Anyone who loves to travel loves to admire the countryside. And what better way to enjoy your journey than by train? Long seen as archaic, it now embodies the future of environmentally-friendly slow tourism. And just as well, since our department, the Tarn, and neighbouring departments experienced intense rail fever at the turn of the 1900s. Tunnels, viaducts, stations… nothing was too good to overcome nature’s many obstacles. Then Europe’s historical turmoil put an end to this construction drive, and the economic reality of these railway lines caught up with many of them. Yet a fascinating heritage network lives on. The wild landscapes, the monumental stations and the ambitious engineering structures bring back to life the great hours of the railways, with the greatest respect for nature.
Gaillac lies at the crossroads of the railways that provide direct access to Toulouse, Albi, Rodez, Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Figeac.
Lovers of wide open spaces and railways, here are some ideas for travelling by train from Gaillac :
- First of all, the Hôtel Particulier Delga is just a 10-minute walk from Gaillac station. You’ll be there in the blink of an eye!
- Toulouse is around forty minutes away by train. There are plenty of trains to get you to and from the metropolis of sky and space. Take, for example, the 9.19 am train (Mon-Sun) and arrive in Toulouse at 10 am. The last train to Gaillac leaves at 9.23pm and an SNCF coach leaves Toulouse at 11.25pm.
- Figeac: The local aeronautics capital, Figeac is also a magnificent town in the Lot region that’s well worth a visit. Accessible by train from Gaillac (via the 7.42am train), you will travel for 1 hour 40 minutes through breathtaking scenery. You’ll arrive at Figeac station at 9.21am, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the town’s historic centre. The return journey will take you back to the Hôtel Particulier Delga in the late afternoon.
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue : A splendid 13th-century fortified town, Villefranche-de-Rouergue has many surprises in store for you, and gives the impression that it has been largely preserved to offer you the most authentic of discoveries! The train will take you to the heart of Villefranche-de-Rouergue in just over an hour. Departing Gaillac at 9.38am, arriving at 10.43am. Return at 18h44, arriving at 19h47.
- Albi: Gaillac’s neighbouring town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A quarter of an hour’s journey will take you to Albi town centre. A few minutes’ walk will take you to the most beautiful sites to visit. A must! The multiple train timetables give you plenty of time to plan your day of sightseeing as you please.
- Rodez: From Gaillac, you can reach Rodez by train in 1? hours. This is the line that will take you over the famous, recently restored Viaduc de Viaur. This listed metal viaduct was opened in 1902 and is still in use today. Rodez, the Aveyron prefecture, offers a rich day’s sightseeing, culminating in a visit to the Soulage Museum, a famous contemporary painter. The 8.11am train arrives at Rodez station at 9.46am. The 16:35 train will take you back to the Hôtel Delga, arriving in Gaillac at 18:08.
So there you have it, a few great days of local and rail tourism to discover our magnificent region in a different way.
