Tarn is a department in the Midi-Pyrenees. It takes in a wide range of landscapes, from mountains and forests in the east and south to rolling hills, valleys and flat plains in the west. Tarn is also a land of water. A complex network of rivers criss-cross the land as they run down from the Monts de Lacaune and Montagne Noire. Over the undulating countryside there are many lakes too, making Tarn an excellent location in which to search for French property with views over water.
Vineyards are very much a part of the Tarn countryside, and have been for many centuries. As early as the 1st century BC, wine was being produced in the Tarn region. Indeed, Tarn is recognised as the traditional birthplace of French wine, being the oldest wine region in France.
Albi is the main town in the region. It stands on both banks of the River Tarn, which is crossed by some impressive arched stone bridges. The town itself is predominantly a mix of ancient and modern architectural styles. There are many opportunities to buy traditional Tarn property in Albi, some of which would make for ideal renovation projects.
Out in the countryside are Tarn's many bastides (fortified villages). Quite a few date from medieval times, and offer French property buyers the opportunity to invest in historic Tarn property in village and semi-rural locations. Property in Tarn is good value. A 6-bed villa in France near Carmaux in the north of the region was recently on the market for 210,000 euros.
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