In the height of summer, when the southern French city of Toulouse is mobbed by more than five million tourists, locals quietly slip away to a nearby village called Rabastens.
Drenched in sunshine from June to September, with temperatures often reaching 30°C, this charming town is everything you imagine rural France to be: cobblestone streets, dusty pink houses and secluded sandbanks along a flowing river.
It makes sense that Toulousains flock to this place. Not only because it’s less than a 30-minute train from the city, but because visually, Rabastens is a mini Toulouse — without the hustle and bustle.
But the region is also set to open up for British travellers, with the launch of flights from Manchester to Toulouse for as little as £14.99 later this month.
And, as many European destinations ramp up tourist taxes to deter visitors, there’s never been a better time to swap holiday hotspots for hidden gems.
Things to do in Rabastens
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A fraction of the size of Toulouse, Rabastens still has plenty to keep visitors entertained besides wandering the chocolate box countryside and sipping local wine (the town is part of the Gaillac wine-growing region, known for its white, red, and rosé).
Rabastens’ most famous attraction is Notre Dame du Bourg, the first church built in the region in the southern Gothic style. Dating back to medieval times, it is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church and its surrounds are an Instagrammer’s paradise, thanks to dramatic spires, ornate Romanesque paintings, and its position on the banks of the Tarn River. Entry is free.
For active travellers, the river is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. After exerting energy in the summer sun, stop at one of many ‘mini beaches’ for a spot of sunbathing.
Saturday is market day in Rabastens, when residents head to the town square to buy local produce, such as sausages, cheeses and wine, as well as fresh fruit and veg. For those renting a house in the area, it’s the ideal opportunity to stock up on groceries and meet local artisans.
In May, Rabastens comes alive for the Festival International de Proximité (FIP). Theatre shows and concerts take place in diverse venues from wineries to bookstores, and locals describe the event as warm, intimate and authentic.
Weather in Rabastens
Travellers visiting in summer will get the best of the region’s Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot days and warm, pleasant evenings. Rabastens typically enjoys around 260 days of sunshine each year.
Shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to October, is a sweet spot where you’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper rates. Temperatures range between 18°C and 25°.
It’s also when the countryside blooms with wildflowers, creating a beautiful picture postcard setting.
How to get there
With budget airline Ryanair launching direct flights between Manchester and Toulouse from the end of March for as little as £14.99 one-way, it’s never been easier to reach Rabastens.
From Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, it’s a 39-minute drive to the heart of the town.
Alternatively, you can catch a 30-minute train from Toulouse-Matabiau, the main railway station in Toulouse.
And with ticket prices ranging from €1.05 (88p) to €9.46 (£7.90), depending on travel times, the full journey from the UK could cost you less than £20.
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When you think of British rail fares (a one-way ticket from Manchester to London Euston can cost anything from £50 to £80), a weekend in a sleepy French commune is sort of a no-brainer.
Where to stay
There are plenty of affordable short-term rental properties and campsites in Rabastens and surrounding areas.Les Auzerals camping du lac is a solid choice for travellers looking for the full rustic experience.
The accommodation offers basic tents, bungalows with river views, chalets or mobile homes and has a wide array of relaxing amenities, including a sun terrace, garden, bar, coffee shop, picnic area and live music. Depending on your preference, prices range between €45 (£37.54) and €424 (£353.82) per night.
If a classic country estate is more your thing, Residence La Salamandre offers a ‘bed and breakfast experience with a swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden.’ Prices start from €89 (£74.27) per night.
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