Chambre d'hôte in Tarn et Garonne

The Village
Parisot is a picturesque village seated on the plateau between the Aveyron and Lot Valleys and the Massif Central. With a population of 450 people the village offers visitors a shop, hairdresser, two bakers, doctor’s surgery, library with English as well as French books, tourist office and a restaurant specializing in local food. A man made lake less than a kilometre from the village centre has a registered campsite, snack bar, pedalos and excellent walking. For those looking to settle in the area we have a full quota of tradesman able to provide every skill required for building and renovation. Help and translation can be available subject to notice.

The wide open spaces of the local countryside, the valleys, hills, mountains, forests, rivers and lakes
that make this one of the least habituated regions of France play host to a wide variety of sporting and leisure activities. Combine this with the pure air (no industry for at least 70 kilometres) and you will
return home refreshed and regenerated for the future.

Walking
Local walking tracks abound, they are clearly marked and offer a challenge to the experienced walker as well as a more leisurely approach for the less demanding of individuals. Local ramblers maps are readily available and cover the whole region.

Cycling
Cycling is a national sport and  groups of  cyclists of all ages are a common site on all roads. The local tracks are also popular for VTT or cyclo cross specialists and events are held throughout the area. Guests are welcome to bring their own cycles however we do have a rental company in the village and arrangements can be made on a daily basis or in advance.

Horse Riding
My close neighbour Francois, operates two equestrian centres, both staffed by fully qualified local personnel. In the medieval town of Najac, the ‘centre d’equestre‘ offers individual assessments  followed by treks and walks ranging from half day to three day events including accommodation and food with riders of equal abilities.
In the nearby bastide town of Villefranche de Rouergue the accent is more toward the teaching of riding again under supervision and based around the abilities of the individual pupil. (Some knowledge of French would be ideal for participants.)

Fishing

There are two first category fishing rivers in the area, the Seye and the Bonnette, both can be reached with a 20 minute walk from the house. The local lake in the village is 1 kilometre away and is well stocked and there is also good fishing available on the bigger rivers the Lot and the Aveyron. Permits can be purchased locally on a daily or weekly basis and there are a number of local tackle shops.

Kayak/Canoing
Boats can be hired on the Lot, Aveyron and Cele rivers for a half or full day. The Gorge d’Aveyron from St Antonin Noble du  Val is particularly popular and paddlers can enjoy the wonderful flowers and bird life.  This activity is suitable to most age groups.

Caving
This activity has to be prebooked and the regulations regarding health and safety must be observed.
There are accompanied group activities available during the summer months to explore the wealth of caves that exist below the the surface throughout the region.

Golf
There are good courses available at Albie and Rodez and other less distinguished, but never the less enjoyable courses within an hours drive. Some charge green fees by the round others for the day with unlimited use.

Wine

Why not take some time to visit and taste some of the locally produced wine. The appellations of Coteaux de Quercy, Cahors, Fronton, Gaillac and Marcillac are all within an easy drive and local vignerons, both English (e.g. Domaine du Merchien) and French (e.g. Pujol Izard) welcome the opportunity to show off their latest vintages. If a days grape picking (In the season) is a ‘must do’ then this can be arranged, but dates must be agreed in advance.

Cheese
Visit the Roquefort Caves and take the time to taste some of the cheeses they produce, or why not spend a day at Rocamadour a beautiful town famous for its goats cheese. Local producers are within a half hour drive and will take time to show off their wares.

Rugby
This is the heartland of French Rugby, both Union and League are played in the area and a number of clubs from the top 14 can be reached with ease. Clubs  within easy reach include Toulouse, Brive, Montaubon and Castres all of whom compete at the top level in Europe and the domestic championship. Stadiums are usually fairly full and for European matches and local derbies the atmosphere can be electric.

Markets
There are a host of  local markets taking place throughout the year, ranging from small local villages to the larger market towns. Parisot Village specialises in local produce whilst the larger towns of St Antonin, Caussade and Villefranche offer everything from clothing to eggs and small livestock. Cheese and wine as well as fresh salads and vegetables are always available.

Local Events
Throughout the summer local villages host Brocantes and Vides Greniers the French equivalent to car boot sales and local antique stalls, the fun is in bargaining and discussion, don’t be tempted to pay more than you would at home. Each village also has its annual fete which may include musical entertainment, a concert and other communal events. Parisots’ fete is usually on or around the first Saturday of August, when the whole village turns out for a musical extravaganza at the lake, with dancing for the older members of the community, rock and blues bands for the youth and a 35 minute firework display that rocks the the early hours. The next day 3-400 people regather at the lake for a communal dinner.

The Arts
There are small individual concerts and recitals being held throughout the year in the local Abbeys’ and Halls. The city of Albi is home to a fabulous collection of the works of  Toulouse Lautrec who was born nearby, the cathedral that stands close by is also well worth visit. Whilst in Montaubon the Ingres Museum hold some 4000 examples of the artists work as well as work by the sculptor Bourdelle.