LANDSCAPE: The Midi-Pyrénées is made up of eight departments set in the heart of southwestern France and is the largest region in the country. It has an incredibly wide range of natural sites: from the Pyrenees to the valley of the Dordogne and from Gascony to the Gorges du Tarn. The diversity of its landscapes is equalled only by the wealth of its heritage. The Midi-Pyrénées is renowned for its innate sense of celebration and visitors are often surprised by its friendly spontaneity. The capital is Toulouse, known as The Pink Town" for the colour of the buildings. Albi is worth a visit to discover the home of artist Toulouse-Lautrec. There are gourmet delights to sample in the Gers. Other ways to discover the region include a cruise on the 'canal du Midi ', a hike in Ariège to become acquainted with the history of the Cathars, or a pilgrimage to Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrénées. You can discover the route de Santiago de Compostela, fortified Medieval towns, and villages with colourful outdoor markets.

Around the Parc National des Pyrénées and Andorra, rise the majestic mountains and plateaux, sliced by steep ravines. The Gorges du Tarn - a spectacular 80km canyon between Millau and Florac, occupies a fascinating region which places sheer chasms next to peaceful emerald pastures.The lower stretch of the Tarn is marked by romantic valleys and ancient forests of oak and chestnut. Don't miss the picturesque village of Conques: set in a rocky gorge, it features one of the most outstanding religious monuments in France - the Romanesque church of Ste. Foy.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS: If time allows you should visit such great sites as Rocamadour, Conques, Cordes sur Ciel, Figeac and St Bertrand de Comminges, among others. Take time to taste the local gourmet produce such as foie gras, cassoulet (meat and bean stew), Roquefort cheese and the wines of Cahors or Gaillac and Armagnac.

FOOD & WINE: Enjoy hearty local cuisine, with recipes containing ham, goose, chicken, game, trout and salmon. Regional specialties include Gascony's duck confits and magret, garlic tourrain and Tarn's gâtis brioche with cantal and roquefort fondue. The region's red wines include a full-bodied Madiran, and a lighter Saint Mont. Also popular is Galliac's dry, slightly sparkling Blanc sec parlé. The most famous wine of the Pyrénées is Jurançon - white, red, or amber.

HISTORY: The Pyrénees have been famed for their archaeological discoveries from the bones of the Tautavel Man (dating back almost half a million years), to ancient cave paintings. The Bastide towns were built in the 13th Century and heavily fortified during the One Hundred Years War. The medieval period also saw the building of many Romanesque churches and castles.

ACTIVITIES: The region offer a wide choice of spas for the health and fitness enthusiast, and a wide range of sports such as hiking, horse riding and bicycle riding, rafting, canoeing and skiing, as well as adventure sports: canyoning and free riding for instance. There are over 2,000 miles of marked paths for walkers; canoeists will relish the challenge of the gorges, while anglers will love the fishing.

To combine a little shopping with a lot of scenery, take a day trip to Andorra - a tax-free haven, high in the Pyrénées.

LOCAL EVENTS:

• May July- Jazz in Albi.
• July 14 - Cordes. Festival of Grand Fauconnier. Major medieval festival.
• August- Jazz in Marciac.

CLIMATE: Influenced by the Atlantic - which brings snow for the skiers - and the west winds from the Mediterranean. Winters are gentle and summers are fine - often lasting into October.