Location
Discover the beautiful Midi-Pyrenees region from our very well situated Mas Les Etoiles.
Because this area is not discovered yet by tourists, you will not find mass tourism, so no big traffic! You will find a lot of medieval villages, like Bruniquel, Najac and Cordes-sur-Ciel. And a lot of nice local markets where you can taste the delicious wines from Cahors and Gaillac. You will smell the perfume of lavender and the famous pink garlic of Lautrec. One of the most well-known markets takes place in St. Antonin de Noble Val; here you will find self-made products of local farmers. In the countless restaurants you can taste the delicacies of the area, like for example foie gras. At night you will enjoy some live-music along the banks of the Aveyron river. Art lovers will find their passion in this area, because in the beautiful city of Albi you will find lots of museum and galleries. And in Montauban a big International Jazz Festival takes place in the Summer, with lots of famous artists.
And last but not least…do you need a day off? You are very welcome to stay and relax in our lovely garden with the smell of roses, lavender and other flowers. We provide some long chairs for you to relax in the sun or under the shade of trees. You can enjoy the beautiful evening sun behind the hills of Caylus while enjoying a glass of wine..., and relaxing in our spa? What more can you wish for?
We are looking forward to meeting you and to sharing with you our enthusiasm and knowledge of the region, its traditional local food and wine , its cultural and natural interest.
Things to do
There are many places of interest and lots of leisure activities to do in the surrounding area of Caylus. Because the Tarn and Garonne has a rich historical past, you can revive that in all the numerous medieval fortress cities. Some of them are discussed below.
Caylus
A historical village. The medieval center of Caylus offers an important history to discover for those who will take the time to go off the mainroad and walk into the old center, wandering in the old bastide (fortress) and its narrow streets. Caylus is a pittoresque village where streets and alleys, like in the Middle Ages, wind up to a rocky hill. On that rocky hill you will find the remains of an old castle, from where this village undoubtedly took its name: Castellucium, small castle.
De Saint Jean Baptiste church (XIIIth century), the covered market, la Halle (XVIth century) and the Maison des Loups (XIVth century) are classified as historical monuments.
Lovers of classic masterpieces of construction art and 'old stones' will be satisfied to find numerous historic houses and medieval shops in the Rue Droite, the new castle, the ruins of the old royal castle and the Gauléjac pavilion.
Albi
The beautiful city of Albi is recently classified as world heritage of UNESCO.
The city of Albi is definitively worth a visit because of the magnificent Cathedrale Ste-Cécile, built in 1265. The big fresco of The last verdict is impressive and breathtaking. Also visit the Musee Henri de Toulouse –Lautrec, called after the famous French painter of the same name. He, formerly a count, became disabled at age 15. A permanent and extensive collection of is works is to be seen here. You’ll also find paintings of Matisse, Dufy and Yves Brayer. Furthermore, you can enjoy the numerous restaurants and shops in the city.The weekly market is a mixture of delicacies and will give you the ultimate holiday experience.
Rocamadour
This superb city is beautifully situated on a cliff high above the Alzou valley. Visit Rocamadour in the morning and it seems like a fairy-tale city is looming up at the horizon. You’ll find the contrast between the colour of the rocks and the clear blue sky dazzling and breathtaking. Next, enjoy a walk through the old streets and visit the famous Notre-Dame chapel. Lunch can be taken at one of the many pittoresque restaurants where you can taste the delicious local dishes.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
This touristic city has its name(translated Cordes –on-heaven) due to the fact that the city seems to float into the air. The whole city was completely rebuilt in 1940 under supervision by the artist Yves Brayer. The city preserved its authentic character and still medieval trades are practiced.
The gardens of the Jardins du Paradis are very pleasant and bring you back in time. Suggestion: overhere, in the shade of the big trees, take a rosé from the neighbouring Gaillac region together with some French cheese.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
This medieval city is located just less than a 30 minute drive from our Mas Les Etoiles, exclamated as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Here you will discover the typical French medieval atmosphere and enjoy the many views. Lots of choices in restaurants and shops.
Najac
This village in the Aveyron hills is famous for its castle. This small pittoresque village is also famous for its splendid views and the carefully preserved authentic architecture. Amazing!
Bruniquel
Nestled between two castles, the village offers the walker an unforgettable visit. Beautiful homes of 14th, 15th, 16th centuries, testify to the rich past of Bruniquel.
St Antonin Noble-Val
Situated only 15 minutes driving from your bed and breakfast Mas Les Etoiles, St Antonin is one of the oldest cities in the region. Dominated by the Roc d' Anglars, whose high cliffs stand majestic, St Antonin is cradled in a valley between the Aveyron and the Bonnette. The old houses along the intricate winding streets invite you to stroll and walk. Various artists and craftsmen are present during the year, as well as good restaurants.
St Antonin is a regional pole recognized by its sports activities: climbing, hiking and mountain biking, caving, canoeing, horse riding, hang-gliding ...
Les Gorges de l'Aveyron
Come discover the Gorges de l'Aveyron, limestone cliffs, the surrounding limestone plateaus, pristine or decorated caves, whose grotte du Bosc is a real underground miracle.
