Why Visit the Midi-Pyrénées?

For folks looking for lovely countryside, charming medieval villages, delicious cuisine, and the opportunity to feel like they are out of the tourist rush, this is the place to be.

Midi-Pyrénées, the largest region in France, is actually comprised of eight départements or administrative divisions. The names of these départements are perhaps not so well known by many Americans although they offer many natural and historic beauties: Ariège, Aveyron, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne. This is the southwest of France often referred to simply that way: The Southwest.

The Midi-Pyrénées Attractions

Quercy

The northern edge of this area is known as Quercy, an old “administrative name” still in use today. It’s also called the “Lot”, named for the river which carves through the countryside. Here there are limestone plateaus, fertile valleys and lush forests. The area is known for its red Cahors wine, its caves, and its medieval towns and villages. Rocamadour is perhaps one of the most famous villages built on the side of a cliff. This is a particularly beautiful area, lush and green.

Gers

The Gers is a bit to the southwest and is famous for its Armagnac, foie gras, duck confit and red wine - the Côte de Gascogne. There are many chateaux and medieval fortresses here. Historically, fiction blends with reality in this region as D’Artagnan, the hero of Alexander Dumas’s The Three Musketeers was supposedly born in the Gers! One encounters many references to him in this area. The villages of Lectoure, Condom and Romieu are particularly beautiful. In fact, they are also stops on the famous Chemin de Compostelle or GR65, the pilgrimage route described below. Even if you are not hiking, a visit to these locations is worth a trip.

Aveyron

The more southern part of this region has many claims to fame. The newly completed Viaduc de Millau is the highest road bridge in the world, Roquefort is considered the king of French cheeses, and Laguiole is famous for its hand-crafted knives. There are over 20 medieval chateaux and fortresses to visit here as well. The village of Conques is worth a trip for its spectacular location in a tiny valley with its impressive church. It is another important stopping place on the Chemin de Compostelle.

Le Chemin de Compostelle

The Way of St. James is a medieval trail across Europe that pilgrims have followed since 700AD. The routes in France are an important part of this pilgrimage. The most travelled route in France is the Via Podiensis which winds its way from northeast to southwest through the Midi-Pyrénées. Known as the GR65, it starts at Le Puy en Velay then enters the Midi-Pyrénées passing through Conques, Figeac, Cahors, Moissac, Lectoure, Condom and then eventually continuing on to the Pyrénées at St. Jean Pied de Port. These are all particularly beautiful towns and villages and all worth a visit. Even if you are not a pilgrim, you can enjoy a short hike by following one of the many route indicators. The trails are indicated with the famous Coquille de St. Jacques and with the notation GR65 (GR stands for Grand Randonnée or long distance hike). You can purchase maps in local bookstores, or simply follow the trail markings where you will undoubtedly encounter pilgrims with their walking sticks and their backpacks adorned with the de rigueur shell.

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