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The Ariège is an attractive destination for those interested in prehistory as it has the largest concentration of caves (grottes) in France, the most famous of which are at Niaux and Mas d'Azil. In addition the département boasts a wonderful natural, pastoral and cultural heritage: scenery alternating between valleys and the Pyrenees mountains, lakes and rivers, plains and forests, as well as medieval castles, typical villages and museums of history, art and traditions. With over 5,000 kilometres of waymarked footpaths, more than 300 kilometres of rivers and 10 winter sports resorts, it's also a dream destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, skiing, fishing and river sports. You'll be spoilt for choice!
In the heart of Languedoc, between Cabardès and the Mediterranean coast, lies the Aude. Explore this land steeped in heritage, as seen in the famous fortified city of Carcassonne, Narbonne, City of Art and History, the castles in Cathar country such as Peyrepertuse and Quéribus, the abbeys of Fontfroide and Lagrasse, as well as the Romanesque sculptures by the Master of Cabestany which adorn some of the religious buildings... You can also enjoy a ramble on the Black Mountain or in the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne in the Mediterranean, to admire the wild, unspoilt countryside, before taking to the water and basking on a fine sandy beach at one of Aude’s six seaside resorts...
A former province of Rouergue, at the heart of the Midi-Pyrénées region, the Aveyron has lots to offer: a nature park covering around a third of the department; wild gorges and lakes ideal for fishing and water sports; extraordinary natural sites like the Montpellier-le-Vieux blockfield and the Bozouls Hole; beautiful authentic villages to delight lovers of old buildings; countless paths and trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse-riding; amazing specialities to tempt food-lovers’ taste buds... We have a varied and enjoyable programme in store for you!
Sitting between the Massif Central, the Mediterranean, the Rhône Valley and Languedoc, the department of Gard enjoys a favourable location. On top of this geographical asset, it offers a great selection of places to discover, ranging from Provencal villages and towns with a rich heritage like Nimes, Uzès, Aigues-Mortes and Beaucaire, to the famous Pont du Gard bridge, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, through the preserved countryside of the Gard Camargue and the Cévennes National Park.
Nestling at the heart of beautiful Gascony, in the land of D'Artagnan, Gers is the land of good living and good food. A number of delicious specialities are on offer, such as Armagnac, foie gras and duck or goose confit, farm-bred chicken, Pastis Gascon – a filo pastry dessert with apples and Armagnac – and white garlic from Lomagne. As well as these culinary riches, you'll find an impressive architectural and cultural heritage, with fortified towns, castle villages, listed monuments and museums. The villages of Fourcès and Larressingle, listed among the most beautiful villages of France, the fortified towns of Cologne and Saint-Clar, Auch Cathedral and La Romieu Collegiate Church – stopping points on the Way of St. James – L'Isle-Jourdain Museum of Bell Art and the fortified town of Lectoure are just some of the places to discover during your trip in the land of Gascony!
Traversed by the Garonne river, the département of the Haute-Garonne offers varied landscapes ranging from the sunny plains of the Lauragais to the high mountains of the Pyrenees and the gentle hills of the Comminges. What a contrast! But this département also has a true historic and architectural heritage. Famous for its lively atmosphere, the of Toulouse captivates not only fans of partying and going out, but also those who love Renaissance architecture with its impressive number of mansions. The Haute-Garonne is also the place for remarkable religious buildings: the Toulouse basilica, the Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges cathedral, the Saint-Just basilica of Valcabrère. You'll be kept busy!
Made up of a variety of landscapes ranging from unspoiled valleys and high Pyrenean summits to hillside vineyards and agricultural plains, the département of the Hautes-Pyrénées also boasts some remarkable natural sites, including the Bridge of Spain (Pont d'Espagne) and Troumouse and Gavarnie cirques, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to these, the Hautes-Pyrénées offers a large number of spa and ski resorts for holidays with the accent on well-being, fitness and outdoor activities.
Situated in the heart of Languedoc, along the Mediterranean Sea, the Hérault is a special destination for relaxation lovers with its seaside resorts and its coast lined with long sandy beaches great for relaxing. The Hérault also offers to its visitors a multitude of cultural and natural places of interest to discover. Cities with a rich heritage such as Montpellier, Pézenas and Lodève, the Languedoc inland countryside, its beautiful villages and its unspoiled landscapes which delight hiking fans, and the Hérault valley and its two famous caves decorated with magnificent concretions, are as many attractions to be discovered.
Situated in the heart of south-west France, the Lot is often associated with the relaxed pace of life. The cliffside villages of the Quercy, which are true marvels, the charm of dry stone walls combined with the sweet meadows of Limestone plateaux where goats and sheeps graze peacefully, the sites of artistic, historical and prehistorical interest, and the fine traditional gastronomy of the Lot: assets that will really enchant lovers of authenticity!
A haven for lovers of nature and tranquillity, Lozère, a former province in Gévaudan, lies at the heart of the Massif Central and offers exceptionally varied and unspoilt scenery that’s great for hiking. The area is dotted with picturesque villages and hamlets. Aubrac, Margeride, the Tarn and Jonte gorges, the Causses and the Cévennes are all among the wild, authentic areas you can travel around on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, exploring the countless paths and trails in Lozère.
Being exceptionally sunny throughout the year, the Pyrénées-Orientales, to the north of Catalonia, offers those who love nature and built heritage an infinite variety of things to see: the Mediterranean coast, lined with long beaches of fine sand perfect for sunbathing; the Vermillion Coast, whose picturesque charm has inspired many artists; the high plateau of Cerdanya with its landscapes bathed in light; the Pyrenean heights, including the no less famous peak of Canigou; the walled towns and beautiful villages, whose architectural treasures delight lovers of old buildings… An area full of diverse scenery which offers a variety of pleasures, with the joys of the mountains and the sea!
With a large variety of landscapes ranging from the forests of the Black Mountain (Montagne Noire) to the granite cliffs of Sidobre and the Gaillac vineyards, the Tarn is also a departement with a wealth of artistic and architectural places of interest. They can be found in the must-see city of Albi .
With the three major rivers of the Aveyron, the Tarn and the Garonne running through it, the department of Tarn-et-Garonne, known for its pleasant way of life, offers a range of varied landscapes, alternating between plains and hills scattered with fields and orchards, wild gorges, limestone plateaus and sloping vineyards. Its pleasant countryside, dotted with many dovecotes, invites fans of outdoor activities to explore it by taking a walk, horse ride, cycle tour or mountain bike ride. As well as these natural attractions you will find wonderful heritage buildings, with mediaeval towns such as Bruniquel, Caylus and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, an abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a town of Art and History called Montauban. A stay in Tarn-et-Garonne is also an opportunity to taste delicious local produce, like the famous Chasselas grape and duck specialities. A full programme to be enjoyed without moderation!