The Tarn-et-Garonne is surrounded by the departments of Lot, Aveyron, Tarn, Haute-Garonne, Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. In Tarn-et-Garonne, enjoying a characteristic part of France where nature is unspoilt, where a lot of history has been written that is passed on through the villages and towns. Where people are proud of the specific products of the Quercy as melons, grapes, truffles, plums, saffron and foie gras. You regularly come across the designation "Quercy". A former province is indicated, covering the neighboring Lot and a large part of Tarn-et-Garonne. The residents are proud of the name, just like their Occitan roots.
Tarn-Et-Garonne is equally proud of its two famous canals: the Canal du Midi and the Canal du Garonne. Along both of them, kilometers of cycling and hiking trails run close to the bank. Both canals are an important attraction for pleasure craft. The Canal du Garonne leads past lively lock and harbor towns such as Montech, Castelsarrasin, Moissac and Valence d’Agen. Moissac is home to a striking swing bridge, the Pont Saint-Jacques, constructed between 1843 and 1847 and for that time very innovative. The bridge is named after the same saint as the famous pilgrim route to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostela. Moissac is on that route. Thanks to an important monastery, whose origins date back to the 7th century. The current monastery complex dates from the 12th century.
There are more interesting monasteries in Tarn-et-Garonne. A number of them received a new, modern function. For example, the Beaulieu-en-Rouergue abbey was opened as a museum after years of decline and a major renovation. You will become acquainted with the former monastic life, the special architecture and regional arts. The Belleperche abbey has also been transformed into a Musée des Arts de la Table. A recommendation for anyone interested in the history of French food and table culture. Those who prefer to experience French food culture at the table can also go to a monastery. The Abbaye des Capucins hotel-restaurant in Montauban prepares and serves beautifully prepared traditional regional dishes. In the atmospheric entourage of a beautifully restored Capuchin monastery. If you like to drink a local wine, there is a wide choice: Coteaux de Quercy, Coteaux and Terrasses de Montauban or a Côtes du Frontonnais.
Montauban, city of red brick and countless arcades, is the capital of Tarn-et-Garonne. The city is built in the "bastide shape" of the region, in a pattern of straight streets. Montauban has long outgrown its old fortress. The historic center has been given a large and modern city center. If you visit Montauban, take a look at the cathedral.
In addition to a visit to larger historic cities such as Montauban or Moissac, it is always pleasant to make a journey of discovery from your holiday home in Tarn-et-Garonne along the smaller towns and villages. Two villages that stand out are Lauzete and Bruniquel. It is good to wander through the medieval streets. Other characteristic villages are Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Caylus, Montpezat-de-Quercy, Castelsagrat, Beaumont de Lomagne and Maubec. Tips for the lover of castles: the castle of Bruniquel, Cas, Bioule and Reine Margot.
Back to nature. It is particularly impressive from a kayak or canoe on the Tarn or Garonne. You paddle through impressive, green-covered gorges on the stream of one of the rivers to which this southwestern department is named. Do you have a fear of water? Then ask your local tourist office about the numerous cycling and walking routes.