Nestled in the heart of the Tarn valley, Trébas-les-Bains offers a refreshing escape into nature. This charming village, a designated "Station Verte" since 2006, boasts a rich natural setting with preserved flora and fauna. Awarded the "Pavillon Bleu" eco-label since 2010, Trébas-les-Bains is recognized for the quality of its supervised freshwater swimming during July and August.
Discovering Trébas-les-Bains
Located just 40 minutes from Albi and 1.5 hours from Toulouse, Trébas-les-Bains is a picturesque village renowned for its thermal past, with waters rich in copper and iron. The village derives its name from this thermal history.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Exploring the Natural and Historical Heritage
For those seeking to reconnect with nature, Trébas-les-Bains is the perfect destination. The "Sentier des Sources," a 7km discovery trail, invites visitors to explore the natural and historical heritage of Trébas. This shaded path, suitable for families and couples, starts near the village church and follows the banks of the Tarn, providing educational panels about the local flora and fauna.
Did you know? The Tarn is a river (not a stream), originating from Mont Lozère at an altitude of 1560m and flowing into the Garonne. It is the most important tributary of the Garonne.
During your walk, keep an eye out for the kingfisher, which nests in holes in the banks, as well as the gray heron, the little egret, and the cormorant. The path continues towards the old thermal baths, a reminder of Trébas-les-Bains' thermal past. The waters here are known for their healing properties, treating skin diseases and rheumatism.
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Canoe-Kayak Excursion: A Refreshing Adventure on the Tarn
Perfect for families, embark on a 14km canoe-kayak trip from Trébas to Ambialet on the Tarn, gliding along with the rhythm of the water. This relaxing and picturesque excursion, available from spring to autumn, allows you to navigate with the river's currents, observe the wildlife along the shores, and paddle amidst the fish.
Info: Base de loisirs de Trébas offers rentals for half-days, full days, or even nautical hikes.
One can have fun, refresh themselves and swim in the lively waters of the Tarn! Located upstream from Albi, 38 km away in the Tarn Valley, is the village of Trébas-les-Bains.
Outdoor Activities and Leisure
The Tarn region is ideal for outdoor activities.
Baignade Surveillée
Supervised swimming is available from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day in July and August.
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Base de Loisirs
Leisure base with multiple activities: book box, hikes, tennis, handball, basketball, petanque, soccer, nature discovery course…Other paid activities on site: canoe-kayak and paddle, inflatable games with the Oasis de Trébas.
Accommodation: La Résidence La Marquisié***
For a peaceful holiday close to nature, consider staying at La Résidence La Marquisié***. Located on a hilltop, it offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills. The residence features an indoor swimming pool with a paddling pool (open seasonally) and large windows opening onto a spacious sun terrace.
The residence is composed of functional apartments fully equipped to accommodate families, up to 8 people. From the large bay windows you can admire the breathtaking landscape of the Tarn Valley.
Located about 2 km from the center of the village, at the top of a hill with a pretty view of the valley.
The Beach
Just 2 km from the residence, in the heart of Trébas-les-Bains, a green beach borders the banks of the Tarn. In summer, swimming is supervised, offering a safe and pleasant setting for the whole family. Known for the quality of its waters, this beach is ideal for spending a bucolic afternoon in the heart of nature.
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Nearby Attractions: Exploring the Tarn Region
Trébas-les-Bains serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.
Albi
Just 35 minutes from Trébas-les-Bains, discover the ambiance of Albi in its narrow streets, sunny café terraces, or during a leisurely lunch by the Tarn.
Gorges du Tarn
Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, near the Cévennes and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Trébas, the Gorges du Tarn offer visitors stunning landscapes of rock and white water.
Viaduc de Millau
At 1 hour and 30 minutes from Trébas, the Viaduc de Millau is a must-see. It holds the world record for height, with its second pier reaching 343 meters (taller than the Eiffel Tower) and a length of 2,460 meters. The viaduct touches the Tarn valley in 9 places.
Cultural Sites and Museums
Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Tarn with its prestigious museums dedicated to Toulouse Lautrec, Goya, Jean Jaurès, Sainte Cécile, and Vauban.
Canoe trip anecdotes
The canoe trip from Trébas to Ambialet is well known to the Tarnais in search of a refreshing outing.
The village of Trébas-les-Bains, north-east of the Tarn, has been home to Jean-Pierre Espitalier's canoe base for 32 years. Located next to the campsite, the base offers departures from 8.30 am. To take your time and enjoy the trip, the ideal time to leave is between 10.30 am and 11 am. The temperature outside is 24°, perfect. Many families are also present to take the walk.
Charly, Loïc and Guillaume, who have been hired for the summer period, equip and explain the course to us. After just a few metres on the river, a kayaker who has barely set off is already complaining of back pain! It's a bad start for him, but there's no rush. The start is pleasant, there's a bit of current, so we don't have to row like mad. Soon we can see the Villeneuve bridge. Other rapids appear in the distance. There are plenty of slaloms. Suddenly we hit a rock. That was all it took for the water to fill the boat.
On one of the many pebble beaches along the Tarn, a family is having lunch. "Pascal is originally from Valderiès, but we no longer live in the region. We're making the most of the day to do the descent in peace and quiet", explains Valérie. A few paddle strokes further on, horses are drinking at the edge of the river. The Vigroux gravel pit appears. So we're already half way there. In the distance, the Assac wind turbines. Overlooking the Tarn valley, they contrast with the stone buildings. In front of us, two canoes are following each other. "We've come on holiday to see friends who live in Lavaur. We're used to the Ardèche, where the rivers are full of canoes.
Then, we slowly moor on a small sandbank. The grass will serve as a table for lunch. Suddenly, a paddle passes in front of us. Behind it, children we'd met earlier are rowing desperately with their arms. The paddle is finally recovered a few metres further on. More fear than harm. Once the picnic is over, it's back to the grindstone. The rest of the trip takes us under the Courris bridge. Not far from there, a dog, lying in the middle of the canoe between its owners, is also enjoying the ride.
The last kilometre is the most difficult. The current is almost non-existent, so you have to rely a little more on your arms. The efforts are rewarded on arrival at Ambialet. The view of the houses emerging from the rocks is attractive. The dam marks the end of the escapade.
Obélix fell into the pot when he was little, but for Charly it was the canoe. Jean-Pierre Espitalier's 17-year-old son helps his father out from time to time. "I help to welcome customers, get them into the canoe and explain the route." He's had the opportunity to do the route in every direction. "I have my own kayak. I know the route off by heart. I've been canoeing there since I was a little boy." That's only logical when you know that his father has been running the Trébas base for 32 years. Yet it's only been a year since he joined the Albi Kayak Canoë (AKC) club. Soon he'll be rowing in livelier waters such as the Agout or the upper Tarn. Which seems to make his father proud.
He has a few anecdotes about visitors. "Today, someone left with a parasol on the canoe, it was the first time I'd seen that.
Practical Information
- Location: Trébas-les-Bains is located between Albi and Millau.
- Access: A75 exit 45 (before the Viaduc de Millau), 46 (after the Viaduc de Millau) or 47. Continue to Trébas les Bains.
- Booking: Familytrip takes a deposit at the time of booking. The balance is due no later than 60 days before the start of the stay. Familytrip carries out an electronic pre-authorisation of the total amount of your stay. The balance of the booking is due no later than 60 days before the start of the stay. Familytrip advises you to take out cancellation insurance with its partner AREAS Assurances.
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Television: 45€ / week, 9€ / day.