A Travel Guide to Midi-Pyrenees
The mountainous region of the Pyrenees comes under Midi-Pyrenees along the border between Spain and France. Generally visitors come here to explore the mountains of the South, the history of the North, beautiful countryside and for the attractions found in Gers. Due to the large area this region covers, the attractions, appeal and style of each department is very unique.
Conques is one of the most attractive villages of France. It is surrounded by forests and mountains, and sits at the edge of the River Dourdou's gorge. While travelling to the village from the South, visitors will drive through beautiful scenery created by the River and its surroundings. Visiting the Abbey in the night during summer will give you the opportunity to enjoy fantastic views of the carved chapters and of the Abbey, and while windows are illuminated progressively, visitors will hear music from the organ which will introduce them to the works of Pierre Soulages.
Rocamadour is a fascinating place to visit both for its monuments and location. It is a small village which has been built on a cliff's edge. The River Alzou flows at the bottom of the gorge. In the village you will find a number of buildings that are cut into a rock. Tourists can visit the village Park located near the chateau and walk around to view the beautiful village below. In the Chapelle Notre Dame, they will see the black Madonna. It was probably carved in the 11th century. The sword of Durandal is embedded on a rock that sits on top of the door.
The magnificent architecture of this town along with its perfect location on a hilltop and surrounding countryside makes Cordes sur Ciel one of the most unique mediaeval towns of France. Part of its fame is due to the gothic buildings that were built in the thirteenth century. The prosperity of the town has been growing ever since, which is one of the reasons why the defensive walls had to be rebuilt five times to include the expanding population. Apart from being a great location to relax and unwind, Cordes is also home to at least 50 artists who live and work there. This tradition began in the 1940s and has continued ever since.
There is a wide variety of self catering holiday accommodation in the Midi-Pyrenees ranging from apartments in the towns to gites and cottages in the countryside.
