Penne

Penne

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel guide and tourist information

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• Its location:

• Located in the Tarn, the borders of Albi, Rouergue and Quercy, near the forest of thousands Grésigne and vineyards of Gaillac, the village of Penne overlooking the gorges of the Aveyron.
• In the south, the forest of Grésigne located on the hills of sandstone is the largest oak forest in the south of France with its 3600 hectares. This forest Celtic true nature reserve, has inspired many tales and legends drawn from the vestiges of its past: oppida wall Louis XIV, Scotch glass, coal ...
• To the north, the last foothills of the Massif Central are the hills of agricultural Terrefort. To the west, the Causses and the white limestone cliffs of the gorges of the Aveyron deploy, a veritable paradise for outdoor activities in beautiful scenery.
• A remarkable environment: The municipality of Penne in Natural Area of ​​Ecological Interest Fauna and Flora (ZNIEFF) and a Natura 2000 site, has a rare biodiversity. Feel free to borrow his paths, you will discover the pistachio turpentine, spurge characias, jasmine bush ... and more than 30 types of orchids. And stay alert to the wide variety of wildlife, you may see peregrine falcons, the violet click beetle or the Dartford Warbler and passerinette ...

• The Village:

• The village extends along the rocky outcrop under the protection of his castle, impregnable fortress, a masterpiece of military architecture, defying gravity. Along the walls, the church of St. Catherine, southern gothic style, is involved in defensive system integral with the door of the bridge.
• Classified charming village Penne has retained its authenticity with its narrow streets lined with timbered houses and wooden corbels, ancient grain measures, its Androne, its mullioned windows and doors Louis XIII.
• Located in Occitan, Penne inspired the troubadours of the 13th century and the Romantics of the nineteenth. From the 40's, several artists have chosen to close Surrealism Penne residence for Aline Gagnaire, Noël Arnaud, Georges Herment, Henri and No Rye, Jean Malrieu ...

• A little history:

• The origins of Penne alongside those of humanity as can testify to the various objects found in the area, some dating from the Magdalenian period.
• Many vestiges assure us of the presence of civilizations Celtic, Gallo-Roman or early Christian on or near the site of Penne.
• The medieval town as we can imagine today, is built up gradually from the late 10th century under the protection of the fortress to form a Castrum (fortress and medieval village).
• Lords of Penne, originating Castelviel Albi, were at first vassals of the viscount of Beziers. They placed themselves under the banner of Toulouse in the 12th century.
• During the Albigensian Crusade 1208-1229 (crusade against the Cathars), they held his head to Simon de Montfort, repelled numerous assaults and participated in the defense of Languedoc against the Crusaders and Barons of the North. On the death of Raymond VII, the last of the Counts of Toulouse, Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, hastened to recover Penne Castle, offering its co-seigneurs an exchange of land and rights.
• During the Hundred Years War, the population pennole recently attached to the crown of France feels somewhat concerned by the Anglo-French rivalries and suddenly the fight, changing hands according to his interests.
• In 1568 and 1586, while the valley is married to the Reformation, Catholic Penne remained invested by the Protestant army. The castle and the village are left to the state of ruin. Later, Louis the 13th Pennols allowed to rebuild their houses with the stones of the castle.
• In 1732, the castle was bought by Viscount Bruniquel. It is now private property open to visitors.

• The terrible Penne:

• Alexandre Viguier (1835-1911) is a self-taught farmer whose favorite books are the Bible, the Civil Code and the Penal Code. Expert renowned regional surveyor, it is very good at unraveling the land disputes, which earned him the nickname "terrible Penne" (in the positive sense of the term). Due to money worries and marital problems, he was forced to sell his farm in 1887.
• Thus began public life "of Terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible Penne" (with r 19 as he himself wrote in honor of the 19th century was the beginning of a new era). It allowed to grow beards, hair and nails and went on the road with a big lantern to "inform employees of the justice of the nation and the world ... to avoid war and peace in Europe." In 1893 it is "the candidate regeneration of humanity in suffering" in the parliamentary elections in Carmaux between it and Jean Jaurès and received 242 votes. On the occasion of the visit of Tsar Nicolas the second in Paris October 6, 1896, he took the train to the capital to ask the Czar to abolish slavery in Russia. Upon his arrival, he is confined to the asylum St. Anne. Found not crazy, out comes a few months later "uncrowned" (beard and hair cut). Back in Penne, he continued his political and ideological struggle on the roads in the township of amused indifference of his fellow citizens.

