Address

Las Peyrières
70, Chemin de Sommard
Ratayrens
Le Riols
81170

Our house is 90 minutes north east of Toulouse, 40 minutes north of Albi. It is in the Département du Tarn, but close to both the Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne borders. We are in the middle of a triad of beautiful small towns, each a scenic 10 to 15 minutes drive:

  • the medieval 'bastide' town of Cordes-sur-Ciel; stunning views.    Cordes sur CielClick to view photo
  • St Antonin-Noble-Val, at the head of the Aveyron gorges, dating from Roman times; setting for Charlotte Grey and other films.    St. AntoninClick to view photo
  • Laguépie, more of a large village with a castle; the confluence of rivers Aveyron and Viaur, at the foot of the picturesque Viaur valley.    LaguepieClick to view photo
Even closer to the house, a few minutes' drive or 20 minutes by bike, is Varen; here is the nearest bar, small general store, pharmacy, restaurant by the river, and a magnificent Romanesque church. The house itself is off a tiny by-road, leading only to our little hamlet.

What is there to do?

Apart from just enjoying the house, garden and pool itself …

  • Walks and hikes.
    There are many within a few miles, often along or above rivers, offering stupendous and varied scenery; also a favourite 90 minute walk from the house, offering a mix of river, ancient chapel, woodland and big open views. The house is fully stocked with local maps and a few local walking guides (link to relevant photos)
  • A base for exploring the beautiful and historic area around. As well as the towns mentioned above, there is Najac (cobbled streets and striking, high-perched castle, and one of 'les plus beaux villages de France'), Bruniquel (tiny, beautiful fortified medieval village), Albi, the main city of the Tarn (with its huge ancient brick cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec museum, etc); and many others.
  • Markets.
    A feature of life, with each village and town having particular market days. There you can shop for fresh and speciality foods, and other local goods, or just sit over coffee and enjoy the colour and buzz
  • Eating out.
    A variety of restaurants, both family and more fancy, within a few miles. More information in the house folder.
  • Activities.
    Canoeing on the River Aveyron, tennis at local campsite, horse riding, cycling, mountain-biking, wine-tasting in the vineyards of the Gaillac wine-growing region nearby

How to get there

Plane
To Toulouse (90 mins drive from the house) is simplest, from London or Bristol, various airlines. Rodez (smaller airport, RyanAir) is another option at certain times of the year - also 90 mins drive.

Car
Possible (just) to drive down in a day, from London, if you leave early. About 600 miles /10 hours drive from Calais. Or have an overnight en route. Ferries to Cherbourg, St Malo or Le Havre are also options - and the drive from these ports to the house is (slightly) shorter than from Calais.

Train
To Toulouse - then hire a car, or take another train to Gaillac (35 mins from the house) or Lexos (6 mins from the house), if being picked up. Or take a train to Montauban (50 mins from the house).