17 May 2017. London. With various cycling routes, 8000km of hiking paths and quiet, safe roads, the Tarn's sun-drenched countryside perfectly lends itself to being discovered by foot, horse, bike or car. Home to expansive vineyards, wild flowers, the winding Tarn River and the dramatic Aveyron gorges, exploring the department on two wheels, four or on horse-back has never been easier.

This year, the Tour du Tarn a Cheval, a 500km loop of the department is now open to horse-riders. From the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) to the land of the Bastides, through the Gaillac vineyards, the Tarn valley, Sidobre and the Monts de Lacaune, riders can admire the diversity of the landscape. The route can be enjoyed over one or several days with accommodation available through-out the route. A printable or downloadable map is provided. There are over 10 equestrian centres located all over the department, Les Chevaux du Soleil is located in the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Languedoc at 700m altitude.

If horsing around is not for you, then discovering the area via bicycle is another option. There are various places to hire a mountain or hybrid bike, such as Locat VTT Scooter, located in the stunning bastide village of Cordes sur Ciel. Rental prices range from 3.50€ (£2.70 approx) to 18€ (£14 approx).

One cycling route is La Véloroute de la Vallée du Tarn, following the bends of the Tarn River for 107km, weaving riders through some of the area's most picturesque villages. Consisting of two sections, the first stage follows peaceful roads from the quaint village of St Sulpice towards the UNESCO world heritage site of Albi and the towering presence of its cathedral.

The second stage passes through the fairytale town of Ambialet, where the Tarn River makes a three kilometre loop around the town, shaping the valley into an impressive rocky peninsula. The route ends in the ancient spa town of Trébas-les-bains, where cyclists can cool off with a range of water based activities on the Tarn River.

For beginners or seasoned hikers, the Tarn is packed with paths of varying difficulty; one on the softer side is the Rocs of Cremaussel du Sidobre. This 8.5 km loop allows walkers to explore the tranquillity of Sidobre and its stunning granite rocks. These strange rock formations were caused by a stream of molten magma three hundred years ago, the area is now a natural playground for children.

Alternatively, explore the bastide villages and the beautiful Gaillac vineyards by car. The roads are smooth, safe and quiet – perfect for a casual drive in the unspoilt French countryside. AutoEurope in Albi has various pick-up and drop-off locations, pick-up can be arranged at Toulouse airport so you have the car right when you get off the plane.

The following packages are available from InnTravel if you prefer the security of a tour operator. Each package offers cycling, walking or canoeing and includes accommodation, most dinners, luggage transportation and cycle hire.

Tarn Explorer – Starting and finishing in handsome Albi, this Inntravel holiday offers a mix of cycling, walking, sightseeing and even canoeing in the picturesque Tarn Valley. Over three days of cycling on a self-guided basis, encounter many riverside sections of the beautiful Tarn valley– and alternate them on 'free' days when there is the opportunity to walk, sightsee in Albi, explore the river by canoe, or simply relax. Stay in a selection of authentic country inns that offer a warm welcome and delicious regional cuisine.

Price: Inntravel (01653 617000, inntravel.co.uk) offers the Tarn Explorer from £1,098pp by rail from London or from £830pp on a self-drive basis, based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights' B&B accommodation, 4 dinners, route notes and maps, luggage transportation and cycle hire.

The Timeless Tarn – Enjoy the Mediterranean landscapes of the Tarn with Inntravel on this self-guided hotel-to-hotel cycling holiday, exploring riverside stretches, rolling hills and sleepy villages. Stay in welcoming country inns that offer delicious locally sourced meals.
Price: Inntravel (01653 617000, inntravel.co.uk) offers The Timeless Tarn From £1,125pp by rail from London or from £858pp on a self-drive basis, based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights' B&B accommodation, 5 dinners, route notes and maps, luggage transportation and cycle hire.

Landscapes of the Tarn – Walk along the quiet paths and through the picturesque stone villages of the Tarn with Inntravel on this self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking break. Explore the small medieval city of Albi and stay in a variety of family run hotels that all serve a variety of regional cuisine.
Price: Inntravel (01653 617000, inntravel.co.uk) offers the Landscapes of the Tarn from £1,090pp by rail from London or from £815pp on a self-drive basis, based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights' B&B accommodation, 5 dinners, 4 picnics, route notes and maps and luggage transportation.

For more information please visit Le Tarn Tourisme, www.tourisme-tarn.com/tarn/en