Christian Holiday Cottage, Tarn — Rest by the River
Christian holiday cottage, Tarn: Cottage on the Tarn is set in its own secluded grounds overlooking the river near Crespinet in South West France, with direct access to the water for fishing, boating and safe swimming (small children and non-swimmers should be supervised). The cottage sits within a conservation area known for its rare birds, offering a genuinely peaceful spot for rest and renewal.
It’s within easy reach of Albi, home to the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile — often described as the largest brick building in the world — and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, along with other medieval towns and villages with restaurants and markets. A rowing boat and two single canoes are available to use, and for the energetic, riding, tennis and golf can all be found locally.
A few miles along the river, the Tarn loops almost back on itself at Ambialet, where an 11th-century priory sits atop a peninsula formed by one of the narrowest river meanders in Europe. It’s a lovely spot for a gentle afternoon out, with waymarked walking trails through the valley and views over the same River Tarn the cottage sits beside.
Further into the Tarn countryside, Monestiés is well worth the drive — a medieval village recognised as one of the official “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), with a notable 15th-century chapel and a small local market. Between the river on the doorstep and the historic bastide towns scattered across this part of Occitanie, there’s plenty to fill a week beyond the cottage itself.
Perfect for:
- Clergy and church families in need of proper rest, away from parish life
- Water-lovers, with direct river access for fishing, boating and canoeing
- History lovers, with Albi’s UNESCO cathedral and museum a short drive away
- Groups of up to 7 wanting a self-catering base for exploring South West France
Location
Cottage on the Tarn, Crespinet, France
How to get here:
2866, Route Rive du Tarn, 81350 Crespinet, France. A car is necessary — there is no public transport to the property.
Nearest Town:
Albi (within easy reach)
Local Area
The cottage is set within a conservation area on the banks of the River Tarn, home to rare birds and offering plenty of peaceful spots to relax. Albi, with its magnificent cathedral, is close by, along with a number of medieval towns and villages with restaurants and markets.
Here are just a few highlights of the local area:
River Tarn — direct access for fishing, boating and safe swimming
Albi — cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec museum
Medieval towns and villages nearby, with restaurants and markets
Riding, tennis and golf available locally
Facilities
- SLEEPS 7
- 3 BEDROOMS
- 2 BATHROOMS
- FREE WI-FI
- OFF-ROAD PARKING
- GARDEN / OUTDOOR SPACE
- WOOD-BURNER / OPEN FIRE
- LINEN & TOWELS INCLUDED
- DOGS WELCOME
- COT / HIGHCHAIR AVAILABLE
- RURAL / COUNTRYSIDE SETTING
- ROWING BOAT & TWO CANOES
Additional Photo
What Our Guests Say
“This is a wonderful holiday house and destination. I don’t think we have been anywhere quite as relaxing.”
“Thank you so much for letting us stay in your beautiful home – we have had a most fantastic, action-packed week.”
“A most enjoyable week. Two teenage girls endlessly entertained by catching (and releasing!) crayfish, small fish and frogs every night. Great fun to be had with the canoe and the boat.”
“Great location for a relaxing and refreshing break. We had perfect weather all week.”
Costs
High Season: £550 per week
Low / Off-Peak Season: £450 per week
Clergy Discount: Happy to discuss — please mention when enquiring.
Availability
Available April to October.
Arrival and Departure times: Please contact owner to discuss
Booking arrangements: Please contact owner directly to book
Pets: Dogs welcome — please enquire
Contact the Owner
Name:
Lucinda Ralph
Address:
Cottage on the Tarn
2866, Route Rive du Tarn
81350 Crespinet, France
Telephone Number: +44 7979 241267
Email Address: lucinda@uwclub.net
Website: idylliccottageonthetarn.com