• Visit the medieval village and its castle is a must!

• Known as "the eagle's nest" or "the citadel of vertigo," Penne stands like a sentinel watching over the gorges of the Aveyron. The village extends along the rocky outcrop under the protection of its medieval castle, impregnable fortress, a masterpiece of military architecture, defying gravity. Closely related, the village and the castle are the castrum characterized by its fragmented and the route meshed winding streets that were developing in-house.
• Discover this charming village that has retained its authenticity, its narrow streets lined with timbered houses and wooden corbels, ancient grain measures, its Androne, its mullioned windows and doors ... Louis XIII
• The common, very large, also has a rich heritage and rural vernacular lofts, barns, mills, cross, washing ... to discover when trekking.

• Castle:

• The silhouette of the castle is built on top of the rocky outcrop defying balance. This impregnable fortress, and flagship of the Occitan masterpiece of military architecture, immerses visitors in the heart of the medieval site.
• A fun and educational for children and adults reveals medieval construction techniques, operation of machines of war and adapting the architecture to a defensive strategy.

• The Church of St. Catherine:

• Located on the edge of walls, the church of St. Catherine is a piece of fortification Advanced participating in the defense of the city. The apse was incorporated to the ramparts with its high polygonal tower flanked halfway up strong buttresses. Large rustic niche crown all under roof in the continuity of the walkway. Openings are arranged after the Hundred Years War for the firing of muskets.
• The building built on Roman foundations is essentially Southern Gothic style prevalent in the north of the Tarn, characterized by a single nave without aisles and the timing of chapels between the buttresses.
• The original apse, facing east as was the medieval Christian liturgy, has become the main entrance to the 19th century, is flanked by a neo-classical. You will notice the font dug into a big Gothic polychrome ... and deep inside his frog!

• Breeding of Angora goats: During a visit of about an hour, you will be told the livestock, the history of the goat will be explained and the techniques of cutting and processing of fleeces. On site, mohair yarn and finished products (rugs, blankets, sweaters, scarves, gloves ...) are offered for sale.
• Numerous trails for hiking, biking and riding from the village. GR46, GR countries.
• Outdoor activities: canoeing, climbing, caving ...

• Garage sale in April-May
• Festival of Tourist Office in early May with a market of local producers and craftsmen.
• Days Regional Nature late May-early June
• Heritage Day of countries and mills the third weekend in June
• Walk The Gresinhòla in May-June
• Feast of St Paul de Mammiac mid-July.
• Open Grésigne: tennis competitions in the third week of July.
• Feast of Belaygues / Saint Pantaleon end of July.
• Various activities around the Middle Ages (competition archery, life in the Middle Ages ...) in July and August.
• Exhibition at the Church of St. Catherine the first half of August.
• Village Festival Penne the first weekend of August.
• Medieval Festival on Monday from the village festival.
• European Heritage Days, the third weekend of September.
• Listening to the belling of the deer from mid-September to mid-October.
• Chestnut Festival at Fontbonne, late October.

• Discovery of the Albigensian country houses and medieval villages of the valley of the Aveyron (Montricoux Bruniquel Penne, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Milhars, Varen, Verfeil, Laguépie, Najac ...).
• Visit of the Commandery of Knights Templar to Vaour, Castle case, the Cistercian Abbey of Beaulieu (Centre for Contemporary Art), the castles of Bruniquel, home Romanesque Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, caves Bosc, Marcel Lenoir Museum, the medieval town of Cordes-sur-Ciel.
• Festival of the Summer of Vaour in the first half of August.

