Our campsites
in Tarn, Occitanie region
With Cottage Parks, discover the wonders of the Tarn, a department located between mountains and green valleys.
Stay in a chic, eco-friendly campsite, where nature and comfort meet to offer you a unique experience in harmony with the environment.
The Tarn is bursting with cultural and natural treasures, from the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel to the enchanting landscapes of the Montagne Noire and the wine-growing riches of the Gaillacois.
For your next holiday, let yourself be tempted by an eco-responsible stay at one of the Cottage Parks campsites in the heart of the Tarn, for total immersion in its heritage and unspoilt nature.
The Tarn, the ideal destination for your camping holiday
Located in the Occitanie region of France, the Tarn is a magnificent department, set in the heart of five Occitan departments: Aveyron to the northeast, Tarn-et-Garonne to the northwest, Haute-Garonne to the southwest, Aude to the south and Hérault to the southeast.
From the vineyards of Gaillac to the hills of Sidobre, via the Montagne Noire and the Episcopal city ofAlbi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tarn region boasts vast natural spaces and a unique cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a keen cyclist or just looking for a quiet place to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature, the breathtaking landscapes of the Tarn will satisfy all your desires.
Its campsites allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the department, whether on the banks of a river, or near charming villages like Cordes-sur-Ciel, suspended in time.
Change of scenery and wonder guaranteed!
What to see in Le Tarn during your Cottage Parks camping holiday
From lush green hills to winding rivers, spectacular gorges and mountain ranges, the Tarn offers a natural diversity that attracts lovers of the outdoors and exceptional panoramas.
Remarkable natural sites to discover in the Tarn include :
- The Montagne Noire, located in the south of the department, this mountain range is known for its dense forests and lakes, offering spectacular views;
- The Lacrouzette cave, an ornate cave with impressive limestone formations and prehistoric remains;
- The Oulas gorges, an impressive natural site with steep cliffs and dense forests;
- The Gaillac vineyards, one of the oldest in France, where the vines stretch as far as the eye can see;
- The Grésigne forest, near Cordes-sur-Ciel, this vast forest is ideal for walking or cycling, with its centuries-old oak and beech trees;
- The Sidobre granite massif, one of the largest in Europe, is famous for its huge, unusually shaped rocks, which create unusual and mysterious landscapes;
The Arifat waterfalls are another of the Tarn’s natural gems. Then there’s the Banquet gorges, less well known than the Tarn gorges, but just as spectacular, ideal for a nature getaway. The Viaur valley, on the border with Aveyron, reveals a pastoral, unspoilt landscape.
Places to visit in the Tarn
Charming towns and bastides
With its bastide towns, hilltop villages and ancestral vineyards, the Tarn is known as the Tuscany of the Occitane. In fact, this department abounds in charming towns and typical villages. Here are six not-to-be-missed towns, followed by some emblematic perched villages and bastides.
Albi
Known for its magnificent Sainte-Cécile cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, Albi also boasts a charming historic center with cobbled streets and red-brick houses.
Castres
Famous for its colourful half-timbered houses, it’s home to St. Benedict’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic edifice, and the Goya Museum, featuring a collection of Spanish art. The bishop’s garden, with its beautiful views, adds to the city’s charm.
Lautrec
This picturesque village, not far from Albi, is famous for its rich medieval past. Stroll through its narrow streets and admire its characterful old houses, while discovering its fascinating historical heritage.
Rabastens
Situated between Albi and Toulouse, the town is notable for its Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic centre, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, offers a pleasant setting.
Gaillac
Renowned for its vineyards, Gaillac is a paradise for wine lovers. The old town center is packed with old houses, craft stores and a friendly market, ideal for sampling local specialties.
Lisle-sur-Tarn
This charming commune is known for its half-timbered houses and peaceful atmosphere. The weekly Lisle-sur-Tarn market is a must for discovering local produce.
But above all, don’t miss the charming, photogenic hilltop villages and bastides:
- Cordes-sur-Ciel – Perched on a hill, this medieval village is famous for its narrow streets, stone houses and breathtaking views over the valley. A real historical gem to explore.
- Puycelsi – Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Puycelsi is surrounded by ramparts and offers a unique medieval atmosphere, with artisans and art galleries to discover.
- Penne – Perched on a promontory, the ruins of a medieval castle offer spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
- Castelnau-de-Montmiral – Famous for its well-preserved architecture and medieval atmosphere, this medieval bastide is known for its lively market and picturesque alleyways.
Things to do in the Tarn
During your eco-chic camping holiday
The Tarn offers a wide variety of activities, whether for nature lovers, heritage enthusiasts or gourmets. Here are 10 things to do in the Tarn:
- Visit Albi and its episcopal city
- Hiking in the Montagne Noire
- Discover Bastides such as Castelnau-de-Montmirall or Cordes-sur-Ciel
- Walks and water sports on Lake Saint-Ferréol
- Visit the Gaillac vineyards
- Caves in the Sorèze and Dourgne region
- Explore natural caves such as La Devèze, or venture into historic caverns excavated by ancient civilizations.
- Wildlife watching in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park
- Cliff climbing in the Viaur valley or via ferrata at Roc du Gorb in Bor
- Bike rides along the “green path”
- Visit local markets
The Tarn region is rich in culinary specialties, reflecting the diversity and generosity of its terroir. Among the most emblematic dishes, Castres cassoulet stands out, a local version of the famous dish based on white beans, sausages and slow-cooked duck confit.
Lacaune ham, matured in the surrounding mountains, is another jewel in the crown of Tarn gastronomy, renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtly spicy taste. Croustade, an apple or prune tart covered in crisp pastry, recalls the country traditions of simple but delicious desserts. Duck farming for foie gras and charcuterie, such as Albigeois sausages and pâtés, complete this rich gastronomic palette.
The Tarn region is also known for its artisan products and wines. The wines of Gaillac, one of France’s oldest wine appellations, come in dry whites, powerful reds and even sparkling wines like Gaillac perlé.
Tarn: events
all year round
To help you plan your camping holiday in the Tarn, here are a few events to take part in (check the local calendar to confirm):
- Orchid and Tropical Plants Festival in Albi – March
- Éclats de Voix Festival in Lavaur – May
- Les Arts en Balade in Castres – June
- Pause Guitare Festival in Albi – July
- Cordes-sur-Ciel Medieval Festival – July
- Fête de l’ail rose in Lautrec – August
- Gaillac Wine Festival – August
- Chestnut Festival in Castelnau-de-Montmiral, October
- Castres Christmas Market – December
- Festival des Lanternes in Gaillac – December to January
Book your eco-friendly campsite in Le Tarn with Cottage Parks
Book your eco-responsible campsite in the Tarn with Cottage Parks and enjoy a holiday combining nature and sightseeing.
Cottage Parks offers eco-chic accommodation in charming locations, where biodiversity is valued and natural resources respected.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, outdoor activities or exploration of local heritage, Cottage Parks offers a camping experience that combines comfort with immersion in nature.
Enjoy authentic, responsible holidays in the heart of the Tarn, between lush green valleys and picturesque villages!