Summary
Spanning a significant portion of southwestern France, the Midi-Pyrénées region is remarkable for its diversity.
In the northern parts, you will encounter the rugged limestone foothills of the Massif Central, whereas the southern area is dominated by the Pyrenees and its adjacent landscapes, renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty.
The famous Way of St. James traverses this area, providing sacred pilgrimage locations that have been revered for over a millennium, while Lourdes attracts millions from around the globe each year.
Delve into the depths to discover vast chasms and ancient cave art, or ascend into the Pyrenees for skiing or to marvel at Cirque de Gavarnie and Pic du Midi.
Let us examine the top attractions in Midi-Pyrénées:
1. Albi Cathedral
Few structures possess the capacity to inspire awe as Albi’s magnificent brick gothic cathedral.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly stunning both outside and internally.
The imposing exterior walls evoke a sense of intimidation due to their tall, cylindrical projections resembling fortified ramparts.
This design was intentional, as the cathedral symbolizes the strength of the Catholic Church following the elimination of the Cathar sect in southwestern France.
Conversely, the interior is far more intricate and vibrant, showcasing predominantly Renaissance artwork.
The paintings located beneath the organ and on the ceilings comprise the largest collection of Italian Renaissance paintings in France.
2. Capitole de Toulouse
One landmark that should unequivocally be included in your travel plans for Toulouse is this iconic building, home to the City Hall and the 1,156-seat Théâtre du Capitole.
Constructed in the 12th century, it has adapted over the years, undergoing modifications to accommodate its various functions, resulting in its current 18th-century neoclassical architecture characterized by pink marble columns.
To the rear lies the oldest surviving section of the building, the Donjon, which dates back to 1530 and overlooks Place Charles de Gaulle. Explore the interior to appreciate the ornate ceiling paintings in the Salle des Illustres, and learn about the rich history of this structure, most notably the execution of the Duke of Montmorency in 1632.
3. Cirque de Gavarnie, Hautes-Pyrénées
A highly photographed destination in the High Pyrenees is this breathtaking glacial cirque located beneath Pic du Marboré, which rises above 3,200 meters.
It is easily accessible during the summer months via a designated parking area, leading to an uncomplicated hiking trail.
For many, the most captivating feature is the cascading waterfall with a drop of 422 meters, making it the tallest in Metropolitan France.
While it offers impressive views from a distance at the panoramic restaurant, keen hikers can venture closer to experience the mist generated by the falls.
For those seeking more stunning vistas, the nearby Cirque de Tromouse is even grander!
4. Abbey Church of Saint Foy, Conques
This UNESCO-recognized site has long served as a waypoint on the Way of St. James pilgrimage, necessitating ample time to appreciate the intricate architectural details and remarkable treasures housed within the church.
Above the entrance, the frieze sculpted in the 1100s depicts scenes of the afterlife: Heaven on the left and the tormented souls on the right.
Among the treasures, visitors can admire the reliquary of St. Foy, which contains a piece of the saint’s skull encased in a gold-plated Roman head from the 400s—a focal point for centuries of pilgrims.
There is also a gold “A” adorned with precious stones, traditionally believed to have been commissioned by Charlemagne, although this claim has been debunked as it has been dated to the 1100s.
5. Lourdes
During the 1800s, Lourdes transformed from an unremarkable market town into one of the premier pilgrimage locations in Christianity, currently attracting six million visitors annually and hosting the second-highest number of hotel accommodations in France, following Paris.
This change was largely due to the alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary to local peasant Bernadette Soubirous.
Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, Lourdes merits a visit for at least a brief period due to its significance to countless individuals.
The scale of this phenomenon is evident in the throngs that gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the grotto’s spring is reputed to possess miraculous qualities.
6. Rocamadour
This boldly constructed village is nestled along the left bank of the L’Alzou River, a tributary of the Dordogne, set against a dramatic 150-meter-high vertical cliff.
This natural constraint did not deter the devout individuals who established Rocamadour a millennium ago; the structures ascend the sheer rock face in rugged limestone tiers.
At the summit lies a collection of 12th-century monastic buildings known as the Cité Religieuse, which has been recognized as a World Heritage site.
Pilgrims travel from distant locations to witness the Black Madonna, a venerable statuette darkened over centuries by exposure to the elements, which is attributed with healing powers.
7. Millau Viaduct
A collaborative effort by architect Norman Foster and structural engineer Michel Virlogeux, the Millau Viaduct stands as the tallest bridge globally, inaugurated in 2004. One of the bridge’s significant masts reaches an impressive height of 343 meters above the base.
What activities can you engage in here? Primarily, one can drive across it.
Nonetheless, experiencing the drive and the stunning views is unparalleled. For motorists merely passing through, parking is available on the A75, just north of the bridge, enabling contemplation of the bridge’s monumental scale.
