# Vaour

Vaour is a town of 310 people (2018) in the Tarn region of Occitanie. Vaour is a historic site; human occupation dates back at the least to the early Bronze age. You can see very impressive dolmens. You can also can see the Commanderie of the Templars.

## Understand

On the north, the commune borders the Tarn and Garonne department, and the rising land consists of a gray limestone causse stretching almost to the Averyon river 7-8 km away. Below the commune to the south the landscape consists of the forest of Grésigne - the largest oak forest in the Midi - its hills scattered with grassy meadows, and the vineyards of Gaillac.

## Get in

To get to Vaour, you can go by taxi with "Taxi Gilles". It is a very good taxi. You should also go in Vaour by the train station "Corde-Vindrac". It is a historic train station and it is perfect to discover new countryside by the train.
Travelling by car is a great way to discover the landscapes of Occitanie.

## Get around

Walking is a pleasant way to discover the town's monuments. You can also ride a bike: there are many very interesting routes to do by bike.

## See

The dolmens of Vaour date back to prehistory. The Dolmen de Peyrelevade (from "raised stone" in Occitan), also known locally as "Jayantière", is the largest in the department. It is 3 km north of the village. A dolmen is a prehistoric megalithic construction made up of one or more large covering slabs (tables) placed on vertical stones which serve as its feet.
In Vaour, there are many wonderful viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful countryside.
The beautiful Notre dame de l'assomption church dates from the 1200s.
Vaour contains the ruins of a Templar Commanderie which overlooks the village of Vaour and has commanding views to the South West towards the Pyrenees. The land form the Commanderievwas donated in 1140. The ten resident Templar knights were exempt from seigneurial duties and taxes in exchange for protecting the local population.

## Do

* In Vaour, there are many activities to do with a family or alone. The "Col de liberté" is a very interesting and difficult pass, perfect for a cycling trip.
* Été de Vaour. A 6-day performing arts festival held on early August, known as the laughter festival. It attracts 20,000 visitors and performers from across France and further afield. Performances are also held from March to June in preparation for the festival. (updated Apr 2021)
* You can also go hiking in the forest. There are many mountain bike trails in Vaour on which you can discover new landscapes.

## Buy

The village hosts a market for good local produce each Thursday in the village square.

## Eat

* Pâtisserie Casquel. If you like good bread, you must go to this bakery. (updated Apr 2021)
* l'echoppe. A grocery store. (updated Apr 2021)

## Sleep

* Brigitte and Francis Bessieres is a guesthome whose prices are reasonable. This guesthome is a former dependency of the commandery of the Templars.
* The Maison arc en ciel is a very quality guesthouse and very user-friendly.
* The ferme de Serence is also a very good place where you can sleep. There are crazy rooms. This guesthouse was built in stone and there is a magnificient view of the countryside.
* If you like adventure, you can camp in the forest.