Castanet offers several ways to enjoy a stay: the signposted Chemin des Moines circular walk, tours and wine tastings at Domaine de Labarthe and Domaine de Brin, and a shaded picnic spot near the village church. The route passes through a varied cultural landscape, and each winery has its own focus. You can shape your days around hiking, wine and a break outdoors. Visits to Labarthe must be arranged in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
Hiking the Chemin des Moines
The Chemin des Moines is a signposted circular walk in Castanet. The route passes through cultivated land, woodland, vineyards, paths and traditional buildings. Together, these different landscape features define the character of the walk. Unlike a point-to-point route, the Chemin des Moines is a loop: it offers a clear option for anyone who wants to explore the agricultural landscape and its buildings along a single route.
The Chemin des Moines is also linked to a long history of transport. For six centuries, the monks of Bonnecombe Abbey used the route to transport aniseed, grain, coriander, woad and saffron. The list of goods brings this connection to life: as well as grain, it included spices and other products. This makes the route interesting not only as a circular walk, but also for its historical use. Anyone interested in the history of the route will find a tangible link to its past in the goods transported along it.
Wineries with distinct specialties
Domaine de Labarthe has a family history spanning generations. The estate covers 68 hectares and has been passed down through generations since 1550. Visitors are welcomed year-round for tours and wine tastings by appointment. Arrange your visit before you travel; making an appointment is part of planning your visit.
The Verdanel grape variety is another link to Gaillac. Domaine de Labarthe is one of the few wineries in the wine-growing region to showcase this nearly extinct white grape variety. At Labarthe, both the family history and a distinctive grape variety take centre stage. The availability of specific Verdanel products may vary.
Domaine de Brin offers winery tours and wine tastings in Castanet. The winery is located in the Gaillac AOC appellation, on a clay-limestone plateau surrounded by oak forests. The estate uses organic farming and natural winemaking methods to grow its grapes and make its wines. In contrast to Labarthe, the location and production methods are particularly prominent here. Check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
Picnic spot and church
The Aire de pique-nique de Castanet offers a shaded table near the village church, where you can rest or eat outdoors. Alongside hiking and winery visits, it provides a place to take a break outside. As facilities may change, it is worth checking what is currently available before your visit.
The Church of Saint-André de Castanet also has a cultural connection: Nicolaï Greschny is associated with its renovation and painted decoration. If you are interested in art and history, this is another aspect of the village worth noting. It adds to the historical associations of the Chemin des Moines, without being confused with the history of the hiking route itself.
When looking for a holiday rental for your stay, the different activities can help you plan your days: the Chemin des Moines is a signposted circular walk, while each winery has its own visitor arrangements. Make an appointment in advance for Labarthe; at Brin, ask about current options. This makes it easier to plan your stay around hiking, wine or a mix of the two.
Discover more destinations: Le Riols, Escoussens, Bournazel, Damiatte, Belleserre, Le Garric, Mazamet, Fiac
Go to the main travel guide: Tarn.
