The Midi-Pyrénées region is a mountainous area in south-western France, bordering Spain. The Garonne and Ardour rivers cut through stunning valleys such as the Dordogne, the Aveyron, the Tarn, the Lot, and the Garonne. There are many things to be experienced on a Midi Pyrénées vacation no matter which season you visit. In winter the mountains are a popular destination for cross-country skiers and ski mountaineers in particular. In summer explore the picturesque towns that dot the valleys, or try your hand at the many water sports on offer. Though the Midi-Pyrénées region doesn't border the sea, the great lakes consist of 80 stretches of water, fed by many rivers and torrents, providing an attractive alternative to crowded beaches.

Use your Midi-Pyrénées villa as a base from which to walk through the valleys and hike over the peaks of the Pyrénéan chain of mountains. Take in the beautiful but fragile flora and fauna of the area in the three national parks, visit the towns and châteaux that lie in the valleys. Be sure not to miss Rocamadour, with its relics of the Black Madonna, shrines and incredible examples of stone masonry. Toulouse, the capital of the Midi-Pyrénées region is also worth a visit. It has many art, history and cultural museums as well as religious buildings such as the St-Sernin basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Western Europe, and other notable buildings such as the Hôtel Dieu St-Jacques.

For history lovers, a Midi-Pyrénées holiday provides the opportunity to follow the ancient Cathar route, discovering relics from this persecuted medieval civilisation in Toulouse, Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Castres, Mazamet, Lavaur and Hautpoul. Heading even further back in time, the Midi-Pyrénées boasts an extensive networks of caves. Approximately twenty of these are open to the public, displaying rare cave paintings from the Palaeolithic era. The "Grotte des Merveilles" in Rocamador hosts the oldest of these, some 20,000 years old, although the cave of Niauc in Ariege is the largest painted cave.

Take advantage of your vacation in a Midi-Pyrénées villa to experience the gastronomic excellence of the region. Taste delicacies such as foie gras, cassoulet and Roquefort cheese while sampling local wines such as Armagnac, Fronton, Gaillac and Cahors.

Midi-Pyrénées Festivals and Events
Cordes - Fêtes Médiévales du Grand Fauconnier (July)
Madiran - Music and wine Festival (July)
Marciac - Jazz Festival (July)
Mirande - Country Music Festival (July)
Montrejeau - New Years Eve Festival and Carnival (December)
Nogaro - Coupe de Pâques: Easter Car Racing Cup (April)
Rocamadour - Fête des Fromages: Cheese Festival (May)
Sauveterre de Rouergue - Fête des Lumières: Festival of Light (August)
Sylvanès - International Sacred Music Festival (July/August)
Toulouse - Printemps de Rire: Comedy Festival (March/April)
Toulouse - Rio Loco: Spanish Music Festival (June)
Toulouse - Jazz sur Son 31 (October)
Toulouse - Antiques Fair (November)