The Tarn-et-Garonne is the youngest of the 104 French departments situated discreetly in the heart of south-west France in the region Midi-Pyrenees. Blessed with three rivers the Tarn, the Garonne and the Aveyron and a stable climate with rain in spring and dry and sunny months after this is a wonderfully welcoming department with a relaxed and care-free feel. It was created in 1808 by Napoleon who had received a triumphant and grandiose welcome to the region. Legend has it that in order to define the border of this new territory Napoleon placed his hand on a map and drew around it to create the Tarn et Garonne. Take a look at the contour and you can see what vaguely resembles his thumb to the east ! Thus carving out chunks of neighbouring departments Lot, Aveyron, Tarn, Haute-Garonne, Gers and Lot et Garonne in clockwise direction around the capital town of the department which is Montauban.
This variety of geographical regions has given rise to a patchwork of diverse countryside. It is this diversity which makes the Tarn et Garonne a popular department. To the north lie the gentle foothills of the Massif Central, the centre is a contrast with its flat plains which break out towards the east into sudden, deep gorges dotted with numerous ancient villages. One of these villages is St Antonin de Noble Val which sits on the banks of the Aveyron and its valley. It is here in the Aveyron Gorges that exhilirating outdoor sports are enjoyed including canoe-kayaking, rock-climbing with sites equipped with the essentials, caves for pot-holing and mountain biking. St Antonin de Noble Val has also been described as « the St Tropez of South West France » and is a charming, friendly town with a popular local producer’s market on Sundays.
An important landmark in the Tarn et Garonne is the Abbey and Cloister in Moissac which is a staging post on the pilgrimage to St Jacques of Compostelle which since 1998 has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
« Fruits du Terroir »
Tarn et Garonne’s economy was dominated by agriculture however there has been a decline over the last few decades in this sector. Despite this decline the department is still the largest producer of greengages (« Reine-Claude » in french) which are the most eaten plum variety in France. The department also grows a massive 80 per cent of all the fruit grown in the entire Midi-Pyrénées.
Achitectural Highlights – The Pigeonniers
The « pigeonnier » or pigeon house is the emblem of the Tarn et Garonne. Pigeon-keeping was the privilege of the lords however after the French Revolution such privileges were extended to all classes. Construction of the pigeonniers was mainly between the 16th and 19th centuries. However now pigeonniers are being added on to properties now for their aesthetic appeal. There are 1000 pigeonniers in the department all boasting different styles, old and new and also restored and some in ruin waiting to be refurbished. There are a number of reasons why the pigeonniers were created. The droppings of the pigeons was used as a rich fertiliser particularly in the wine-producing regions where it was used to fertilize the vines. Up until World War I pigeons were used as « messengers » there is even a military pigeonnier in Albi. Pigeonniers were often also used for a daughter’s dowry. And of course another reason which is not a surprise is for meat especially of the younger birds.
Often the pigeonniers are set out alone as pigeons require peace and quiet to keep watch out for predators. It was also not advised that they be too close to the main property away from drinking water.
It’s Property Market
The Tarn et Garonne still continues to be a popular department and it is still possible to find a variety of properties types including stone farmhouses with outbuildings, properties with pigeonniers, however there are fewer properties to renovate now. Here is an example of a beautiful property to renovate which includes an attached pigeonnier and two terraces. This property was formerly the village school and has kept its original features. It is located 5km from a lake, 45 minutes from Toulouse and has views upon the Pyrénées. With 2500 m² of land this property costs 241 000 euros.
This an an exceptional price of just 168 000 euros for a house that is habitable and simply requires a bit of modernisation. It comes with several outbuildings, 4600 m² of land and a lovely view. However properties at this price are few and far between.
For those who are looking to renovate a property this is an example of a farmhouse set upon half a hecate of land. It includes a stone farmhouse, stone barn which has planning permission to convert into habitation and various other outbuildings. It has a wonderful location being at only 100 metres from the River Aveyron and also comes with 30 vines of its own ! It is also favourably situated close to St Antonin de Noble Val. The price is 233 000 euros.
There is a large choice of stone properties that have already been renovated. For instance this beautiful traditional stone built farmhouse from the Quercy costs 343 000 euros. It comes with a swimming pool, bread oven, 4700 m² of land and offers a beautiful view upon the countryside. Although it has not been used as a gite there is certainly the potential to create one bearing in mind that this area is popular with tourists from all over Europe.
The Tarn et Garonne is an attractive area in which to buy a property and will remain so for a number of reasons. The region is a popular area in terms of tourism and there will always be a healthy flow of tourists who visit the area but also who return to the area.
It is well located in terms of transport links and is only a one hour drive from Toulouse which offers international flights and a range of flights to the UK with low-cost and the traditional airlines. It is also not too far from Rodez Airport which serves flights to London Stansted. Many foreign purchases here are for those wanting to retire to the region however more and more families are relocating to this region for its warmth, friendliness and serenity.
Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
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