So much to explore in the South West of France, as it fans out from just below Paris, down to its outermost reaches of the jagged Pyrenees Mountain range, which separates it from Spain.
On the Atlantic side is the region known as AQUITAINE. In the corner is the French part of the Basque country with its own language and culture (shared by its counterpart in Spain). Along this Cote Basque are Biarritz and other fine sea resorts. The coastline north spreads out into an flat sandy area known as Les Landes, a naturist paradise.
Inland are the world famous vineyards surrounding the city of Bordeaux, on the Garonne River. The village of St. Emilion is especially charming to visit.
In the Dordogne River valley, 15th century paired-off fortified castles give testimony of the period during which English lords fought against the French for this territory. Some of the interesting little towns and villages worth visiting are Perigueux, Bergerac, Sarlat, Domme, Souillac, and Rocamadour.
This is also the land of the "truffle", a staple of the world renowned cuisine of Perigord and Quercy. Nearby are the famous prehistoric cave drawings of "Lescaux".
The predominant architectural style of churches throughout this area is Romanesque, characterized by rounded arches and simple lines. During the Middle Ages millions of religious pilgrims traversed this region on their way to Santiago de Compostela at the extreme western end of Spain.
To the east is the region of MIDI-PYRENEES. Tucked high in the Pyrenees is Lourdes, a destination for modern-day pilgrimages.
Contained by the high peaked Pyrenees, a broad expanse (often referred to as "Le Midi") stretching across from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, enjoys a sunny climate. The City of Toulouse, pink with the rose-colored stone of its buildings, is an interesting city in itself. It is the home of the aerospace industry. The Airbus is manufactured here.
On a more laid-back scale, you can take a barge trip along the Canal du Midi, which flows through Toulouse and heads eastward into the region of LANGUEDOC-ROUISSILLON,
sometimes referred to as French Catalonia.
The city of Nimes is the center of French bullfighting (the bull is not sacrificed.). Nimes also has outstanding structures dating from the Gallo-Roman period.
In medieval times, extremist Cathars attempted to control the church, and many battles were fought to this end. The restored walled city of Carcassone tells the story.
The interior regions of LIMOUSIN and AUVERGNE, closer to the center of France, the less traveled Massif Central, are best loved for enjoying the out-of-doors of ravines, pristine lakes and streams: hiking, horseback riding, gliding over volcanic craters, canoeing or rafting.
It is also where you'll find medieval villages. Limoges has been famous since the Middle Ages for its fine porcelain. At Puy-en-Velay, the medieval pageant is well worth a visit.
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