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The mountains dominate life in the French Pyrénées. A region in many ways closer to Spain than France. In summer the region
offers over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of walking trails, as well as camping, fishing and climbing. In winter there is both
cross-country and alpine skiing at the busy resorts along the border.
The region's important agricultural tradition (polyculture, sheep faming in the mountains); suffered a large population exodus
due to the Industrial revolution.
Midi Pyrenees has a constrasted landscape, with the mountains reaching more than 3000m (providing excellent skiing), whilst
further to the north there are fertile plains beside the rivers for agriculture.
During recent years an important electronic, avionic and space industry, has been centered around Toulouse. This has
provoked radical changes in the local infrastructure and communications network.
- Regional information for Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees
Ariege borders Andorra and is situated in the middle of the Pyrenees. Its landscape is wild but is popular with those who
enjoy outdoor pursuits. Walking, camping, fishing and climbing are popular activities in the summer - skiing is main focus in
the ski resorts in winter.
- Regional information for Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees
Aveyron is named after the river Aveyron which runs for over 250 km.
- Regional information for Gers, Midi-Pyrenees
Gers lies in the heart of Gascony and is an attractive region rather than being spectacular. Sport and leisure is high on the
agenda in Gers in the myriad of lakes and rivers. The famous Nogaro racetrack will entice
motorcycle enthusiasts from afar.
- Regional information for Haute-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees
Haute Garonne lies between the Atlantic & Mediterranean coast in the middle of the Pyrenees. Steep valleys,
mountains and lakes dominate the Pyrenees to the south and provide a vast array of opportunities for winter and
summer sports alike.
- Regional information for Haute-Pyrenees, Midi-Pyrenees
Hautes Pyrenees is sparsely inhabited due to the mountains and valleys and lies along the border with Spain. Much of the spectacular Parc National des Pyrénées falls into this
departément. There is excellent skiing and walks in this region.
- Regional information for Lot, Midi-Pyrenees
The Lot Valley has become one of the favourite destinations for the British in recent years. The two most notable natural features
of the Lot are St-Cirq-Lapopie and the Gouffre de Padirac. Both are in the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy which
sprawls through most of the area swallowing up nearly all of the main sites.
- Regional information for Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees
Tarn is a region of diversity with forests, mountains,
vineyards, alluvial plains and which benefits from its proximity to Toulouse and Montpellier. The Tarn covers the Sidobre which
is part of the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, known for its stunning granite formations.
- Regional information for Tarn Et Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees
Tarn-et-Garonne owes its name to the two rivers that run across it; La Garonne flows from the Southeast to the Northwest and Le Tarn ends its journey
in Montauban.
- Midi-Pyrenees food and drink
Midi-Pyrénées is renowed for its hardy and refined cuisine. Pride of place on the plate is rooted in the region’s territorial
riches: its vineyards’ wines and liqueurs, its farms’ crops and animals.
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