The region is divided into eight departments: Ariege, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Lot, Haute-Pyrenees, Tam, Zam-et-Garonne. With these eight departments, the Midi-Pyrenees alone is larger in area than half of Austria! Enjoy anything from French holiday homes, to chalets, dog friendly cottages or apartments in this region. The capital of Midi-Pyrenees, Toulouse, has been a well-known city since the time of the Gauls. So enjoy a relaxing self-catering holiday amidst the private mansions, ancient churches and rich museum collections here, or find holiday rentals in France in rural, rustic villages tucked away amidst notoriously beautiful natural expanses.
Travel around the Midi-Pyrenees or to French holiday homes in the south of the Pyrenees, where there are beautifully rugged peaks and high mountain valleys, or in the north the gentle low mountain range of the Massif Central. Find in between the vast plains the charming ‘favourite French village 2014’, Cordes sur Ciel. Those seeking cycling holidays will love the biking trails carved through these incredible landscapes, whilst hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the panoramic views on foot. The placid waters of the Garonne are also ideal for all kinds of boating and fishing holidays, too.
Rent a self-catering cottage in France in the Midi-Pyrenees region and you can follow in the footsteps of the Gauls and the Romans! Even before Christ, what was called ‘Tolosa’ was a significant place as home to the sanctuary of Apollo, the famous gold treasure of the Celts up until 106 BC, when it vanished without a trace during the re-conquest of the city by the Romans. Numerous streets in the famous city of Toulouse still follow the plan of the Roman city and you can take guided walks from your holiday lettings in France of the various ramparts and ruins in the city. Also visit the City Hall with a 16th century tower, an 18th century façade, and a famous Opera House in the wing!
The Midi-Pyrenees region, with around 3 million inhabitants, is not on the coast, but is connected to the sea by a series of attractive canals. Rent nearby holiday lettings and see that for many reasons water in this region of France plays a special role. Discover holiday lettings in France in the Midi-Pyrenees and witness the beauty of the natural surroundings and the incredible cultural and religious significance of this area to many. The water in the infamous Grotto of Lourdes appears to perform miracles, whilst the thermal baths all over the region are popular for relaxation and alleviating aches and pains.
The Midi-Pyrenees region unites ancient history with amazing feats of modern engineering. There are also bustling city centres to explore, offset by small and characteristically charming villages. Rent French cottages or gites in the Midi-Pyrenees to visit the famous caves, the numerous castles and fantastic churches, but also the longest cable bridge in the world! Of course, cosmopolitan Toulouse has much to offer in terms of culture, cuisine and events, whilst Lourdes is a well-known pilgrimage site worldwide. Enjoy the range of things to do in France, including physical activities available, or simply relax in the several spas if you want to truly unwind.
One of the main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela runs through the department of Aveyron. If you rent holiday cottages in France along this route, you should also visit the following World Heritage Sites on the Camino de Santiago way: the abbey and pilgrimage church in Conques, in Espalion, the bridge in Estaing and the pilgrims bridge Pont Vieux Saint-Chély on the Aubrac plateau. In fact you can take in many French historical sights along the way. Many people make this pilgrimage per year – whether it is for a a cheap activity whilst on holiday, the remarkable scenery, a personal physical challenge, or the wonderful sights along the journey.
Cuisine, of course, is a hugely important part of French cuisine and if you book a holiday rental in this beautiful part of France, delicious ingredients and a pride in culinary tradition is rife. Menus in the Midi-Pyrenees are rich with sumptuous flavours, delicate spices, indulgent game dishes and comforting stews. French food is often influenced by its geographical position, and being mountainous and close to Spain, this region enjoys warming cassoulets of goose and duck, white bean soup with garlic and the famous Toulouse sausages! Choose to eat out at one of the region’s authentic restaurants whilst on your self-catering holiday in France, or those who enjoy cooking can collect fresh ingredients from a local market and prepare a meal at your French holiday home.
NOVASOL is the go-to holiday home specialist for villas, cottages and gites in Europe with thousands to choose from in regions all over France, including the Midi-Pyrenees. Search through our extensive listings online or simply call us and one of our customer service advisors will be happy to help you book your next self-catering holiday in France. With nearly 50 years in the business and local offices all over the continent, we are proud to say that our service is consistent before, during and after your family holiday if you should need advice at any point. Book with us today!
Countries
Regions
Areas