Penne fall		bridle path in the forest of Grésigne
canoeing on the Aveyron		morning horseback ride in Penne
Belfry and Castle Penne		Street of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem
Tudor		Cross of Plague
Door Peyrière		Gorges de l'Aveyron

Monday 13 February Day Night Min. -10°C - Max. 2°C

Tuesday 14 February Day Night Min. -5°C - Max. 1°C

Wednesday 15 February Day Night Min. -4°C - Max. 7°C

Le regalville Réalville Family kitchen open for lunch Monday night closes Wednesday evening and Sunday evening open on other nights of the week until April 15 by reservation only. Located 21 km from Penne From 10 € to 15 € per person

All restaurants around Penne

Etape du château   Bruniquel Anne and Hervé welcome you throughout the year in their guest house in the village of Bruniquel ranked among one of the most beautiful in France. Originality places subtly blending... Located 6.1 km from Penne 80 € the double room

La Maison d'hôtes Chez Delphine   Puycelci You will fall in love with this 17th Century village home (which is fine example of the region's Albi architecture) be it with it's charm, it's large open spaces, exposed beams, original... Located 9.4 km from Penne From 55 € to 65 € the double room

Artichaud     10 Castelnau-de-Montmiral Three spacious and comfortable bedrooms in a charming and ecological renovated farmhouse between Albi, Cordes and Gaillac in the south-west of France. Delicious meals based on organic... Located 12.1 km from Penne From 65 € to 95 € the double room

All beds & breakfasts around Penne

Gîte de Montcéré Penne In the neighbourhood of several famous medieval villages : Bruniquel, Saint-Antonin de Noble Val, Cordes-Sur-Ciel, ... House 150 m², 3 bedrooms, 6 people (possible 6 to 10 people).... Located in Penne From 330 € to 850 € per week

Gîte la Bouygue   10   SPECIAL OFFER Penne Experience the true feel of genteel old France at its most rural and unspoiled while relaxing at la Bouygue located on the edge of the Grésigne forest, one of the oldest and largest... Located in Penne From 650 € to 1200 € per week

Domaine les merlins Larroque The domain 'les merlins' offers throughout the year two independent cottages with all the comforts moderne. Les two have a sheltered terrace and a fireplace for a good surge return... Located 8.6 km from Penne From 215 € to 360 € per week

All vacation rentals around Penne

Camping le Faucon d'Or   Montricoux Open April 1 to October 15, situated close to a mecca of tourism to the Gorges de l'Aveyron, camping peregrines Golden welcomes you with good humor and smile. Many locations are available.... Located 8.4 km from Penne

Camping les Gorges de l'Aveyron     10 Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val Located on a river and in the middle of the gorge, you will enjoy an exceptional, quiet and conducive to many walks and outdoor activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, hiking,... Located 9 km from Penne From 11.90 € to 21.30 € per day

Camping fargogne    9.2 Puygaillard-de-Quercy Fargogne is an area of 13 hectares surrounded by hills, woods, heather, castles and picturesque villages. Services: Besides a large swimming pool, there is a sunbathing lawn and terrace... Located 11.5 km from Penne From 13 € to 18 € per day

All campsites around Penne

Domaine Les Miquels  Castelnau-de-Montmiral This converted farm house is located at the foot of the fortified village of Castelnau-de Montmiral. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi access in public areas and rooms... Located 13.3 km from Penne Room from 60 €

Chez Terrassier      7.8 Vaïssac Chez Terrassier is located in a central square in the village of Vaissac, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Midi-Pyrenees region. It boasts a gorgeous outdoor swimming... Located 13.9 km from Penne Room from 47 €

Hotel Des Consuls      9 Castelnau-de-Montmiral Located at the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France, the Hotel des Consuls welcomes you for a peaceful break in a stylish setting. Combining traditional old charm with... Located 14.1 km from Penne Room from 59 €

All hotels around Penne