Furthermore, there are two visitor facilities that delve into the design and construction of this modern marvel.
A unique way to appreciate the viaduct is by kayaking on the River Tarn, which flows beneath it.
8. Padirac Cave, Lot
This immense natural attraction in the Massif Central was formed when the ceiling of a colossal cavern collapsed, unveiling a chasm of astounding scale that must be seen to be believed.
Visitors can descend to the chasm floor via a staircase with over three hundred steps (alternatively, three elevators are available) to enter the expansive cave system.
Within this subterranean realm lies an underground river; you will board a boat to explore the main chamber’s fascinating geological features.
Advance planning is advisable during the summer months, and early arrival is recommended, as this remarkable site in Lot draws a substantial number of visitors.
9. Church of the Jacobins, Toulouse
Located just west of Centre Ville in Toulouse is a Dominican church of extraordinary beauty and historical significance.
The remains of Thomas Aquinas, one of the medieval era’s preeminent thinkers, are housed within the church.
Aquinas was a member of the Dominican Order, and following his death in Italy and canonization, Pope Urban V mandated that his remains be transferred here, as it is the order’s mother church.
The architectural design of the structure is equally impressive; simply gaze upward to admire the striking ceiling above the choir, referred to as the “palm tree” due to its ribs sprouting symmetrically like fronds.
10. Canal du Midi
An utterly captivating piece of historic engineering, this waterway was designed in the 1600s to support the wheat, wine, and wool industries.
It connects the Garonne River in the west with the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean coastline to the east.
In the west, it links with the Garonne Canal to create the Canal des Deux Mers, effectively bridging the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts 400 years ago! The canal winds through Toulouse and Moissac, providing numerous opportunities to enjoy the scenic surroundings and historical context, from leisurely walks and bicycle rides along the banks to barge cruises and canoeing trips on the water.
11. Auch Cathedral
This exquisite Gothic and Renaissance church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also an important stop on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela.
The structure is inspiring both externally and internally, featuring three grand naves; however, the early Renaissance stained glass windows are a highlight not to be missed.
A collection of 18 windows crafted between 1507 and 1513 by Arnaud de Moles is particularly admired for their vibrant colors and technical finesse.
Access to the choir incurs a small fee, but the awe-inspiring size of this section of the church and the intricately carved oak from the 16th century justify the minimal cost.
12. Pech Merle
Few caves feature remarkable prehistoric artwork that is accessible to the public, making Pech Merle a prime destination in the region.
You can stand merely inches away from murals and engravings dated between 18,000 and 27,000 years.
It is challenging not to feel a profound connection when observing these creations and realizing their existence predates recorded history.
Additionally, visitors can find scratch marks left by bears on the walls, along with a human footprint that has endured across millennia.
An English-speaking tour is available once a day, and it is advisable to reserve a spot early as entry is limited to 700 visitors daily.
13. Pont Valentré
This 14th-century bridge offers an evocative entrance into the city of Cahors and is exclusively accessible to pedestrians.
Pont Valentré possesses a fortified appearance owing to its construction during the Hundred Years’ War.
Stretching 138 meters in length, it features three impressive towers, battlements overlooking the river, and a barbican located on the west bank of the Lot River.
Legend has it that the architect made a pact with the devil to expedite construction and escaped losing his soul by outsmarting the agreement.
Consequently, the devil dispatched an imp to remove the final stone nightly to ensure the bridge’s completion remained elusive.
Be on the lookout for this imp, which was added during the restoration in 1879, positioned atop one of the towers.
14. Try Regional Gastronomy
During winter months when the snow blankets the ground and temperatures plummet, the region’s hearty, protein-rich meals become particularly welcome.
Cassoulet is a renowned dish, featuring a slow-cooked casserole with white haricot beans, Toulouse sausage, pork knuckle, and goose confit, all prepared in a traditional terracotta dish.
In Aubrac, the must-try dish is Aligot, created from pureed potatoes blended with Laguiole cheese for a rich, velvety accompaniment to pork and sausage.
For a truly indulgent treat, Gâteau à la Broche, a luxurious cake made with flour, eggs, butter, vanilla, and rum, is baked in a unique manner: slowly turned on a spit over an open flame.
15. Winter Sports
Over the past fifteen years, the region has invested significantly to elevate its 26 alpine ski resorts to meet international standards.
The majority of these resorts are now equipped with snow-making capabilities and possess a robust lift infrastructure.
Accessibility is straightforward via the A61, A64, and A66 roadways, along with nearby airports located in Pau, Lourdes-Taubes, and Toulouse-Blagnac.
The largest ski area, Le Grand Tourmalet, boasts 100 kilometers of slopes and is conveniently situated near Pic du Midi, which has served as an observatory utilized by NASA for detailed lunar photographs since 1963, prior to the Apollo missions.
