2026 Midi-Pyrenees Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#winterescape Castres is a charming town in the Tarn department of southwestern France, nestled in the Occitanie region. Known for its rich history, it boasts beautiful medieval architecture, including the stunning Castres Cathedral. The town is famous for its picturesque canals, vibrant markets, and the picturesque Place Jean Jaurès. Castres is also home to the Musée Goya, featuring an impressive collection of Spanish art. Surrounded by lush countryside, it's a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.

Cauterets is a small town in the heart of the Pyrenees. It’s great for a quiet ski trip, away from the large crowds. It’s a small town and the ski area is not too big either, but it has something for all levels. There is a little wooden hut in the middle of the slopes where you can stop for some food and drinks. The ski area is in a circular valley, with 36 km of on-piste trails. If you want to venture out, Cauterets is very close to bigger areas of the Tourmalet and Luz Ardiden so you can explore different areas if you like. Cauterets also has an ice hockey rink and regular demo/show matches, which is a great evening out once you’re done with skiing for the day! Cauterets is also well-known for its thermal spas. Les Bains du Rocher is in the centre of town and a lovely place to relax the muscles and recover after a day on the slopes! #skitrip #pyrenees #spa

🇫🇷 Hidden Charm of Ax-les-Thermes: Pyrenean Serenity Meets Small-Town Chic 🌻🏡 Tucked between the dramatic peaks of the French Pyrenees, Ax-les-Thermes is the definition of quiet charm—a sleepy town perfect for a dreamy stopover. You only need an hour here to soak up local color, but it’s an hour well spent! The pastel yellows of modern buildings glow against bursts of green (and flowers!) from planters along narrow lanes. 🏔️ Stroll the town center: Amble past traditional facades with mountain views always peeking over rooftops. Don’t miss Rue Gambetta or Place Roussel, where you’ll find the best snapshot angles—look for that golden building fronted by lush potted plants for a classic "Wanderlust” shot! 💐 Must-do: Dip your fingers in the legendary thermal fountains (the source for the town’s famous spa reputation), especially at Place des Deux Bains. The spring water is always steaming, whatever the weather. If you're lucky with the sun, catch the way it lights up the yellow building—vivid for photos, even when clouds linger. 🎠 Practical tip: Ax-les-Thermes is compact but has sudden downpours—pack a light raincoat or umbrella, even on a sunny day. Spend a few extra minutes people-watching on a cafe terrace near the river for that true Pyrenean slow-life vibe. If you had more than an hour to spent like we did, I hope you’ll get to savor this mountain town with all your senses, even if time is short. #AxlesThermes #Pyrenees #FranceTravel #HiddenGem #MountainTown #france #pyreneesviews #frenchtown #storybooktown #magical #smallvillage #thermalpool #thermalbaths #hotspringsmagic

Albi, the Red Town Located in the Tarn department of southwestern France, Albi is a town famous for its "red" character. The entire old town is largely constructed using the local red bricks, hence its nickname, "the Red Town (la ville rouge)." The soul of the town is the majestic Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, adjacent to which stands the Palais de la Berbie, now the renowned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, housing the most complete collection of works by this Albi-born painter. A stroll along the Tarn River reveals a tranquil and poetic scene where the old town, red brick bridges, and their reflections in the water create a picturesque landscape. Albi's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remarkably well-preserved and retaining the relaxed pace characteristic of southern France. Albi is understated yet warm and profound; its red is not a vibrant, boisterous display, but a quiet radiance refined by time.

#falladventures The Lot Valley in southwest France is one of the country’s most enchanting regions — peaceful, scenic, and filled with timeless villages wrapped in golden stone 🌿🏞️✨. This is a place where rivers curve gently between limestone cliffs, medieval towns cling to hilltops, and every bend in the road feels like stepping into a postcard. Life moves slowly here, in the best possible way. Start with **Cahors**, famous for its dark wine and the stunning Valentré Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval architecture rising gracefully over the Lot River 🍷🌉. Wander through narrow streets, explore lively markets, and enjoy the relaxed southern atmosphere. Continue to **Saint-Cirq-Lapopie**, perched dramatically on a cliff. Often listed among France’s most beautiful villages, it feels untouched by time — half-timbered houses, artists’ studios, cobbled lanes, and breathtaking viewpoints at every corner 🏘️🌄. The valley is dotted with ancient castles, prehistoric caves, and riverside paths perfect for cycling or kayaking 🚣♂️🚴♀️. Expect rolling vineyards, sunflower fields, walnut groves, and charming family-run restaurants serving regional specialties like duck confit, truffles, and Rocamadour cheese 🍽️🌻. Small towns such as **Figeac**, **Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie**, and **Capdenac-le-Haut** offer quiet beauty and authentic village life, far from the crowds. The Lot Valley is France at its softest and most soulful — ideal for slow travel, scenic drives, and anyone who wants to experience rural charm and deep history in one unforgettable place 💛🇫🇷.

