Midi Pyrenees, France Area Information
Here we found rugged castles, pretty stone clad pigeonniers, medieval bastides and higgledy piggledy villages nestling amidstverdant green slopes, lush river valleys and deep gorges.
The largest region in France, the Midi-Pyrenees is divided into eight 'departements'. Our properties are
concentrated in four of the areas - Lot, Tarn et Garonne, Tarn and Aveyron.
Tarn et Garonne and Tarn
In the Tarn, the superbly preserved walled 'bastide' of Cordes dominates the surrounding countryside. Narrow cobbled streets wind their way up to the tree lined square at the top from where you are afforded a spectacular far reaching view.
Follow the road due south and the countryside becomes covered in vines, creating one of the oldest wine producing areas, Gaillac, on the banks of the Tarn. From here, flat bottomed river barges, or 'gabarres' will take you along the river to the capital, Albi. As you approach, the rewarding sight of the immense red bricked cathedral comes into view, its stern exterior giving no hint of the stunning interior, a cornucopia of Gothic art at its most flamboyant.
Country roads take you back into the undulating gentle countryside, past Castelnau de Montmirail and the Gresigne Forest. This immense group of ancient oak trees stands proudly above the villages of Larroque and uycelci, and as the Tarn merges into the Tarn et Garonne, the honey coloured village of Bruniquel. Caylus, a little known jewel of a town, perches on a hillock in the valley, surrounded on three sides by the steep wooded slopes of the limestone plateau.
Huddled stone houses form narrow, medieval cobbled alleyways. A winding valley road takes you south alongside the water meadows of the river Bonnette to the friendly, intimate market town of St Antonin Noble Val, hemmed in by hills all around. Delightful country lanes hug the Bonnette, beneath arches of trees, bordered by grassy slopes of wild flowers, pigeonniers and mill houses. Nearby lies the small village of Puylagarde and a few kilometresaway, the lake at Parisot provides swimming and boating facilities.
Aveyron
Not far way are the Gorges de l'Aveyron, a spectacular sight and in summer a popular destination for canoeing and other river sports. The narrow, winding roads lead to Najac, perched precariously along a ridge above the Aveyron river. A fairy tale castle sits at the highest point, surveying all who visit.
From there, a long line of houses follows the ridge, culminating in the main square with its central fountain and numerous cafes and restaurants. Follow the river due north and you reach Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a fascinating bastide with extensive amenities, and of course, the weekly market. Held every Thursday, it is a bustling and lively occasion, with stalls brimming with delicious local produce.
Lot
The tranquil River Lot meanders through a verdant green valley dotted with golden coloured villages such as Puy l'Eveque and Luzech, and small hamlets untouched by time, where the pace of life is gentle. It eventually arrives at Cahors, situated on a bend in the river with the famous Pont Valentre, a fortified medieval ridge, standing proud. Surrounding Cahors are fields of vines, producing robust red wine which can be tried in the pavement cafes of Cahors.
To the east, the River Lot has cut its way through the limestone hills, creating high dramatic gorges and scenic routes through the countryside. An unforgettable sight is the village of St Cirq Lapopie, perched on the cliff side above the river. The church dominates the village at the highest point, below which a tumble of deep brown tiled roofs atop pale stone walls indicate the cluster of houses that cling to the hillside.
Cuisine
Home to Roquefort cheese, foie gras, Toulouse sausage, and 'cassoulet', the famous hearty dish based on haricot beans and duck and served in earthenware bowls, the cuisine of the Midi-Pyrenees comes straight from the land. Walnuts are grown in abundance in the Lot and appear frequently in salads and cakes. White and pink garlic are specialities from the Tarn. Fresh fruit or cakes from the local patisserie finish the meal.
Cahors wines are deep red and full bodied. Due south lie the vineyards of Gaillac, on the banks of the Tarn, where you will be able to sample a variety of reds and whites. From the Gers, try the Floc de Gascogne as an aperitif (made from Armagnac mixed with red or white wine) or a glass of the aromatic Armagnac at the end of an excellent meal.
Fetes and Foires
There is always an excellent market to wander around, and not just everyday food markets. There are farmers
markets with homemade products, evening markets in the summer to while away an evening and antique fairs where you may just stumble across a 'find'. In August the bastide towns of the Aveyron fill their streets with art and music. For lovers of classical music, enjoy a concert in one of the beautiful churches in the region. Or listen to jazz at the Cahors Blues Festival in July.
Climate
The gentle, temperate climate of the Midi Pyrenees generally ensures that spring and autumn are mild
and sunny, with temperatures rising in the summer to 28 degrees Celcius or the low 30s.
Getting there
For our houses centred around Najac and Albi, Rodez and Toulouse are the most convenient airports. Ryanair flys to Rodez, whilst Toulouse is served by both scheduled and 'no frills' airlines. Properties in the Lot can be reached in an hour from Bergerac airport. Bordeaux airport can also be considered thanks to good motorway routes in this part of France. For those wishing to drive, the region is within a day's drive of the Channel ports, although a leisurely drive through France, stopping overnight, appeals to many.