MIDI PYRENEES
The Midi Pyrenees region is made up of eight departments namely, Ariège, Aveyron, Gers, Haute Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Tarn, Tarn et Garonne, all with vastly different architecture and landscapes. The principal towns or best known are Albi, Auch, Cahors, Castres, Lourdes, Rodez, Millau, Tarbes, Toulouse.
The climate is gentle, the summers warm and long and the winters crisp but predominately mild. Within an hour to an hour and a half to both sea and mountain together with the easy access of international and national airports this is an area which has a lot to offer both in summer and in winter.
The Gers, department 32 and known as Gascony with its rolling countryside and lush green pastures. Many of the gascon farmhouses enjoy the panaramic view of the Pyrenees dominated by snow-clad peaks in the winter months.
With its many high altitude lakes, extensive forested areas with clean and unpolluted rivers, The Hautes Pyrenees is an unspoilt paradise during the winter months for skiing and summer for walkers, rock climbers and skiers and fishermen alike. The Pyrenees National Park stretching for about 100km along the French/Spanish border this area is proud of its protected fauna and endangered birds of prey (beardered vulture and golden eagle).
As well as enormous historical interest Lourdes in the Hautes Pyrenees is one of the busiest small towns due to the famous pilgrimage to the shrine of St Bernadette. Lourdes is easily accessed both by the local airport and train.
Toulouse or commonly known as the Rose City with its old brick buildings is a university city with an international school, trendy restaurants and fashionable boutiques and is fast becoming a popular destination.
A varied good regional cuisine is enjoyed by all departments, and there is no shortage of golf courses..
DEPTS IN REGION
These departments are in this region, click on the department name to
explore.
Ariege
Aveyron
Haute Garonne
Gers
Lot
Haute Pyrenees
Tarn
Tarn-et-Garonne