The vineyards of Gaillac

In Roman times the Gaillac region was part of the Gallic narbonnaise area and since then has been endowed with grape varieties which today, enriched and varied, give Gaillac wines their world renowned reputation.For example, for white wine le Len de l'el (loin de l'oeil)), le Mauzac and the Sauvignon. For red wines; le Duras, le Braucol et le Syrah. Take a tour around the colourful vineyards; discover the rich history of chateaux, churches, fortified villages and museums.

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The town of Gaillac was founded on the banks of a meander of the river Tarn. Over the centuries it has developed due to its position as a port and its thousand year old wine industry. One finds here the symbolic site of the l’Abbaye St. Michel, with its museum, maison de la vigne et du vin and oenology centre.

Montans was, at the beginning of our Era one of the most important pottery producing centres of the gallic roman world .At L’archéosite you can visit an exhibition of ancient pottery and a reconstruction of a Gallic Roman street. Giroussens has wonderful views over the Vaurais plane. In this ancient 12 century town the handicraft pottery is renowned and you must visit - La maison de la céramique et le jardin des Martels.

Lisle-sur-Tarn- due to its position on the river was a flourishing wine port and became a bastide - it was here perhaps that the first 'new town charter' was signed.Discover the medieval streets with overhanging houses and the central square, the largest enclosed square in the south west. Rabastens, an old red brick town with a long and sometimes troublesome history invites you to discover the pleasant atmosphere of this riverside town. Places to see. L’Église Notre-Dame-du- Bourg avec ses magnifiques fresques du XII siècle, le Musée du Pays Rabastinois, le château de Saint-Géry et le chàteau de la Castague. Visit the cave coopérative vinicole.

Villages to see on the circuit du vignoble Gaillacois: Vieux, Cahuzac sur Vère, Senouillac, Fayssac, Marssac, Lagrave, Cadalen, Broze et Le Verdier. Important sites on the circuit: Le château du Cayla which was originally a staging post; Chàteau de Mauriac XV siècle; Labastide de Lévis, un ancienne bastide du XII century and Técou, village founded in the X111 century. Visit the cave cooperative vinicole.