The Triangle d'Or in Tarn
Originally posted on & updated on 11th October, 2024
The Tarn is considered by many as the prettiest department in the Occitanie region and the area connected by the UNESCO world heritage city of Albi, the market town of Gaillac and the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel is known as the “triangle d’or” or “the golden triangle”. This is due to the richness and variety of the history, beauty and gastronomy that can be discovered in abundance in this area.
The “triangle d’or” is well connected to the city of Toulouse by the A68, which offers a direct route for commuters as well as a fast link from the international airport of Toulouse to the triangle, and the TGV runs straight up from Toulouse to Paris via Bordeaux. The beauty of the landscape, commercial opportunities and good access has meant that the number of French, particularly Parisian, buyers in the area is growing – not only that but you can also get more for your money and crime rates are lower.
Since becoming a UNESCO world heritage site in July 2010, Albi has seen a notable increase in visitors and also more French and international property investment. While it is now a protected area, the town is keen to ensure that normal daily life co-exists alongside its attractions.
Albi is well-known for its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and the beautiful red brick cathedral Sainte-Cécile. Construction started on this impressive building in 1282 and was to become a demonstration of power by the Catholics – having won the religious wars against the Cathars. During the 16th century Italian painters created the exquisite Le Jugement Dernier on its interior walls.
Cordes was created 1222 and the commune currently has just over 1,000 inhabitants. In 1993 the village was renamed Cordes “sur Ciel” because when the fog surrounds the village it is transformed into a medieval masterpiece that looks as though it is resting on clouds.
The landscape surrounding Cordes and Albi is a mixture of vineyards, forest and rolling hillsides, and when combined with the heritage, amenities and transport links this area makes for an easy place to live. The local community in Cordes is very active with plenty of hike trails, horse riding, tennis clubs, golf clubs and art classes, making it popular for both permanent moves and second home property investment.
The market town of Gaillac is found 50 km north-east of Toulouse and as an AOC and is renowned for its rich vineyards that stretch over 4,200 hectares and were originally planted by the Romans. Take a look at our properties for sale in the Tarn.
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