers: Discover a variety of landscapes, vineyards, groves, hillsides, orchards, Contact villages, and numerous works of art Booking Tarn-et-Garonne and historic monuments along the Tel: +33 (0) 5 63 21 79 61 canal. Conviviality is surely one of [email protected] the main features of this adventure. www.reservation-tarnetgaronne.fr www.tourisme-tarnetgaronne.fr Prices start from 839€ per person for 7 days (from April to October). 1 v e nts E

Events > Montauban en Scènes music festival: July 2016 > Alors Chante in Castelsarrasin During a month, the beautiful town of May 2 to 7th 2016 Montauban will host famous singers from all over the world, and artists, who will French music Festival where to discover entertained the town centre, for the great young singers and famous artists. pleasure of tourists and locals. http://www.alorschante.net/ www.montauban-en-scenes.fr

> Nights of Belleperche Abbey > Les Estivales du Chapeau: th May 14 2016 July 14th to 17th 2016 In a former Cistercian abbey, entertain- In Caussade every year the hat has its ments are organized all night for kids and own festival, and artists and designers adults. from France and abroad are coming in this www.musee-arts-de-la-table.fr small town to present their best creations. Fashion shows, concerts, artists and han- > Fête des Restaurateurs dicrafts “village”… Mai 19th and October 14th 2016 http://www.chapeau-caussade.fr/ During two days, some of the best restau- rants in Tarn-et-Garonne offer special menus with the same local products high lightened by the chefs, with different recipes. will enjoy the entertainments offered www.restaurateurs82.com here: farm animals to feed, horse-rakes, wooden games, traditional dancers…and a gourmet market. www.latomeduramier.com

> Bruniquel castles festival > White night in Lafrançaise From July 28th to August 6th 2016 July 22nd 2016 Bruniquel beats two medieval castles, Theatre, circus, music…several artists are and some opera masters. They organize making a show in the narrow streets of every summer incredibles Offenbach music the city of Lafrançaise. A gourmet market shows. In 2016, “Mademoiselle Boucheron” is also organized, to complete the delight will be played on stage and it will be the of entertainment with delicious food. 20th anniversary of the Festival. At this occasion, 2 concerts will be done on July http://www.nuitblanchelafrancaise.fr/ 22nd in Caussade and July 24th in Bruniquel. www.bruniqueloff.com > Festival of Voices, Places… > White garlic festival and Worlds in Beaumont-de-Lomagne th th > Open Air Shakespeare Festival June 17 to 26 2016 July 24th 2016 in Lauzerte 20th anniversary of the Festival: tales, In the heart of a charming “bastide”, the August 1st 2016 concerts, artists meetings…several enter- famous white garlic of Lomagne is cele- tainments are organized in Moissac and brated during one exiting day. First open air theatre festival, all in english, Lafrançaise, and in the villages of “Terre in Tarn-et-Garonne http://tourisme.malomagne.com/ de Confluences”. http://www.ad-tour.com/ http://moissac-culture.fr > Festival of taste and flavours in Montauban > Moissac fête le Tarn: th Barges Festival July 24 2016 50 local producers and farmers are selling First week of July 2016 their best products for a special day, dedi- Barges and riverbanks will be the place of cated to Gastronomy and conviviality. In several celebrations. the farm producing the famous cheese of http://tourisme.moissac.fr/ Montauban “La Tome du Ramier”, families 2 v e nts E

Events

> Les Nuits de Lauzerte: night itinerant Festival August 5th to 7th 2016 A festival-circuit around Lauzerte: contemporary artists take over courtyards and gardens, creating a link between their modern creations and the heritage of this classic hill top medieval village. http://www.nuitsdelauzerte.fr/en

> « Au fil de l’eau… une histoire > Saveurs et Senteurs: wine > La Fête de la Gastronomie » sound and light show in festival in Fronton September 23rd 2016 Valence d’Agen August 19th to 21st 2016 During a special evening, the best chefs of August 5th , 6th , 9th , 10th , 12th Wine taste, cellar visits, music and enter- Tarn-et-Garonne invite the public in the and 13th 2016 tainments all day. same place to eat several specialities and By followig Lucien, Theodore and Guillaume www.fronton-saveurs-senteurs.fr local products, making a gourmet dinner. along their road to school and beyond the www.restaurateurs82.com spectator is plunged into a living fresco > Wine harvest festival in Albias with 450 actors. September 4th 2016 > Hazelnut celebration in Lavit www.aufildeleau.org/en de Lomagne In the heart of the Domaine de Montels th vineyards, public can participate to tradi- October 9 2016 tional harvests and taste the several ex- The hazelnut of Lavit de Lomage is well quisite wines of this wine producer of known for its quality, and each year a spe- Montauban. cial day celebrate this precious fruit. http://vignoblesromain.com/ http://tourisme.malomagne.com/

> Les Médiévales de Belleperche: > Chestnut Fair in Laguépie medieval days in Belleperche October 30th 2016 September 17th and 18th 2016 One of Autumn highlight, special occasion Artists and acrobats will make the show to join with family and friends the celebra- on medieval theme, with original entertain- tion of this fruit and the charming village of ments like a fire-eater and a bear leader… Laguépie. http://www.musee-arts-de-la-table.fr/ http://www.tourisme-tarnetgaronne.fr/ lang-en/ en/

> Fruits Festival in Moissac > Noël en Cirque in Valence September 17th and 18th 2016 d’Agen In the beautiful town of Moissac, fruits are December 2016 the main production, like the precious In this small town of Tarn-et-Garonne, circus grape “chasselas” and are of course cele- famous artists from all over the world are brated once in the year, by locals and under the same big top to present one of tourists, to make colourful and tasty the best circus in Europe. entertainments. Noelencirque.fr http://tourisme.moissac.fr

Press contact > Caroline Manens and Lauriane Donzelli Tel: +33 (0) 5 63 21 79 53 [email protected] [email protected]