Family days out in the Tarn

A DAY OF ACTIVITY AND FUN

Cap’Découverte, a huge family leisure park

Set within a vast natural estate, Cap’Découverte is one of the most varied family days out in the Tarn. This former mining site, which has been converted into a leisure park, now offers visitors the chance to enjoy a stunning setting, combining wide open spaces, well-maintained trails and landscapes shaped by the region’s industrial history.

The estate is open to the public all year round and offers a wide range of routes for walking, cycling or simply exploring the site. Several themed trails allow visitors to explore the Titans Park, where imposing machines serve as a reminder of the mining industry that once shaped this landscape.

During the summer season, there are various activities to round off the day: play areas for younger children, high ropes courses, and bike, BMX and scooter hire, as well as sports equipment hire. As the cost of these activities and their opening times vary depending on the time of year, it is best to check their availability before you set off.

Cap’Découverte thus brings young and old together around<u>an active, fun-filled day away from the everyday</u>. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and allow plenty of time to make the most of the different areas.

Find out about the activities and practical information on the Cap’Découverte’s official website.

A JOURNEY BACK TO THE GALLO-ROMAN ERA

The Montans Archaeological Centre with the children

The Montans Archaeological Centre invites the whole family to step back in time to the Gallic and Gallo-Roman periods. The village of Montans was once a major centre for the production of pottery, the creations from which were distributed throughout much of the Roman Empire.

The exhibition features artefacts unearthed during archaeological excavations, as well as various reconstructions that help visitors imagine the daily lives of the local inhabitants and potters. The collections bring this local history to life and help children understand the work of archaeologists.

Activity booklets, wooden Roman games and various other resources are provided to help families during their visit. During the school holidays, the centre also organises workshops suitable for a range of ages: mosaic-making, making an oil lamp, weaving and an introduction to pottery.

This visit is a brilliant idea when the weather’s unpredictable or to mix outdoor activities with a cultural experience. The museum’s garden is also a great place to take a break before carrying on with the day.

Plan your visit to the official website of the Montans Archaeological Centre.

A DIFFERENT WAY TO MEET ANIMALS

La Ferme du Petit Poucet: a day out with the animals

Near Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Thumbelina’s Farm provides a home for animals rescued from difficult circumstances. Donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, horses and farmyard animals now live in an environment dedicated to their welfare.

Families can explore the farm at their own pace or take part in a guided tour. Children learn how to approach the animals, discover their habits and, depending on the activity chosen, can help to feed them or look after them.

Mornings dedicated to learning about the role of a carer, parent-and-child workshops and seasonal activities are also on offer. Some experiences require booking and are suitable for specific age groups: please always check the programme before you visit.

After your visit, make the most of the picnic areas or continue your walk around the local area. In particular, you could head to Castelnau-de-Montmiral or explore other villages featured on our page dedicated to the most beautiful villages in the Tarn.

Find the timetables and the various options on the Official information sheet for the Ferme du Petit Poucet.

AN UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE

Explore the medieval underground passages of Castela with the family

Hidden beneath the ruins of the old castle at Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe lies the the medieval underground passageway at Castela. Its galleries and chambers, carved out of the earth, provide a mysterious setting in which to explore the history of the Middle Ages with the whole family.

The underground complex can only be visited with a guide. Over the course of about an hour, visitors make their way underground and learn about the site’s various functions, its history and the stories associated with the ancient fortress.

The temperature remains constant, at around 14 to 15 degrees, even on the hottest days of summer. So do remember to bring a light jacket. As the historical tour is not particularly suitable for very young children, please also check the recommendations from the Tourist Office.

Places are limited and tours can be fully booked several days in advance. We therefore strongly recommend that you book in advance. This tour can then be combined with a stroll through the bastide town of Saint-Sulpice or an excursion to Discover Lavaur and the Jardins des Martels.

Check the opening times and book your visit on the official website of the medieval underground passage at Castela.

Share discoveries suitable for the whole family

The Tarn makes it easy to mix things up leisure, animals, heritage and cultural experiences. This diversity helps every family to organise their days according to the children’s ages, the weather and what they fancy doing at the time.

For a very active day out, Cap’Découverte offers wide open spaces where you can let off steam. The Montans Archaeological Centre, on the other hand, is a place where you can slow down and learn through hands-on activities, observation and play.

La Ferme du Petit Poucet will particularly appeal to children who love animals, whilst the Castela underground tunnels will turn a historical visit into a real adventure. Some of these outings can be completed in half a day and combined with a visit to a nearby village.

From Le Rousieux Campsite, it generally takes between 35 minutes and just over an hour’s journey, depending on your destination and traffic conditions. Do take the time to check the timetables before you set off, as many activities require a booking.

Practical tips for organising your outings

Check the opening hours, opening days and booking terms and conditions before each journey.
Not all of Cap’Découverte’s paid activities are open all year round.
Book your tour of the Castela underground complex well in advance, as it is often fully booked during the summer months.
For the Ferme du Petit Poucet, see the calendar of guided tours and workshops.
Make sure you bring a light top for the underground, where it stays cool.
Bring some water, a snack and suitable footwear for outdoor activities.
If it rains, we recommend visiting the Montans Archaeological Centre or choosing another cultural attraction.

Family days out in the Tarn: our ideas for things to do

To make the most of these outings without having to make too many journeys, it’s best to choose one main destination per day. This will give you plenty of time to let the children explore the area at their own pace.For an active day out, head to Cap’Découverte first thing in the morning. Start with a discovery trail, pack a picnic, then make the most of the play areas and activities available during your visit.

For a day out exploring history, visit the Montans Archaeological Centre before heading to the Castela underground passageway. Do check the timetables for guided tours, though, so that you can fit in both stops without rushing.

A visit to La Ferme du Petit Poucet can be combined with a stroll around Castelnau-de-Montmiral or a break in the Grésigne Forest. This option allows you to alternate between meeting the animals, having a picnic and exploring the local heritage.

After your day out, return to the peace and quiet of your accommodation and enjoy the activities on offer at the Le Rousieux Campsite.

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Our FAQs

Plan your family outings from the campsite

Plan your days ahead with answers to the most frequently asked questions about activities with children, bookings, journey times and what to do in the event of bad weather.

What are the best family outings in the Tarn?

Some of the outings that are particularly suitable for families include Cap’Découverte, the Montans Archaeological Centre, the Ferme du Petit Poucet and the medieval underground passages at Castela. These places offer a mix of leisure, wildlife, culture and adventure.

What sort of outing should you choose with young children?

La Ferme du Petit Poucet is particularly suitable for children who love animals. Cap’Découverte also offers a number of areas designed for younger children during the summer season. Always check the minimum age requirements for workshops and activities.

What can you do with the family in the Tarn when it’s raining?

The Montans Archaeological Centre is a good option when the weather is unpredictable. The Castela underground complex is also indoors, but you need to book a guided tour in advance and it may not be suitable for very young children.

Do you need to book family activities?

Booking is strongly recommended for the Castela underground tour, the guided tours at the Ferme du Petit Poucet and the workshops at the Archaeological Centre. For Cap’Découverte, please check the opening times for paid activities before you visit.

How long does it take to get to these outlets from the campsite?

Depending on your destination, you should generally allow for between 35 minutes and just over an hour’s journey from Le Rousieux Campsite. It is best to check your route on the day of departure to take account of traffic conditions.