Vacation Rentals by Owner

Overview of Midi-Pyrenees Vacation Rentals

What to Expect near Your Midi-Pyrenees Vacation Rentals

The beautiful Midi-Pyrenees is set in the heart of southwest France and includes the cities of Toulouse, Foix, Cahors and Albi among many others. Its diverse, sparsely populated landscape, from the Tarn Gorges to the wooded hills of the Dordogne Valley, offer something for every visitor to enjoy. Quiet waterways for fishing, boating and walking, rugged mountain peaks, winter sports on the higher slopes and the religious center of pilgrimage at Lourdes are just some of the attractions. The area even has its own UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Cirque du Gavarnie. Small farms, dry stone walls and old shepherds’ huts are visible reminders of the former inhabitants who made their living from this land.

The Benefits of Midi-Pyrenees Accommodations

Most visitors to the area of the Midi-Pyrenees are looking for a quiet escape from busy city life, and Midi-Pyrenees villas offer just that. With no routines, no check-out times and no maids knocking on the door, it is the perfect answer for a relaxed, do-as-you-please vacation. Families find a spacious Midi-Pyrenees accommodation perfect for spreading out and doing their own thing. With well-appointed kitchens and dining areas, it is very easy to save money and eat well by shopping for fresh produce locally. Surrounded by unspoiled scenery and wildlife, staying in Midi-Pyrenees accommodations make good sense all round.

Places to Visit from Your Midi-Pyrenees Vacation Rentals

Toulouse is the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees area and dates back to pre-Christian times as the Gallic city of Tolosa. It has some of the most interesting 16th- and 17th-century Renaissance architecture in France, including the building which housed the Académie des Jeux Floraux in 1323 as well as the Bemberg Foundation which has a superb art collection spanning five centuries. The 18th-century town hall is also worth a visit.

Those who prefer more outdoor natural pursuits will prefer the Albi region, with its naturally formed Tarn River Gorges. It is ideal for walking and climbing as well as kayaking. Auch has a network of narrow streets just waiting to be discovered and the magnificent Cathedral of Sainte-Marie has some gorgeous stained glass windows in its classical façade. Older still are the ruins of the Ducal Castle at Foix which dates back to medieval times.

The Weather Around Midi-Pyrenees Villas

The Midi-Pyrenees region boasts around 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest spots to stay in France. Throughout the summer, temperatures frequently exceed 25 C (77 F). The warm temperatures linger into October when a late “Indian summer” can usually be enjoyed. Winters are short and fairly mild, although the high peaks of the Pyrenees get plenty of snow which lasts into April. Spring is a popular time for visitors who enjoy hiking in the area. The fruit trees around the Tarn and Garonne districts are laden with showy blossoms.

Getting to Your Midi-Pyrenees Vacation Rentals

The main airports for those wishing to fly to their midi-Pyrenees accommodations are the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport, the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and the Rodez-Marcillac Airport. The excellent French rail network is one of the best ways to travel around France and most towns are connected by TGV or TER regional express trains. Driving around the French countryside is easy but check the rules of the road as they do differ from other countries. For example, carrying reflective jackets is now compulsory and the use of radar-detectors is illegal, unlike in other countries.

Things to Do Around Your Midi-Pyrenees Accommodations

Those who appreciate art will enjoy visiting Marciac, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Cordes sur Ciel, all popular with painters, sculptors and musicians. The magnificent Pyrenees National Park offers pine forests and waterfalls with high-altitude lakes such as the Cirque du Gavarnie. Unique experiences can be found at the impressive viaducts of Pic du Midi and Millau. The hieroglyphs of Figeac are all that remains of a culture going back thousands of years.