Cussac is situated approximately 10km from the main town in the Tarn ‘departement’, Albi. Famous for its magnificent cathar cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec, it also prides itself with a medieval centre where timber clad buildings overhang narrow cobbled streets. Sightseeing opportunities in Albi are plentiful and include the Toulouse Lautrec museum where the majority of the artist’s works can be found. Albi offers a number of other important historic monuments: the Palais de Berber, ‘le vieux pont’, etc. Boats trips are available on the River Tarn that runs through the centre of town.

Cussac is about 35 km from Gaillac, another beautiful town and the centre of the vineyards of the Gaillac AOC. Visits and tasting can be arranged at a wine-producing chateau for Gaillac’s reds, whites and sparkling wines.

Cordes is located approximately 30 km from Cussac. One of France’s most beautiful villages, its medieval houses are perched on top of a hill with a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. The climb to the top over cobbled streets will ensure an excellent appetite to appreciate the offerings of numerous hilltop restaurants.

The River Tarn lies at the foot of Cussac’s steep hill. Several river beaches are available for bathing, and although the river is mostly shallow, the current can be swift. Visitors can hire canoes at several different spots along the river. In the nearby ‘Base de Loisirs’ in the Serenac forest, visitors can hire mountain bikes and discover many trails through the forest. Hiking in the area is a delight. Leave from Serenac forest and take a couple of hours to trek (downhill most of the way) to the fabulous site of Ambialet. Or leave from Cussac itself and discover the ruins of the 14th century Chateau de Vassals in the nearby woodlands, once owned by the same family that built Cussac.

Many different sporting activities can be undertaken at Cap Decouverte, the finishing stage of the 2003 Tour de France race against the clock. Cap Decouverte, a reclaimed quarry turned multi-leisure complex, allows visitors to discover new activities as diverse as skating, fishing, all-season ski-ing and a tyrolean cable run. It also has a mining museum and hosts open-air festivals. Cap Decouverte is less than 15 minutes drive from Cussac.

Sites:
Albi: http://www.tourisme.fr/albi/e_index.htm
Cordes : http://www.cordes-sur-ciel.org
Ambialet: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/ambialet
Cap Decouverte: http://www.capdecouverte.com