Guidebook
Things to do around Les Mirabelles
These are some of our favourite places around Les Mirabelles. Whether medieval villages, wild swimming spots, the best places for leisurely long lunches, adventure on the Aveyron, or places to pick up a great vintage find.
Sightseeing
There’s so much to see and do around Les Mirabelles, the region is rich in castles, Abbayes and some of the most beautiful towns and villages in France.
Abbaye de Beaulieu
The Abbaye de Beaulieu is a really special place. Founded in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery, it is now home to an extensive modern art collection. In the grounds there is a café and a beautiful rose garden. Throughout the summer the abbey hosts concerts, visiting exhibitions and other seasonal events.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
Noted as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this tiny citadel perched on a rock high above the countryside is a sight to behold from miles away, and the views from the top are just as spectacular. In the summer season a petit train takes visitors up the hill.
Les Jardins de Quercy
These privately owned, carefully tended formal gardens are set over a hectare in the Quercy countryside. They are a real haven of peace and beauty.
Bruniquel
Bruniquel is classed among the most beautiful villages in France. Wandering its medieval, flower-lined streets is like stepping back in time. It has not one but two châteaux, perched on a rocky promontory above the Aveyron river, and some incredible caves and grottos.
La Grotte du Bosc
Just five minutes from Les Mirabelles, the Grotte du Bosc is a geological marvel and a great afternoon out. The visitor centre offers a 45-minute guided visit.
Penne
The half-ruined castle dominates the village of Penne. Those brave enough to climb to the summit are rewarded with views over the Aveyron gorge and the Grésigne forest. There is also a museum of the castle's construction and of life in the Middle Ages. The village has some lovely cafés and restaurants with views of the valley, and there are boutiques and gift shops to explore.
The City of Albi
The whole city is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s well worth the hours drive from Les Mirabelle to see a city unlike any other. The cathedral is awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the world and the Bishop’s palace is home to the fantastic Toulouse-Lautrec museum.
Food and Drink
Le Houx est où
The best pizza place in town, and possibly in the south of France. Authentic Neapolitan pizzas, excellent wine, and service with a smile in a stylishly renovated building with a shady courtyard for summer evenings.
Bondir et bonboire
This place is a little bit of a drive away but so worth a visit, especially if you are already doing a day trip to Cordes-sur-Ciel or Gaillac. The menu is fresh, seasonal and unusual without any fussiness - and above all delicious. There are always vegetarian options and a brilliant selection of wines to go with your meal.
L'Angle
Recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, L'Angle is a real find. It is run by Arnaud, a true champion of local produce and wine. The lunchtime menu changes daily, and the restaurant is proud to offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Giramondo
A friendly family-run restaurant. The chef is Italian, and alongside his native cuisine there are influences from all around the world.
Chez Jano
Expect a warm welcome and delicious seasonal food at this family-run restaurant in the beautiful village of Saint-Projet. The lunchtime menu is exceptionally good value and changes daily. The evening à la carte menu is refined and elegant.
La Table de L’Esquirol
A lovely, friendly place run by a very welcoming husband-and-wife team. The food is simple but beautifully presented, and the menu changes constantly. There are not always vegetarian options, but there is a pescatarian dish on the menu every day.
Le Moulin de Varen
This converted mill in a beautiful setting serves seasonal and local dishes, including vegetarian options. The choice runs from the menu gourmand, a true indulgence, to the menu du jour (weekday lunchtimes), which offers great value for money.
Joanne dans le vin
Based in Espinas, just up the hill, Joanne is a wine expert and champion of local organic, natural and biodynamic wine. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her knowledge of local wines and producers seems endless. She offers tastings for individuals or groups, and has a cave where you can buy wines from the best of the region's vineyards.
Bars, Guinguettes & Breweries
Guinguette culture is unique to France. Guinguettes are outdoor bars, always by the water, usually with live music and snack food on offer alongside locally brewed beer. The prices are always reasonable and the atmosphere lively!
Les Poissons Volants
This lively, convivial guinguette is the place to be for a relaxed summer evening. Food and drink are great value, and there is often live music. Every Thursday in July and August there is a marché gourmand on site, where food trucks offer a range of local delicacies.
La Guinguette de Cazals
A little more formal than your average guinguette, this place in the heart of the Aveyron gorges is definitely worth a visit, with its swimming spot right outside, but remember to book in advance.
La Gaieté guinguette
This vibrant guinguette and cultural hotspot has an ever-changing programme of concerts, shows and workshops throughout the spring and summer. In the evenings a range of food trucks are on site for all your snacking needs.
Brasserie Bélier
A fantastic local brewery with a tap room. Expect a warm welcome from the owners, who are enthusiastic about their product. There are monthly live music and food truck nights, and other events throughout the summer.
