Midi-Pyrénées

Encompassing the summits of the Pyrenees and Lot, between Gers and the foothills of the Massif Central in Aveyron, the Midi-Pyrénées region allies several areas, alternating the colours of the South and the Occitan accent, with a mountain atmosphere thrown in.
Nature is grandiose here: the Cirque de Gavarnie, Néouvielle Massif and Pic du Midi de Bigorre peak at around 3 000m. Elsewhere, the Causses du Quercy incorporate valleys (Lot, Dordogne) and deep chasms, the hillside vineyards around Tarn make your mouth water and the footpaths of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises attract hikers.
After nature comes heritage, with charming villages such as Conques, Rocamadour, Cordes-sur-Ciel, St-Bertrand-de-Comminges giving way to bastides brimming with character, such as Villefranche-de-Rouergue. As for Toulouse, it is worth dedicating several days to this exuberant metropolis.
And everywhere in the South-West, a generosity prevails, as demonstrated by the fervour that surrounds the courses landaises and rugby matches, and the cuisine: cassoulet, aligot and Roquefort. Bon appétit!