VISIT THE BASTIDES

FROM THE CAMPSITE
Photo ©Ga.hunter15

DISCOVER THE BASTIDES
FROM THE CAMPSITE

The bastides are planned medieval towns built between 1222 and 1373 in southwest France. Today, they still bear witness to that era. Campsite “Le Soleil des Bastides” invites you to explore three of the region’s most striking bastides: Puycelsi, Bruniquel, and Penne.

PUYCELSI, PERCHED VILLAGE

Our campsite near Puycelsi is just a 20-minute drive from this charming village, located in Cahuzac-sur-Vère at the heart of Tarn’s Golden Triangle.

The village is perched atop a rocky outcrop, rising 150 m above the Vère Valley.

Stroll through the winding streets and admire the lovely 15th‑century homes. The village centre charms with:

  • The church of Sainte‑Corneille, with its impressive 35 m‑long nave.
  • The Saint‑Roch chapel, built in 1703 after the village survived the plague, and now serving as the Tourist Office.
  • The Irrissou gate, a testament to medieval sieges, next to the old prison tower. You can also walk the 800 m ramparts walk.

Photo ©VIJOROVIC Daniel

Stay at Le Soleil des Bastides
and enjoy the perfect location!

PENNE,
MEMORY OF THE CATHAR RESISTANCE

Penne is located 30 minutes from Cahuzac-sur-Vère and 50 minutes from Albi. A place rich in Cathar memory just a few minutes from our campsite.

In this village, you can visit the Castle of Penne, built around 560. It stands as a relic of the Cathar resistance and has been listed as a historic monument since 1902.

Below the castle, there is a small cross: the Plague Cross. It was erected in memory of the plague epidemic of 1653.

Sainte-Catherine Church extends the rampart walk. It too is classified as a historic monument.

The Roman Bridge (Pont des Anglès) and the Thouron Fountain (an old washhouse) are located at the bottom of the village.

The Ornano monument, a tribute to the memory of the Resistance fighters, is on the right bank of the Aveyron River.

Photo ©VENT D’AUTAN-MEDIART

BRUNIQUEL,
AT THE GATES OF QUERCY

Bruniquel is also 30 minutes from Cahuzac-sur-Vère and from our campsite, and 50 minutes from Albi, in the Tarn-et-Garonne department.

The village is believed to have been founded around 600. The two castles belong to the same family and have been listed as historic monuments since 1840.

Near the village, children can enjoy a visit to the prehistoric camp.

Photo ©MOSSOT

FOCUS

  • Craftsmanship: the three bastides are home to many artisans and artists. Lute-making, pottery, leather — perfect for taking home beautiful souvenirs from the Tarn.
  • Music: for music lovers, Puycelsi hosts a festival from July 18 to 28 dedicated to New World music and string orchestras, organized by HARP. If you prefer classical music, Bruniquel offers an Offenbach festival at the end of July and beginning of August.

OUR PICKS,
FOR YOU

  • At the foot of the village of Puycelsi, discover the regional orchard conservatory of ancient fruit species, founded in 1986. You can explore over 800 fruit trees, taste delicious seasonal fruits, and buy trees, fruit, and juices directly from the conservatory.
  • The castles of Bruniquel were used as filming locations for the movie “The Old Gun” with Philippe Noiret – a must-see for movie buffs!

Our campsite is perfectly located for exploring the bastides of the Midi-Pyrénées region.