Gaillac is the nearest small town. A visit to the Tourism Board at the "abbaye Saint-Michel", which also houses a wine museum - "Maison du Vin" - is a must to begin a holiday. The old town nearby is worth strolling around. The Friday morning market animates the town and brings people from far and wide. Supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and even a cinema can be found in Gaillac.

Albi is 30 minutes away. It is a county size city with a historic centre overshadowed by the fortress-like cathedral built to show domination over the Cathars. The Toulouse-Lautrec museum is certainly worth a visit. All aspects of his genius are on show, especially the unknown work of his youth. After exploring the city and the banks of the river Tarn, one can relax on a boat ride - on a "gabare" - and learn more about about the wine and woad - "pastel" - merchants who built the city.

Toulouse, the great red brick city, called "La ville rose", is only an hour away from Vieuresque. Best known for the aeronautic and European space programs, it is a major economic and university centre in this part of France. This city has preserved its town center with authentic old buildings, shopfronts and has retained an "occitane" flavour.

Among other towns to visit is Castres with the Goya museum (entire collection of his prints) and the Jean Jaurès Center (born in Castres and major figure of the socialist movement). Not far away is Montauban and its city museum mainly dedicated to the paintings of Ingres and the sculptures of Bourdelle.

Built during the tormented times of the Cathars and Templars, the fortified hilltowns "bastides" each have their unique athmosphere.

Cordes-sur-Ciel is the most famous. Its 12th century stone buildings and winding streets, perch on top of a hill. It is a town with artists’ studios, craft workshops and, of course, restaurants, cafés... Well frequented in summer, a visit to Cordes is a must.

Smaller is Penne which has great charm. After visiting this little town with its narrow streets, we recommend a stop at the café-restaurant. From its terrace you have a fantastic view of the extraordinary spectacular ruined castle, seemingly hanging from the rocks. If you happen to be there at sunset, it is magic!

Other fortified towns to visit are Castelnau de Montmiral with its arcades and square; Puycelsi with its merchant houses and gardens; Bruniquel and its castle; Lisle sur Tarn...

Not far, nestling in the valley, at the entrance of the Aveyron Gorges, is the pretty town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (the location for the film ‘Charlotte Grey’). The Sunday morning market is full of life and colour, with local produce, a cosmopolitan crowd and overspilling café terraces.