TARN-ET-GARONNE

dpartement, in the Midi-Pyrnes region, southwestern France, occupying an area of 1,435 sq mi (3,716 sq km) to the north of Toulouse. It was created in 1808 by a reorganization of districts that, before the French Revolution, belonged historically to the regions of Guyenne and Gascony (Gascogne) and the addition of a small portion of Languedoc. The Tarn River enters Tarn-et-Garonne dpartement in the southeast, flowing northwest through Montauban, the capital, below which it is joined from the east by the Aveyron River. Flowing westward through Moissac, the Tarn empties finally into the Garonne River, which crosses the dpartement from southeast to northwest. The climate is mild with warm summers. The country is low-lying and has fertile soils on which wheat and corn (maize) are grown extensively. Cattle are also raised, and vineyards and orchards are widespread. There is a little industry (chiefly textile and mechanical). Moissac produces white grapes of high quality for the table and is also renowned for its ancient abbey, dating from the 11th century, which has one of the finest cloisters in France. The dpartement has two arrondissements, Montauban and Castelsarrasin. It is in the educational division of Toulouse. Pop. (1990) 200,220.