Lisle-sur-Tarn was founded by Raymond VII, count of Toulouse: under his rule, the bastides were invented as a system of fortified places to defend the region and to re-populate it. Lille-sur-Tarn was one of the first bastides, and became a model for many of them: rectangular streets around a central square, and ramparts around the city. Lisle-sur-Tarn was a special place, because of its harbour: the river Tarn was one of the most important means of transport in the region, up to the 19th century when the rail road replaced it. For the export of Gaillac wine, the Tarn was essential: via Tarn and Garonne it reached Bordeaux, where it was transshipped to reach regions in the north and to England, where it was christened “claret”. Today, nothing remains of the former port. The ramparts and towers were demolished in 19th century. The monumental church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Jonquière remains a landmark, as in ancient times, when Lisle-sur-Tarn was an important halting-place for the pilgrims on St-James-Way.
Lisle is still a nice place, the narrow streets impeding modern transport. The central square is the largest in the region, with nice terraces, where you can taste the Gaillac wine. You don't need much fantasy to imagine the square 100 years ago, especially on Sunday, with the market stalls are around the monumental fountain, the “griffoul”. In summertime, kids are playing on the square, and adults use it for their “jeu de boules”...
Nearby is the local museum, perhaps more important for admiring the ancient house from the inside than for the local collections. On the Place des Arcades is the Chocolate Arts Museum, a joint initiative of a retired chocolatier-pâtissier and a sculptor, great for kids and adults. No, it is not allowed to lick the chocolate statues; before leaving the place you'll taste some chocolate samples.
Fancy a good meal, healthy and made from organic food products? Do you like to rediscover “forgotten” vegetables, explore new tastes, savour wines made from traditional grapes from sustainable vineyards? Definitively, you should stay with us.
Bed and Breakfast Artichaud is a gastronomical B&B near Lisle sur Tarn. Our delicious meals are made of fresh local and seasonal ingredients, organic and mostly from our vegetable garden, and from local organic farms. Liliane serves traditional dishes from the south-west, with a Mediterranean touch, adapted to our modern way of life. She uses a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, and a vegetarian menu can be provided upon request. Many guests asked for her recipes; we have put some of them on our French web site
Artichaud is an eco-friendly guest house, very comfortable, in a charming traditional house, with a nice garden and a pool. We are located on two tourist roads: the route des bastides albigeoises, connecting the bastides around Albi, and the Gaillac Wine route. Nature in the region is marvellous, the landscapes are beautiful: walking or cycling are guaranteed the way to benefit most of your holiday.
Text & pictures: © Bed and Breakfast Artichaud
