The Midi-Pyrenees is set on the highest part of the Pyrenean chain where peaks reaching 9,850 feet and more abound: Vignemale (10,800 ft), Pic du Midi (9,400 ft), Pic du Balaïtous (10,300ft), etc. Much loved by medium and high altitude enthusiasts, the Midi-Pyrenees counts three resolutely mountainous departments: the Haute-Garonne (in its southern part), the Ariège and the Hautes-Pyréneés, to which the plateaus of Aubrac in Aveyron must be added. All of these for as many sources of pleasure, encounters and varied activities, the whole year round.

The Midi-Pyrenees boasts a great number of valleys, which are appreciated for their natural resources and cultural diversity. Among the largest and best known, five valleys stand out among the rest: those of the Dordogne, the Aveyron, the Tarn, the Lot, and the Garonne. These are the settings of ancient adventures as witnessed by the towns, fortified towns and châteaus nestled within their hospitable hollows, and the theatres of new adventures such as a great many walks, hikes and white-water sports. The valleys are indeed key-points in the area for those who wish to discover its secrets.

The Midi-Pyrenees boasts one National nature park and three Regional nature parks: rural territories with a remarkable but fragile natural, cultural and human heritage. To preserve the riches of its fauna and the diversity of its flora, many local actors with a common objective have joined their efforts in order to aim for harmonious and a sustainable tourism development.

Although the Midi-Pyrenees does not boast a coastline, it is however a water region with its 80 stretches of water and the 1,550 miles of rivers and torrents that feed them. The region truly is a land of enclosed seas which means that many water sports are available on specially equipped stretches of water: swimming, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing and dinghy sailing, etc. The ideal solution for those of you who want to avoid overcrowded beaches!