Scenic route from Toulouse

There is much to discover on this scenic route from Toulouse

Toulouse is the main hub from which you will likely start your journey to Mazamet, whether it is from the Blagnac airport or from the Matabiau TGV station. Or maybe you are a local who wishes to venture into the Tarn for a few days in search of fresh air?

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, once said “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. While we guarantee you that the destination is definitely worth it, there is much to discover on this scenic route from Toulouse to La Villa de Mazamet.

The route

When you leave Toulouse Blagnac airport, follow signs that will take you onto the A68 in the direction of Albi. You will only stay on this motorway for a short distance and exiting onto the D888 which will be signed for Rabastens. Stop here for a wander around. You should pay a visit to Notre-Dame-du-Bourg, another UNESCO marvel in the Tarn along with Albi’s Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia. Its murals and sculptures are sights to behold.

Continue on the D888 in the direction of Lisle-Sur-Tarn and again stop in this village for a stroll. Thanks to local productions such as pastel and Gaillac wine, the city became an important market with a fluvial port on the Tarn. A good spot for lunch too at the local’s “Café O’ Centre”. Leaving Lisle-Sur-Tarn, take the D888 in the direction of Gaillac and again stop and walk through the streets down towards the river to see the church and ancient bridge. Some suggested lunch stops: La Table du Sommelier or the upscale Vigne en Foule. Gaillac is also famous for its wine. Read more about Gaillac wines in our blog article.

From Gaillac, head on the D964 towards Graulhet and pick up the D83 signposted for Lautrec and Castres. Stop at Lautrec, a lovely medieval village, and walk up to the old windmill for a stunning view towards the Montagne Noire and the Pyrénées. Have a coffee in Café Plum or, if arriving at lunch time, a great little restaurant Le Jardin du Clocher. Both Gaillac and Lautrec are popular locations on our Self-Drive Day Tours if you wanted to leave a visit for another day.

The final stretch to Mazamet

From Lautrec, take the D83 in the direction of Castres and after 10/15 mins you will reach a roundabout above a major road. Ttake the slip road onto the N112 in the direction of Mazamet. Stay on this road for about 10 mins until you reach a roundabout with some
sports fields on your right. Take the second exit signposted Mazamet (this is still the N112 but sometimes the D621 also).

Continue on this road (about 10 mins) until you reach a set of traffic lights with an “Aldi” supermarket on your left. This is the “K Junction” described on our website’s downloadable directions which you can view and print from this link (following the directions for the last few minutes to La Villa.)

This scenic route from Toulouse will have taken about 2 hours without breaks, as opposed to the 80 min direct route on the N126.

Park on Rue Pasteur or Rue de la Libération, walk through the gate and let us take it from there. Welcome to La Villa de Mazamet!

DOWNLOAD THE SCENIC ROUTE FROM TOULOUSE IN PDF