MIDI-PYRENEES

One cannot mention the Dordogne without mentioning the Lot, the département created and named in 1790 after the famous river under the Napoleonic Code. In the same way that the Dordogne is made up of the old Périgordian regions, the Lot corresponds with the ancient province of Quercy, (derived from quercus, the Latin name for oak). It is a region well known its food as well as for fruit-growing, wines, and Armagnac, which some say is the finest brandy in the world. Doubtless disputed by the makers of Cognac!

Quite apart from the river from which the département takes its name, there are numerous others, including the Dordogne, and the scenery is breathtaking. Many of the charming properties in the Lot, often built with local white stone, have their own distinctive pigeonnier towers, and are much sought after.

Located on the banks of la Garonne is Toulouse, France's fourth largest city and regional capital. It is known as la ville en rose (pink city) due to the pink brick built buildings. It is a city with a great historical past, as well as looking to the future with the aerospace industry. It is a university city with many places of interest, including the cathedral, basilica and the Garonne Théâtre. There is an international airport used by business people, home owners and holidaymaker alike. Gastronomy is very important, and the city is famous for its cassoulet, which is a dish made with white beans and an assortment of meats and Toulouse sausage.

To the south of the region can be found Lourdes, with probably the best known shrine in Europe, and visited by worshippers from all over Europe and beyond.

The Ariège département is located in the centre of the Pyrénées next to Andorra. Undoubtedly, this is an area of wild beauty, to a large extent unspoiled, with forests, barren rocky mountain peaks, and streams which flow fast and furiously down the mountainsides - sometimes heavy with trout, and a treat for anglers. It is a wonderful area for sporting activities such as skiing in winter, hiking, mountain climbing and biking, camping, and kayaking.

The area is easily accessible, and the highest peaks can be seen from as far away as Toulouse. Properties are available for renovation, but getting more and more difficult to find.

VIEW ALL PROPERTIES

As well as providing some very general information, these notes reflect my own impressions following many visits to France. They are, however, no substitute for the very good and interesting books which are available. William Pearson©