Guinguette de la plage
This guinguette a stones throw from the heart of Saint Antonin is a real reflection of its eccentric owner. There’s usually an ongoing game of chess that anyone can join in, and the views are unbeatable.
Brasserie Aürós
An excellent brewery with a tap room, its own music festival in August and concerts throughout the season. Food trucks provide tasty snacks and more substantial meals.
Le Boui Boui du Pays
Near Varen, this guinguette has a great food truck and lots of concerts during the summer months. You need to become a member, but membership costs just 1 euro per year.
Najac Night Market
Each Wednesday in July and August, Najac hosts a fabulous night market where you can buy local produce and choose from a wide range of street food, all with some of the best views you can imagine.
Outdoor activities
This area is heaven for nature and adventure lovers. Whether you prefer wild-swimming in the cool, clean waters of the local rivers, or an adrenaline-fuelled run down one of the many mountain bike trails, there’s something for everyone. See the world differently in the causses and gorges of the Aveyron.
Acti Eaux Vives
Rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes to explore the Aveyron gorges in a totally different way.
Les Choses de L’Air
Whether it is a tranquil hot air balloon flight or an exhilarating parachute jump, Les Choses de l'Air will take care of you from start to finish.
CAP Canöe
Rent canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from 17 €. You can reserve online on their website, which makes it easy to book a fantastic day out on the water.
Base de loisirs najac
At the foot of the medieval village of Najac this activity base offers a full range of adventurous days out, from Via Ferrata to Accrobranche, climbing to caving, mountain biking to kayaking.
Parc aventure Saint antonin
One for the truly adventurous. Climb through the tree canopies alongside the river at this Accrobranche spot and bring out your inner ape.
Via ferrata
The via ferrata on the Roc d'Anglars offers a unique way to explore this stunning valley. Part climb, part hike, you are attached by a safety wire at all times and will meet bridges, zip wires, climbs and tracks that are only accessible to the brave few. Book an adventure with an experienced guide.
Hiking
The Causses and Gorges of the Aveyron are a walkers paradise. We have walking guides in each of our gîtes and are happy to show you some of our favourites. We’ll even pack you a picnic!
Mountain biking
There are hundreds of mountain biking trails within a stone’s throw of Les Mirabelles. Hire your bike and get expert advice about the best routes from our friends at Cycle de Bône in Saint Antonin
swimming in Laguepie
On sunny days this popular swimming spot is packed. Once you slip into the cool, clean water of the Viaur, though, peace and tranquillity will wash over you. Swim upstream and all you will see are birds, dragonflies and the green banks of the river. Downstream you may spot the local herons fishing on the weir.
beach at Cazals
Just down the valley from Saint Antonin this swimming spot has a sandy beach and plenty of shady spots. Be aware the current is strong, but the river isn’t deep. Ignore the signs that say no swimming - it’s a well known swimming spot in summer!!
Beach At Saint Antonin
Wade across a shallow section of the river to this beautiful shady island, the perfect spot for picnics, paddling, and cooling off in the river. You can even play a game of chess with your toes in the water!
Markets and local producers
Saint antonin Market
Every Sunday Morning. This one is not to be missed during your stay here. The market is busy and vibrant, full of fresh seasonal produce and beautiful hand-made gifts. Grab a seat at the Café de la Halle to listen to live music and soak up the atmosphere.
Les fermiers des 3 rivières
A great little farm shop in Verfeil just five minutes' drive from Les Mirabelles, with vegetables, cheese, cured meats, honey, beer and wine, all sold direct by local producers. It is open only three days a week: Sunday 9.30 to 12.30, Wednesday 16.30 to 19.30 and Saturday 16.30 to 19.30. It is well worth popping in to sample the bounty of the local area. There is also a nice bar opposite where you can sit in the sun with a drink and admire your purchases.
Villefrance-de-Rouergue Market
Every Thursday morning. This market is in the heart of the Bastide of Villefranche, in the shadow of the majestic cathedral. Expect beautiful fresh local produce, exotic spices, and local delicacies to snack on.
Ateliers Occitans
A great gourmet food shop in Saint Antonin showcasing some of the best local producers. Open all day Tuesday-Saturday and Sunday morning during the market.
Caussade Market
Every Monday morning. Caussade market is vibrant and bustling, with some incredible local produce in the heart of the town, and clothes and other bargains on the Boulevarde Didier Rey. Don’t miss the truffle market between mid-December and mid-February.
Caylus Market
Caylus has two markets a week. The larger, on Tuesday mornings in the Place de la Mairie, and the smaller, on Saturday mornings in the Place du Lavoir. Neither is very large but both are a great opportunity to pick up local artisan bread, vegetables, cheese and meats.
LaCave.So
A great wine shop with a huge range of local wines and a few from further afield. They are always happy to help you choose, and they also sell local beers and cider, as well as snacks and charcuterie perfect for your apéro.