In the surroundings

Welcome to Réalmont: the Tarn bastide town that has everything a big town has to offer...

Just 2 km from the campsite, nestled between Albi and Castres in the heart of the Tarn region, discover Réalmont: a small fortified town that has retained all its old-world charm. Founded in the 13th century, it perfectly embodies the Occitan way of life, with its lively narrow streets, half-timbered houses and large central square: the beating heart of the village.

As soon as you arrive, you will be charmed by the central square and its pretty arcades. Every Wednesday morning, you will find the Réalmont market: an unmissable event where the aromas of farmhouse cheeses, artisanal charcuterie and sun-ripened fruit mingle. It’s a great place to stroll, taste, chat… and soak up the Occitan atmosphere! Réalmont also has a rich historical past. The bastide was founded by King Philip the Bold in 1272, and its regular grid layout is typical of these new towns of the Middle Ages. Treat your family to a stroll through its cobbled streets in an authentic atmosphere, where every stone seems to tell a piece of its history.

A short detour is a must to visit Notre-Dame-du-Taur Church, a Gothic building whose elegant silhouette dominates the village, with its sublime vaults and antique furnishings that bear witness to the religious fervour of centuries past.

But Réalmont is not just an open-air museum: it is also a lively and welcoming village. The terrace cafés invite you to take a gourmet break, the small craft shops are full of souvenirs to take home, and the locals offer their smiles. Around the bastide, the Tarn countryside unfolds its green hills and landscapes, perfect for a walk or a bike ride. And if you’re a fan of good food, don’t forget to try Lautrec pink garlic or a glass of Gaillac wine (in moderation), the local gastronomic stars!

Recharge your batteries in the heart of nature: a getaway to Lac de la Bancalié

Less than 15kms from the campsite and nestled between green hills and forests, Lac de la Bancalié is a real little corner of paradise for our campers who want to recharge their batteries. Covering nearly 86 hectares, this unspoilt corner of the Tarn offers a relaxing landscape worthy of a life-size postcard. Here, you can forget about noise, stress and the clock, and make way for calm, relaxation and simple pleasures!

The lake is above all an ideal spot for hiking and walking. Set off to explore the marked trails, which will allow you to walk, cycle or even run (for the more athletic…) around the lake. At every turn, new views open up onto the surrounding hills, offering the perfect photo opportunity or an ideal spot for a picnic break.

Fishing enthusiasts will not be disappointed: carp, pike, zander and other fish make Lac de la Bancalié an exceptional playground. So, if you enjoy patience and conviviality, grab your fishing rods!

In summer, the lake also becomes a welcome place to cool off. Even though swimming is not allowed, you can still enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity of the shores. A real treat for lovers of nature and silence. And for those who enjoy more thrilling experiences, hire a boat and venture out onto the lake: paddleboards, pedalos and canoes are available for hire. The refreshment bar awaits you at the end of your exertions to help you recharge your batteries…

A gentle stroll through nature and heritage on the Albi-Castres Greenway

Want to explore the landscapes of the Tarn while staying active? The Albi-Castres Greenway is made for you! Built on an old railway line, it connects the two major cities of the department over a distance of 45 kilometres. Far from the cars, you can walk or cycle (or even rollerblade if you like something a little different) in the heart of rich, unspoilt nature.

The route crosses fields, forests and typical villages, offering an ideal green escape for anyone who wants to breathe in the fresh air. Families appreciate the safety of the traffic-free route, while sports enthusiasts enjoy the peaceful setting.

Along the way, you can discover the riches of the local heritage: impressive viaducts, old renovated railway stations and superb views of the Tarn countryside. But it would be a shame to resist a gourmet stop in a small village to taste local products and specialities…

The Greenway is also a playground for all levels. No need to be an experienced cyclist: everyone can go at their own pace, whether it’s for a short ride of a few kilometres or the entire route between Albi and Castres.

In practice, you can join the Greenway from Réalmont, making it a perfect activity right on the campsite’s doorstep. Pack a picnic, get your bike ready to hit the road, and you’re off for a day in the open air surrounded by nature, culture and good cheer.

Excursion to Albi: the red city that brilliantly combines charm and history...

About twenty kilometres from Camping La Bâtisse, Albi is a real gem of the Tarn region. Nicknamed the ‘red city’ because of the warm colour of its bricks, it instantly charms visitors with its exceptional heritage and authentic atmosphere. Strolling through its cobbled streets is like stepping into a medieval setting where every corner tells a story.

No visit to Albi would be complete without a visit to Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a Gothic gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its impressive architecture and spectacular frescoes will leave young and old alike in awe. Right next door, discover the Palais de la Berbie: a former episcopal fortress converted into the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where you can admire the works of the famous painter, a native of Albi, in a unique setting.

Art and culture lovers will also enjoy strolling along the banks of the Tarn, where cafés and small shops create a lively and friendly atmosphere. Foodies won’t be able to resist the markets and local specialities.

For nature lovers and those seeking relaxation, the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie offer a beautiful haven of calm surrounded by nature. You can also enjoy walks along the banks of the Tarn or explore the picturesque narrow streets.

Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply looking for a nice day out, Albi combines culture, charm and friendliness!

Getaway to Cordes-sur-Ciel and Castres: medieval charm and colourful art in the heart of the Tarn

For the first stop, take the road towards Cordes-sur-Ciel (50 km from the campsite). Perched on a hill overlooking the Cérou valley, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a real medieval gem that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Founded in the 13th century, this fortified town charms visitors with its cobbled streets, stone houses and local craft workshops. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time: every façade and every carved door tells a story.

The village has a unique atmosphere: with its craft shops, small shaded squares, galleries and café terraces, it has everything to please. Photography enthusiasts will be delighted: breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, dizzying vantage points and exceptional architecture offer endless opportunities to capture the essence of the region.

In summer, the village comes alive with festivals, craft markets and outdoor concerts. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding hiking trails, admiring Cordes from the hillside or exploring the surrounding Tarn countryside.

For the second stop, a little closer this time (23 km from the campsite), head for the town of Castres! It charms visitors with its dynamic atmosphere and rich heritage. Among the must-see walks, don’t miss the Jardin de l’Évêché, designed by André Le Nôtre, with its ponds and statues reflecting the sky and colourful buildings. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy morning of sightseeing!

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Goya Museum, which houses a unique collection of Spanish and local art. The town also has a multitude of picturesque alleyways, lively squares and markets offering local specialities.

Castres is also a place where you can soak up local life in its cafés, brasseries and entertainment venues. The town is easy to explore on foot or by bike, and every turn offers a surprise for the eyes: a colourful façade, a fountain or a charming little bridge over the Agout.

A day 100% hiking, nature and the great outdoors: from Sidobre to the Tarn Valley

For lovers of nature and the great outdoors, the area surrounding Camping La Bâtisse offers unforgettable hiking trails. Whether you are a Sunday hiker, a family on an outing or a seasoned athlete, there is something for all levels!

Don’t miss Le Sidobre, about twenty minutes from the campsite: an exceptional natural playground! Its granite rocks, sculpted by time into astonishing shapes, offer sublime panoramic views at every turn. Here, you can climb, explore and enjoy the landscape from the rocks, surrounded by tranquillity. The marked trails offer walks of a few kilometres or long excursions for the more adventurous. Young and old alike will appreciate the beauty of the area!

A little further away (35 km from the campsite), Ambialet reveals its spectacular landscapes around a bend in the Tarn river. The trails overlooking the river offer breathtaking views and picture-postcard panoramas. Between unspoilt nature and history, hiking in Ambialet invites you to discover culture and enjoy the pleasures of the senses: the scent of flowers, the murmur of water and the sun revealing the cliffs.

Finally, for gentler walks, head to the Tarn Valley, perfect for families or those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. Between picturesque villages, medieval bridges and tranquil riverbanks, every step becomes an invitation to relax and marvel. The paths can be explored on foot or by bike, and every turn reveals a different panorama.

Discover a peaceful gem in the Lauragais region: head for Lake Saint-Ferréol

A little further away but still worth discovering among the local gems: head to Lake Saint-Ferréol (about an hour’s drive from the campsite). A must-see for lovers of nature, relaxation and outdoor activities. Created in the 17th century to supply the Canal du Midi, this reservoir lake is impressive in size and offers a haven of tranquillity. Here, time seems to slow down: the sun reflects off the water’s surface, wildlife quietly recharges its batteries and families enjoy the wide open spaces.

The lake is a real playground for all tastes. Walking and hiking enthusiasts can take the trails around the lake and the surrounding hills. The more athletic can take advantage of the cycle paths, perfect for a bike ride with family or friends.

For those who love the water, the lake offers various water sports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing, which offer peaceful navigation and allow you to enjoy the coolness on hot summer days. Anglers will also find what they are looking for here!

The site is also rich in heritage and history. The Saint-Ferréol dam, a 17th-century engineering masterpiece, is worth a stop to admire its impressive structure. Information panels are placed along the route, making the visit both enjoyable and educational.

For gourmet breaks, picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, allowing you to recover from your efforts while enjoying the great outdoors.

Preserved charm of yesteryear: the medieval village of Castelnau-de-Montmirail

Proudly perched on its peaceful hilltop, Castelnau-de-Montmirail is a typical Tarn bastide (listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France), where time seems to have stood still. Founded in the Middle Ages, it charms visitors with its narrow streets, stone houses and small shaded squares where it is pleasant to stroll. Here, every street corner seems to tell a story and charms visitors with its architecture.

The village is best explored on foot, through the small cobbled streets, from which you can admire the half-timbered houses, carved doors and picturesque details that give bastides their charm. Photography enthusiasts will be in their element!

Castelnau-de-Montmirail also offers a pleasant atmosphere in which to live. The locals are welcoming and the small terraces of local cafés and restaurants allow you to savour Tarn specialities in an authentic and friendly setting. Seasonal markets and events add a touch of liveliness that delights young and old alike.

For nature lovers, the village surroundings are perfect for walks or short hikes. The hills and trails around Castelnau-de-Montmirail offer beautiful views of the valley and allow you to combine cultural discovery with wide open spaces: an ideal outing for the whole family!