Uniting the swathes of diverse landscape around Guyenne, Gascony and Languedoc, the Midi-Pyrénées has never been tamed by mass tourism. The ski resorts on the French side of the Hautes Pyrénées are busy in winter but they have not compromised any of the mountains’ wildness.
The Midi - as it’s nicknamed - overflows with all the ingredients for a perfect holiday away from the beach and fashionable resorts. Uncrowded and uncluttered landscapes, crystal clear rivers, roads free of traffic jams, villages and towns which are masterpieces in their own historical right and regional cuisine which utilises some of France’s most cherished products.
This region has been inhabited by mankind for tens of thousands of years as cave paintings, crumbling fortified towns and medieval pilgrims’ routes testify. The Midi is historical high rise development at its most awesome and most fascinating.
For those who like surroundings which in turn stimulate, entrance and catch the imagination, the Midi weaves a spell. The past and old peasant way of life - despite the exodus of the young to the towns - feels only to be following half a step behind, and casting its shadow wherever you find yourself in the region.
| Ariège |
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- The striking Cathar fortress at Montségur sits among the peaks
- 13th century arcaded market in charming Mirepoix
- Prehistoric cave paintings at Niaux and Mas d’Azil and the underground river at Labouiche
...more about Ariège
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| Aveyron |
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- King of cheeses – Roquefort – takes three months to mature
- A trove of medieval treasure at Conques in the abbey de Ste Foye
- Rodez’s pink sandstone cathedral and the limestone plateaux
...more about Aveyron
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| Gers |
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- Armagnac country with the dedicated museum at Condom
- Auch pulls in the crowds for market days and to see the 15th century cathedral
- Picture book Gascony with the fortified town of Larressingle
...more about Gers
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| Haute-Garonne |
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- Toulouse – a perfect mixture of old and new – is a hi-tech centre
- Place du Capitole – the giant main square is the place to be seen
- Little known wine but up and coming appellation Côtes de Frontonnais
...more about Haute-Garonne
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| Hautes-Pyrénées |
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- Easily accessible mountain paths with spectacular views
- Pilgrims flock to Lourdes with the Basilique du Rosaire
- Tarbes in the Bigorre area makes a perfect base for exploring
...more about Hautes-Pyrénées
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| Lot |
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- St Cirq Lapopie perches precariously above the peaceful Lot
- Cahors may be known for wine but its fortified bridge is equally impressive
- Medieval pilgrim stop Rocamadour and the chasm at Padirac
...more about Lot
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| Tarn |
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- Toulouse-Lautrec museum in Albi and the decorated Ste Cécile’s cathedral
- Balconied houses and the Goya museum in Castres
- The eerie granite rocks at Sidobre
...more about Tarn
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| Tarn-et-Garonne |
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- Fortified towns, ”bastides”, including Montauban
- Romanesque splendour at the abbey church in Moissac
- Ancient village of St Antonin Noble Val near the Bosc caves
...more about Tarn-et-Garonne
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