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Ten great places to visit in the Midi-Pyrenees

The Midi-Pyrenees region of south west France is a fantastic and diverse area.  From the Mountains of the Pyrenees to the Gorges of the Lot and Aveyron, and everything in-between.

Whether you are looking for great outdoor spaces, quaint villages or a cosmopolitan city,  Midi-Pyrenees has it all.

1. Toulouse, Haute-Garonne – Known as the Pink City because of the coulour of the brick used to build many of the buildings, Toulouse has everthing you need for a great holiday.  The hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, the peace and quiet along the Canal du Midi, plus plenty of museums and places to visit.
2. Albi, Tarn – Recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Albi is a truly lovely city to visit with plenty going on.  Stroll around the old quarter taking in the architecture and then back to the more modern central square.  Don’t miss the Albi Carnival week in February, a great show.
3. Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Hautes-Pyrenees – For a fantastic view of the Pyrenees, the Midi-Pyrenees and Spain, you can’t do much better than the view from the Pic du Midi.  At 2877 metres, it is the highest mountain in the French Pyrenees and the cable car ride to get to the top is spectacular.
4. Belcastel, Aveyron – Built on a rocky outcrop above the Aveyron river, Belcastel is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and well worth a visit.
5. Rocamadour, Lot – Another spectacular site is the village of Rocamadour, built into the cliff face in the Lot department.  Halfway up are a number of churches and at the very top a chateau.  Not to be missed if you are in the Lot area.
6. Cirque de Gavarnie, Hautes-Pyrenees – Forming an allmost impregnable wall betwen France and Spain, the Cirque de Garvanie is well worth the easy flat walk from the village of Garvanie.  Each year a production of a well known play is held at the Cirque.  A memorable setting.
7. Montsegur, Ariege – In a spectacular location, the ruins at Montsegur stand testament to the treatment of the Cathars by the Catholic armies.  The mountains around Montsegur provide wonderful walking, with barely another sole to be seen.
8. Auch, Gers – Auch is another town with a large cathedral and medieval quarter well worth a visit.  In the café lined square close to the cathedral, it is a great place to people watch, along with many locals.  Take a walk down the monumental staircase and have a stroll along the river.
9. Bruniquel, Tarn-et-Garonne – A small village perched at the top of steep cliffs, the streets are narrow and winding, and lovely to explore.
10. Millau Viaduct, Aveyron – Opened in 2004, the viaduct provides a vital link between north and south.  Designed by a British engineer, the viaduct looks spectacular in the Aveyron valley setting.  Drive across, but also make sure you take a drive in the valley if you have time to get a fantastic view.

There are many, many more fantastic places to explore in the Midi-Pyrenees region, so take a look at our ever expanding regional information pages.  The region also hosts thousands of great events, so don’t forget to check our event listings as well.

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