Quick Facts:
With its mild climate, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, Midi-Pyrénées is an ideal place to visit or settle down.
✔ Affordable property prices – Compared to other parts of France, Midi-Pyrénées offers great value for money.
✔ A strong expat community – Many British, Dutch, and Belgian expats have made their home here.
✔ Great transport links – Toulouse Airport offers direct flights to the UK and other European destinations.
✔ Excellent healthcare – The region has top-tier hospitals, including Toulouse’s Purpan Hospital, one of France’s best.
✔ Plenty of sunshine – Enjoy long, sunny summers without the extreme heat of the Mediterranean.

Midi-Pyrénées: Discover the heart of southwest France
The Midi-Pyrénées is one of France’s most breathtaking and diverse regions, stretching from the rolling countryside of the Lot and Tarn to the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees mountains. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine, this former administrative region is now part of Occitanie but still retains its unique identity. Whether you’re looking for charming medieval villages, outdoor adventures, or a relaxed rural lifestyle, Midi-Pyrénées has something for everyone.

MIDI-PYRÉNÉES
Where is Midi-Pyrénées?
Located in southwest France, Midi-Pyrénées was the largest region in mainland France before it merged with Languedoc-Roussillon in 2016 to form Occitanie. It is bordered by Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the west, Auvergne to the north, and Spain to the south, making it a fantastic base for both French and Spanish cultural experiences.
Departments of Midi-Pyrénées
The region includes eight departments, each with its own charm and attractions:
Ariège (09) – A nature-lover’s paradise with medieval castles and Pyrenean landscapes.
Aveyron (12) – Home to the impressive Millau Viaduct and the historic town of Rodez.
Haute-Garonne (31) – The heart of the region, where Toulouse, the ‘Pink City,’ is located.
Gers (32) – Famous for its rolling countryside, Armagnac brandy, and traditional villages.
Lot (46) – A picturesque area with medieval towns like Cahors and Rocamadour.
Hautes-Pyrénées (65) – A dream destination for skiers, hikers, and spa-goers.
Tarn (81) – Known for its red-bricked town of Albi and its beautiful countryside.
Tarn-et-Garonne (82) – A peaceful department with vineyards and pretty hilltop villages.
Weather in Midi-Pyrénées
Midi-Pyrénées experiences a varied climate depending on location and elevation:
Warm Summers – Expect hot, sunny days, particularly in the Lot, Gers, and Tarn, where temperatures often reach 30°C+.
Mild, Rainy Winters in the North – In areas like Tarn-et-Garonne, winters are relatively mild, with occasional frost.
Cold, Snowy Winters in the Pyrenees – The Hautes-Pyrénées and Ariège experience heavy snowfall, making them perfect for winter sports.
Spring & Autumn – Both seasons are pleasant and colourful, making them ideal for exploring the region.
A Glimpse into Midi-Pyrénées’ history
Midi-Pyrénées has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, from prehistoric cave paintings to medieval fortresses.
Historical Highlights:
The Cathar Castles – The region was a stronghold of the Cathars, a religious group persecuted in the 13th century. Their castles, such as Montségur and Foix, are spectacular to visit.
Prehistoric Art at Pech Merle – One of France’s best-preserved prehistoric cave painting sites, dating back over 25,000 years.
Albi and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albi is famous for its massive Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and museum dedicated to the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Millau Viaduct – The world’s tallest bridge, an architectural masterpiece spanning the Tarn Valley.
Toulouse: The Pink City – Midi-Pyrénées’ capital, known for its red-brick architecture, aerospace industry, and lively cultural scene.
Top things to do in Midi-Pyrénées
Whether you love history, nature, or gastronomy, there’s no shortage of activities in Midi-Pyrénées.
Explore Toulouse – Wander through Capitole Square, visit the Cité de l’Espace, and enjoy the vibrant food markets.
Visit Rocamadour – A stunning clifftop village, famous for its religious sanctuaries and breath-taking views.
Ski in the Pyrenees – Resorts like Saint-Lary, Cauterets, and Grand Tourmalet offer fantastic skiing and snowboarding.
Walk the Camino de Santiago – Many pilgrims pass through Conques and Cahors on their way to Spain.
Relax in Thermal Spas – Enjoy a wellness break at Bagnères-de-Bigorre or Ax-les-Thermes.
Explore the Dordogne Valley – Take a boat trip along the Lot River, visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and enjoy stunning countryside views.
Taste Local Wines & Armagnac – Visit the vineyards in Cahors and Gers to sample bold reds and the famous Armagnac brandy.
Outdoor adventures in Midi-Pyrénées
The diverse landscapes of Midi-Pyrénées make it a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Hiking & Walking – Explore the Cirque de Gavarnie, a dramatic natural amphitheatre in the Pyrenees.
Cycling & Mountain Biking – Ride through the Lot Valley or challenge yourself on Tour de France routes in the Pyrenees.
Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle through the Gorges de l’Aveyron or the Tarn River for breath-taking scenery.
Wildlife Watching – Spot eagles, vultures, and marmots in the Pyrenees National Park.
Gastronomy: A food lover’s heaven
Midi-Pyrénées is a foodie’s paradise, offering rich, hearty cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
Cassoulet – A slow-cooked dish of duck, pork, and white beans, originally from Toulouse.
Foie Gras – A specialty of the Gers region, known for its smooth and rich flavour.
Rocamadour Cheese – A soft goat’s cheese, often enjoyed with fresh bread and honey.
Aligot – A mix of potatoes, cheese, and garlic, perfect for cold evenings.
Cahors Wine – Known as the ‘black wine’ due to its deep red colour and intense flavours.
Armagnac Brandy – A smooth, aged spirit from the Gers, perfect as a post-dinner treat.
Midi-Pyrénées is a diverse and vibrant region, offering everything from bustling cities like Toulouse to peaceful countryside retreats in the Lot and Gers. Whether you’re planning a visit, a holiday home, or a permanent move, this spectacular region of France has so much to offer.