Le Sivadal
Things to do Nearby
Where to begin? Le Sivadal is set in one of the most beautiful and historically interesting areas of France. The nearest town, Cordes sur Ciel (see picture on the left), is a classic bastide town built in the 13th century during the Albigensian Crusades against the Cathars. It is set on a hilltop, with steep and narrow cobbled streets, beautiful stone buildings and views over the nearby fields and woods. The old town is full of restaurants, museums, galleries and craft shops while at the base of the town is the familiar low key French town which includes a butcher, baker, patisserie, cafes, small supermarkets, banks, pharmacy, etc, plus a lively market every Saturday.
In every direction you will find pretty towns and villages: Najac, breathtakingly set in a wooded valley with its steep main street sloping down to a dramatic castle; Castlenau de Montmiral and Lisle sur Tarn both with ancient arcaded town squares; tiny places such as Monesties, Mouzieys Panens or Salles with pretty corners, fountains, squares and the remarkable mis au tombeau statues in the Chapelle St Jacques at Monesties; St Antonin Nobel Val dramatically set above the river Aveyron with good restaurants and a big, bustling market on a Sunday morning. Penne, Bruniquel, Puycelsci – this list goes on, many of these villages among ‘les plus beaux villages de France’.
The city of Albi contains one of the most architecturally dramatic cathedrals of France, built to overawe the people, both by its soaring exterior and terrifying murals of hell. Next to it is the Bishop’s Palace housing the Toulouse Lautrec museum and with a lovely formal garden bordering the river Tarn. Gaillac, famous for its wines and wine related festivals and events is also set on the river Tarn with a thriving market on Fridays. Toulouse, ‘the pink city’ is elegant and spacious, full of churches, museums and galleries, tempting shops and restaurants. It is about one and a half hours drive by car but a more relaxing way to visit is by train from Gaillac or the small station of Vindrac outside Cordes. Further afield there is Carcassone, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Conques, the Norman Foster bridge at Millau… and much more.
Local activities include kayaking on the Aveyron, golf at Gaillac or Albi, horse riding, biking or walking (using the network of signposted ‘randonees’), gardens such as the jardin des paradis in Cordes or the jardin des Martels in Giroussens. Despite the large pool at Sivadal, children may also enjoy visits to the huge indoor/outdoor pool in Albi with its slides and wave machines. And, not to be forgotten is wine tasting at the many local vineyards – just look for the road signs.
In the house there is a folder with details of local attractions and general information.
