A small village in the Tarn, close to the Aveyron border, Barre is thought to derive its name from the Gaulish word bar, meaning "summit". At an altitude of 930 metres, it is the highest municipality in the Tarn department.
Barre is a small rural village built from local stone, facing south and sheltered from the north wind. Its narrow streets, known as "carrieïros" (lanes wide enough for carts to pass), still come alive on the penultimate Monday of August during the traditional Buffatière, also known as the Bellows Dance.
This medieval folk dance, typical of Languedoc, brings together villagers dressed in white who spray flour over spectators using large bellows. According to tradition, the celebration was also intended to drive away evil spirits.
Today, Barre's economy relies mainly on farming, particularly the breeding of Lacaune sheep, whose milk is used exclusively to produce Roquefort cheese. The village is also home to a more unusual local industry: an artisanal potato crisp factory that is still in operation.
Don't miss: the 6 km Mont Barre Trail and its panoramic viewpoint, the Devès Lake, the 15th-century church, the Gassot Fountain and the sandstone door lintels.
More information
Animaux acceptés : Oui
Sprache
- French
Opening
Ouverture du 01 January 2026 au 31 December 2026
Services
Equipments
- Picnic area
- Public WC
- Car park
- Orientation board
- Free car park
Services
- Pets welcome
- Sales on site
- Motorhomes allowed
- Cash point
