Barry-d'Islemade offers a range of discoveries: the history of Église Sainte-Madeleine, a trail around three lakes, a canoe route on the Aveyron and Tarn, and wine from Domaine de Massougné. When planning your stay, you can first decide what interests you most: architecture and building styles, outdoor activities and wildlife watching, or a visit by arrangement.
Church and distinctive architectural styles
Église Sainte-Madeleine was rebuilt in 1763 at the bishop's request, 300 metres from the original church. A round stained-glass window in the façade bears the coat of arms of the Order of Malta and commemorates this reconstruction. This means you can look at two specific details of the church: the relocation of the building and the window's connection to the event. The Protestant temple in Barry-d'Islemade offers a different architectural feature with its round shape. Both buildings offer an opportunity to explore the town's religious architecture without conflating the two.
On foot along the Circuit des lacs
The Circuit des lacs is a very easy 7.8-kilometre walking trail. Its stated starting point is at 123 Rue de la Mairie in Barry-d'Islemade. The circular route around three lakes offers the chance to spot numerous birds; with careful observation, you may also see crayfish and turtles. Wildlife watching is a special part of the trail, but sightings are not guaranteed. If you want to take time for it, you can walk the route at a more leisurely pace.
Lac de Jendraux is also a place for walking and relaxation. For anglers, its classification as a second-category fishing lake for predatory fish provides a specific point of reference. Walking and its fishing classification appeal to different interests; both are among the activities described around the lake, without implying a particular length of stay.
Canoeing on the Aveyron and Tarn
The canoe route from Plage de Payrol follows the Aveyron downstream, then returns 200 metres upstream on the Tarn to Plage de Payrol. For this advertised route, participants are taken by minibus from Plage de Payrol to Gué de Piquecos. The outing thus combines a river trip on two waterways with a specifically mentioned transfer. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available by arrangement at the canoe base at Plage de Payrol.
Walking and paddling are different ways to experience the landscape of lakes and rivers: the Circuit des lacs is described as a very easy 7.8-kilometre walking trail, while the canoe route follows a set sequence on the Aveyron and Tarn. These details can help you choose an activity, without specifying how long the walk or paddle takes. If you would like to plan for stand-up paddleboarding, take the requirement to arrange it in advance into account.
Wine and visits by arrangement
Domaine de Massougné covers 10 hectares. Free visits are available by arrangement. The range includes red, rosé and white wines, sold both bottled and by the glass, under the IGP Lavilledieu designation. A visit offers a different focus from a walk or canoe trip: the winery and the wines it offers take centre stage. If you would like to plan a visit, arrange it in advance.
Barry-d'Islemade therefore offers several distinct themes to choose from for your stay: the rebuilt church and the round temple, a loop around three lakes with opportunities for wildlife watching, the canoe route on the Aveyron and Tarn, or a visit to the winery by arrangement. Which of these you combine depends on your interests and on which activities you would like to arrange in advance.
Discover more destinations: Puycornet, Montricoux, Grisolles, Valence, Montjoi, Saint-Urcisse, Mansonville, Saint-Cirq.
For the overview of the wider travel area: Tarn-Et-Garonne.
