In the spotlight - a taste of the Tarn

Have a real taste of France. Book your holiday to the Tarn by 5 February 07 and we’ll send you a speciality from the region to whet your appetite.

It is no wonder Mary Magdalene chose this isolated corner of south-western France to escape her persecutors. With its dramatic gorges, sparkling rivers and clear, innocent skies there can be few more beautiful hiding places.

The local cuisine is bold and hearty with the fat pink garlic which grows so successfully throughout the Tarn region, adding flavour to many recipes. A traditional dish not to be ignored - if you are lucky enough to find it on a lunch-time menu - is 'aligot', a wonderful soufflé mix of potato, garlic and cheese.

For cyclists, some of the greatest pleasures are also the most unexpected. Who would have thought that a landscape that can absorb the world’s highest bridge also provides miles of perfectly flat, easy cycling?

Sumptuous Chateaux Escapes from your local airport

We’ll arrange an exclusive wine tasting session at a local cave for every Chateaux Escape booked before the end of February.

Last summer, my daughter Claire, who lives in Devon, asked me to help arrange her honeymoon. “Is there any chance we could fly from Exeter?” she asked. “We can only go for three nights and if we have to drive to Heathrow we’ll spend more time travelling than relaxing!"

Luckily I knew just the place: a delightful 15th Century lady's chateau perched atop miles of vine yards and plum trees and less than 15 minutes from Bergerac airport. The newlyweds had breakfast at home and by lunchtime were in another world.

Claire’s dilemma is shared by anyone who doesn’t live near a major airport. But, with dozens of flights into rural France, we have found the perfect solution – our Sumptuous Chateaux Escapes!