
Places to visit: Varen
Spotted on a wall in Varen
This month we are paying a quick visit to Varen, in the Tarn et Garonne departement, not far from us.
We first stopped to explore this village on our way back from St Antonin Noble Val one October day in 2019, as it looked so interesting with a towering castle and large church. We wandered through streets spotting half-timbered medieval houses and down by the river the most beautiful very grand house – all shuttered up – with an immaculate garden overlooking the river Aveyron and beautiful wrought iron railings on steps up to the imposing front door. Even the chimneys are stunning!






Since then we have walked the dog there a few times, along by the beautiful river Aveyron, spotting herons fishing. The river is really wide at Varen with plenty of places for a picnic, fishing or paddling in the crystal clear waters. Bear loves that! There is a fabulous restaurant on the river’s edge, an old mill – Le Moulin de Varen, which comes highly recommended. We have yet to try it, as it has, of course, been closed for a large proportion of the last year due to the pandemic, but it is on the list! Varen also has a several shops and a busy bar, as well as a market on Saturday mornings in the lovely market square, which boasts an old covered market place.
Photo courtesy of www.francethisway.com
A little bit of Varen history – a deanery was founded in Varen in the 9th century, and like many places in the area has a fascinating history, witnessing periods of religious turbulence, including being stormed by the St Antonin Noble Val Protestants in 1573. The Romanesque Church of St Pierre was built in the 11th century and was integrated into the fortifications of the village. It is now registered as a historical Monument, as is the enormous and impressive station at nearby Lexos.
A pretty village, well worth a visit, with lots of interesting architecture, an impressive war memorial and delightful public garden as well as the pleasure of strolling along the river, stopping perhaps for a meal at Le Moulin de Varen.







