Tarn

Tarn is a French department in the Occitanie region (southern France), named after the Tarn River that flows through it. 

It is located in southwestern France, northeast of Toulouse. 

Capital (préfecture): Albi (known for the impressive Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Sub-préfecture: Castres. 

Area and landscape: Varying from fertile plains and vineyards in the west to hills, the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains), and forests in the east. 

Plenty of green, peaceful countryside with river valleys. 

History: One of the original 83 departments from the French Revolution (1790), created from parts of the former province of Languedoc. 

Formerly quite industrial (primarily due to coal mining around Carmaux), now more focused on agriculture, tourism, and the service sector.

Well-known features: Beautiful medieval bastides and villages such as Cordes-sur-Ciel, Puycelsi, Penne, Castelnau-de-Montmiral, and Gaillac (renowned for its wine). 

Strong gastronomy: red and rosé wines (Gaillac, Fronton), foie gras, cassoulet influences, Rocamadour cheese-like products, and local specialties. 

Tourism: peaceful, authentic countryside, hiking, cultural heritage, and little mass tourism. 

Recently (2025), it became the first French department to receive an international label for sustainable tourism. 

In short: a green, sunny, peaceful department with a beautiful heritage (especially Albi), delicious local products, and a relaxed lifestyle—ideal for those who enjoy authentic southern France without the hustle and bustle of the coast.

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