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Discovering the region

Lying between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, at the border of Rouergue, SAINT ANTONIN is nestled in the gorges of Aveyron river.. Fortified villages and castles cling to the hillsides. Old houses testify to a wealthy mediaeval period. A visit to the region offers a surprising succession of varied panoramas and rural landscapes. The deep valleys cut in the limestone plateau covered with small oaks, junipers and multicoloured meadows, will captivate you.



Unmistakably Southern, as the atmosphere of the villages and the inhabitants' accents prove, the climate in this region of South Quercy is influenced by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. After a moderate winter and a green, flowery spring, summer often comes all of a sudden, and lasts until September. October has mild weather as well.


Activities around Oustal de Mi-Tou

OUSTAL DE MI TOU lies in SAINTE SABINE, a charming small village of a dozen houses built with stone from the Quercy region. This home of great character invites guests to rest, play games and sunbathes in the garden surrounded by trees and including a large pool.

SAINT ANTONIN's tourist information office gives tips on small or long hikes from Oustal or elsewhere. There's something for everyone, from those seeking the calm and the magic of nature to the energetic hiker. There are flare paths for mountain-bikers. Those who enjoy road-cycling will be satisfied by the numerous possibilities, and the traffic isn't so heavy here. Beware of the dangerous hills, especially those of SAINTE SABINE! Trips through the gorges of Aveyron in canoe or kayak will not only offer you the pleasures of aquatic sports but also the possibility of lying on wild beaches.


On horseback you will discover the region in a completely different way.

Rock-climbing in the steep gorges and cave hunting in the numerous caves are also possible. For those wanting a flight over the region, hang-gliding and paragliding are possible on the cliff of Anglar, 2 km from OUSTAL.



Hunters will find wildness here. For fishermen, Aveyron and Bonnette offer plenty of opportunities for great catches …


Picturesque visits by car.

A drive on the sparsely travelled country roads will allow you to discover the beauty of this region. We recommend :

. Cirque de Bône : Go to the parking before the descent towards Saint Antonin when coming from Caussade. A small hike will offer you a wonderful view into the Aveyron gorges.

. Gorges de l'Aveyron On the coast road, head toward Aveyron for 2 km, starting from Saint Antonin bridge. Then take a left turn; don't miss a visit to Brousse, a picturesque village.



. Country-house visits

- Saint Antonin is a must-see. Venture into the narrow mediaeval streets and visit the museum. But above all, don't forget the Sunday morning market, where you can buy local natural produces.




- Cordes, the most spectacular of the country-houses, hides behind impressive ramparts and stately gothic facades. You can also find many handicrafts, restaurants and pubs.



- Penne and its "Sound and Light" in July and August is very typical. Bruniquel, tucked between its two castles, is the village where "Le vieux fusil" ("the old rifle") was shot. The beautiful Payrol house is worth a visit too.




- Puicelcy, surrounded by ramparts, and Castelneau with the market square are peaceful places.



- Najac, built in a different style, is on the crest of a hill. The castle rising above the hill is also a must in your tour.




Visits to other typical villages.

- Saint-Cirq Lapopie ( 60 km), 80 metres above the River Lot, offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in France. Ten kilometres away, prehistoric men carved mysterious, beautiful messages. Visit the cave at Pech-Merle and experience mysteries of prehistoric times.



- The small village of Conques (100 km), built entirely with stones of schist around the abbey church, is remarkable, just like Belcastel (90 km), in the same area, with its houses along the edge of Aveyron.

- Rocamadour (110 km) attracts many tourists. There's a saying about this town: "The houses on the brook, the churches on the houses, the cliffs on the churches". Not far from there, the sailboats in the Padirac pit are quite a sight worth.

The list of remarkable villages can be enlarged. During the walk you will surely discover other hidden treasures.