Craving wide open spaces, wild rivers, blossoming orchards and hilltop villages? Then you’ll love Tarn-et-Garonne (82)! Nestled between Quercy and the heart of Occitanie, this young and diverse département invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature, local culture and simple pleasures—no car required.
Nature & gentle roaming : on foot, by bike, by canoe or on horseback, Tarn-et-Garonne is made for slow travel. Ride the Canal des Deux Mers by bike, explore the wild landscapes of the Aveyron gorges, or hike along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The area is bursting with natural gems: ancient forests, limestone cliffs, lively rivers and the confluence of the Tarn and Garonne at Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, a remarkable bird sanctuary.
Heritage & hilltop villages : between Montauban, a designated Town of Art and History, and Moissac, home to a UNESCO-listed Romanesque cloister, discover a mosaic of perched villages, colourful bastides, old mills and charming abbeys. Rural traditions thrive here, and vibrant markets bring the local identity to life.
Flavours & art de vivre : welcome to the orchard of the South-West: strawberries, cherries, plums, apricots, Quercy melons, truffles, white garlic, lavender and saffron flourish here. Taste them at farmers' markets or directly on the farm. Don't miss the golden gem of the region, Chasselas de Moissac AOP. Local wines from six appellations (Fronton, Brulhois, Saint-Sardos, Coteaux du Quercy...) will charm you with their bold, expressive character—just like the region itself.
Tarn-et-Garonne is well connected by train (stations in Montauban, Moissac, Caussade, Lexos...) and has a local bus network for easy car-free adventures. Here are a few slow travel itineraries:
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with your crew, Tarn-et-Garonne offers a true “train + nature + terroir” escape—between cliffs, rivers and generous tables. Ready to unwind?