My perfect day in Galliac

MORNING

Waking at the luxurious Château de Salettes in Cahuzac-sur-Vère, head across the plateau to the historic bastide town of Cordessur- Ciel – with luck, you might see it surrounded by a sea of cloud. After walking to the top, head to Albi, the region’s capital (and world heritage site), calling in at the excellent Domaine d’Escausses (see p115) on your way.

LUNCH

Eat at either Alchimy (p115) or Epicurien (www.restaurantlepicurien.com) in Albi, before a quick visit to the immense cathedral of Ste- Cécile and the ToulouseLautrec museum next door. Now back to Gaillac for some extensive wine tasting!

AFTERNOON

Visit some of the key domaines on the right bank of the river Tarn. Domaines de Lamothe (www.domaine-lamothe-gaillac. com) and de Brin (p114) are closer to Albi. Or, nearer Gaillac, take in Domaine Plageoles (p114) to learn about the unique Gaillac varieties, Domaine Laubarel (www.domaine-laubarel. com) for some great-value wines and Domaine de la Ramaye (p115) for a crash course in natural wine philosophy. Finish at the museum at the Maison des Vins in Gaillac.

EVENING

Enjoy a drink in the main square at the Café des Sports and a modern bistro dinner at Vigne en Foule (very good wine list). Or, for something a little more rural, head up to the beautiful, ancient bastide village of Castelnau-de-Montmiral to eat at the highly popular Auberge des Arcades (www.castelnaudemontmiral.com), and rest at the Hôtel des Consuls.