Midi-Pyrenees Holiday Rental Villas, Houses, Gites and Apartments

Search the Rent in France directory and find self catering holiday rental property all over the Midi-Pyrenees region of France. Rent holiday villas and chalets in the Midi-Pyrenees, France and enjoy a winter skiing trip or enjoy a leisurely summer vacation and spend time cycling round the beautiful mountainous landscape.

The Midi-Pyrenees is essentially a rural area and the leading agricultural region in France, producing a range of different crops such as maize, sunflowers and wheat. It is the largest region in metropolitan France, in terms of surface area, and equal largest in terms of the number of departments covered with a total of eight. The 8 departments in the Midi Pyrenees region are: Ariege, Aveyron, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, Lot, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne.

Similar to the regions of Rhone-Alpes and the Pays de La Loire, the Midi-Pyrenees was created artificially in the late 20th century to serve its capital, Toulouse. Toulouse is easily the largest city and is situated in the central part of the region. Well over 40% of the total regional population lives in Toulouse and the Haute Garonne department. Tarbes is the capital of the Hautes-Pyrenees department, and although it is the second largest city in the region, it is only a tenth of the size of Toulouse!

  

The region is extremely popular with skiers with excellent resorts such as Aix-Les-Thermes, Peyragudes, Cauterets, St Lary Soulan, Luz Ardiden, Piau Engaly and Bareges/ La Mongie. Although not one of France's best wine producing areas, the region is host to some sizeable vineyards, located in areas round Gaillac, north of Toulouse, and the Armagnac area.

A few other large towns are Montauban, Castres and Albi. It is also home to the world famous pilgrimage site of Lourdes renowned for its healing waters – after where Madonna named her daughter. For an active experience, explore the Pyrenees National Park for wildlife and great walking, or perhaps visit the fantastic mountainous landscape of the Massif Central, a haven for cyclists, skiers and kayakers. For a more relaxing experience enjoy the tranquil countryside of Gascony. 

A few of the best places to visit in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France:

Toulouse - The capital of the Midi-Pyrenees region and also home of the European aerospace industry. Known as the Pink City ‘Ville Rose’ due to its unusual brick architecture.

Albi - located on the Tarn River, northeast of Toulouse. Famous for its Cathedral built in red brick and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

Tarbes - the second largest city in the Midi-Pyrenees, part of the historical region of Gascony. It is situated at the foothills of the Pyrenees. The pilgrimage site of Lourdes is to the South.

Lourdes – A pilgrimage small market town at the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Visited by 5,000,000 tourists every year and has the second largest amount of hotels in France, after Paris.

Montauban - A historical town situated just 50km from Toulouse and Just like the Midi-Pyranees capital Montauban is famous for its pink brick buildings.

Montauban is also home to a number of important religious monuments including the 13th century Church of Saint Jaques and the 18th century Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

Castres - The capital of the Tarn department is the thrid largest industrial centre in the Midi-Pyranees. Catres is home to the Goya museum which is named after Spanish painter Francisco Goya and boats the largest collection of Spoanish paintings in France.

Pyrenees National Park - A beautiful national park located in the French departements of Hautes-Pyrenees and Pyrenees-Atlantiques. Great for observing wildlife and doing outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.

Foix – Lies south of Toulouse and is the historic capital of the Ariege. Les Epines de Lespinet.

Moissac - A town in Tarn-et-Garonne famous for its artistic heritage.

Roquefort – Famous for its so called 'King of cheeses,' the area has a rich cheese industry that continues to thrive.

Millau Viaduct – A huge road bridge that spans the Tarn Valley. The bridge has the highest mast, pylons and road bridge deck in the world.

Massif Central– A mountainous region in south-central France covering 15% of the entire country.

Gascony - Now officially the Gers region after the French revolution although many in France still know it as Gascony. It is one of the few 'unspoilt' regioms of France and that is Gascony's appeal. Here you can discover the old France and indulge in fantastic food, fantastic wine and picturesque villages that lay just off the beaten path.

Cordes sur Ciel – A medieval fortified town built in 1222, well known for its outdoor market and the Museum of the Art of Sugar and Chocolate.

Belcastel – Belcastel is located on the steep North bank of the Aveyron river. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Conques - One of the finest romanesque churches in Aveyron, France. Home to some remarkable sculptures. A UNESCO world heritage site.

Rocamadour – A beautiful town in the Lot department, set in a gorge. Well known for its historical monuments and churches. It attracts many visitors.

Montreal-du-Gers – A town built on the right side of the river Auzoue. Famous for its old castles and little medieval walled villages.

Cahors – The capital of the Lot department in southwestern France. Sights like the Valentre Bridge and the Cathedrale Saint-Étienne attract many tourists.

St Bertrand de Comminges – A medieval village in Haute-Garonne considered to be one of the ‘Most beautiful in France’.