France's Secret, from Toulouse to the Pyrénées

There’s so much that the Haute-Garonne has to offer, we’re not sure where to start. We could tell you about its contrasting landscapes, its historical heritage, or its lively atmosphere; this remarkable place has everything to charm you and your family on every visit. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend break or a family holiday, you may want to prepare yourself, as the Haute-Garonne is known to captivate visitors so they never want to leave. This might explain why some of its areas remain hidden treasures.

With campsites and B&Bs scattered throughout the vast region, purchasing your own home in this area would not only mean that you will always be amongst company, but you can also invite friends, family or paying guests to also experience what the area has to offer.

Toulouse La Ville Rose

At the heart of this temptress is Toulouse, known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (the Pink City) due to the dusty pink bricks used in many of its buildings. Although Toulouse is France’s fourth biggest city, it’s actually surprisingly quiet compared to the better-known cities such as Nice, Bordeaux and Lyon, meaning you are spared from the streets being overrun by tourists. The city could quite possibly be France’s best-kept secret, so enjoy this gem with the other explorers who venture in from the surrounding busy towns.

While the sun is out enjoy a stroll along the pretty banks of the Garonne River before entering the historic centre where the cafés and shops are full of life, explaining why the city is renowned for its atmosphere and good living. Lovers of art and history will know Toulouse for its architectural and artistic heritage, which has been exquisitely preserved over the centuries.

Stand and stare in awe at its abundance of Renaissance mansions; these prestigious homes were built in the 16th century and are reminiscent of the city’s rich pastel trade. It’s down to you to choose from visiting Toulouse’s famous religious structures, architectural landmarks and museums. The infectious laid-back vibe will persuade you to stay and absorb everything that the city has to offer. An afternoon of shopping may turn into an evening of drinks at the Place St Pierre before you return home to plan your next trip to Toulouse.

Majestic Pyrénées

You will notice that many regions of France encompass diverse landscapes, from relaxing on the coast to hiking in the mountains, and the Pyrénées are just as special to visit, if not more so. Physically beautiful and culturally varied, the wonderfully wild and unspoiled backdrops are crying out to be explored. Owning a home in this area means you can enjoy hiking trails and waterfalls in the summer and ski slopes in the winter, reaching peaks of 3,000 metres.

The Pyrénées often live in the shadows of the Alps, but this unexplored and unspoilt region could be the background setting of your new French home. You could spend eternity exploring this area, and although much of the Pyrenees remains unpopulated by tourists, it is blessed with an eclectic mix of fascinating culture and succulent cuisine. It’s not all relaxing lunches and strolls through the hills; we all need to be exhilarated now and again, and its lesser-known peaks are where you should head for.

The people of the Pyrénées are recognisable by their southern accent and are known for being passionate and chatty. If you are considering a holiday home here, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that spring comes early here, followed by exceedingly hot summers and late autumns.

At My-French-House, we have many properties for sale across the former Midi-Pyrénées, including renovated barns, charming castles and country houses.  As you venture into the Haute Garonne or further afield, you can make use of the region’s excellent transport links, which include the metro, the TGV trains and local airports. Have you been charmed by Occitanie, France’s largest region yet?