Here’s a quick look at Midi-Pyrenees if you’re hitting the road and looking for an ultra-convenient parking pit stop 🚙✨ The magic? Making your Midi-Pyrenees adventure way more relaxed by knowing exactly where to pull over and chill in the heart of gorgeous Loudenvielle. Must-Stop: Midi-Pyrenees Parking Area 📍 Address: 3 D25, 65510 Loudenvielle, France The spot is super easy to find right along the D25, smack in the scenic Loudenvielle valley. It’s perfect for parking your car or camper van while you explore the lakes, mountain hikes, and spa vibes nearby. Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning if you want the best spots, especially on weekends—it fills up fast when the sun’s out. 🚗☀️ My tip: The area is well-lit, and I had zero hassle finding a space late afternoon. Pay with coins or card, and there’s usually a map of local attractions at the entrance—snap a pic to plan your stroll! If you’re thinking of staying overnight, double-check local signs for overnight parking rules (they do change with seasons). Getting there: Drive is super scenic—just follow the D25. Public buses also stop nearby if you want to switch to local transport. Snack hack: Loudenvielle has cute bakeries just a short walk away; grab a croissant and coffee before your mountain outing! Weather tip: Midi-Pyrenees can be chilly in the early morning and evenings, so pack a layer even in summer. #MidiPyreneesTravel #Loudenvielle #FranceRoadTrip #TravelTips #ParkingPro

📍Albi, France (Occitanie) Albi is a small city located in southwestern France. Developed around the Tarn River, this city is known as the Red City for its red brick buildings. The vast, deep Tarn River is spanned by numerous bridges, creating a breathtaking sight. While most cities in France are built around rivers, few boast such a spectacular view with such large, impressive bridges. ◾️Access About an hour by train from Toulouse. It's about a 20-minute walk from the station to the city center. Bus services are also available. #Toulouse #Occitanie #EuropeTravel #Albi #France #FranceTrip #FranceTourism #GirlsTrip #CountryTrip

#holidayitinerary Lac d’Oredon in the Occitanie region of France is a serene mountain lake that feels like a perfect escape into nature. Surrounded by pine forests and high peaks, the setting is both dramatic and calming. The lake is easy to reach, which makes it a great spot for a relaxed walk, a picnic, or just sitting quietly by the shore. The reflections of the mountains on the clear water create a picture perfect view, especially on a sunny day. From here, you can also access nearby trails that lead deeper into the Néouvielle Reserve, making it a great starting point for hiking. Despite its accessibility, the atmosphere remains peaceful and unspoiled. Lac d’Oredon is a wonderful place to slow down, breathe the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the natural charm of the Pyrenees in Occitanie.

After two weeks, I returned to the Pyrenees, but this time I switched from Vielha in Spain to Cauteret on the French side. I hiked a section of the GR10, a classic route traversing the Pyrenees. As the altitude increased, the scenery kept changing—from waterfalls to alpine lakes, barren landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. Every segment was stunning, and I absolutely fell in love with this place. The first segment was from La Raillère to Pont d'Espagne, with an elevation gain from 1,000 to 1,500 meters. This section is called "Chemin de Cascade" (Waterfall Trail), where you can see numerous powerful waterfalls along the way. The trail is shaded by trees, making it a cool and pleasant hike. The second segment was from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube, with the elevation rising to about 1,700 meters. Here, you'll find a beautiful alpine lake. Up close, the water is crystal clear, and from a distance, it looks like a sapphire. The third segment continued upward from the lake. As the altitude increased, the scenery became more barren yet expansive. The trail passes through rocky terrain and meadows, leading to a mountain hut called Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube. From here, you can get very close to the snow-capped mountains. You can continue exploring further, but I chose to return the same way. I highly recommend this route for several reasons: 1. The scenery is diverse and beautiful, with each segment offering its own unique charm. 2. It's friendly for those with less stamina. The first segment has a shuttle bus option, and the second segment has a cable car. You can tackle one segment at a time and complete the route over several days. 3. Supplies are easily accessible. There’s a restaurant at Pont d'Espagne, and a bit further towards the parking lot, there are free restrooms and water. 4. Transportation is relatively convenient. The nearest train station is in Lourdes, and from Lourdes to Cauteret, there’s the 965 bus line, which costs only 2 euros and takes just over an hour. You can stock up on basic supplies at a supermarket and start your hike. While accommodation in Cauteret is expensive, hotels in Lourdes are much cheaper. For around 400 RMB per night, you can stay in a three-star hotel. Lastly, I’ve attached the route map and bus schedule.

Sunrise view from Le Domaine de Baulieu. Stunning morning

Watch the tour Eiffel at the exit of metro line 9, Trocadéro. Impressive and remarkable building standing right in front of you. What an experience in a lifetime. Be sure to check it out!

21st Novembre 2024. Bir-Hakeim - Passy Métro ligne 6 Snowy day in Paris is another level of happiness. Once a lifetime experience. You only live once. #travel #europe #paris #snow

From Montpellier to Toulouse, I took the Flixbus 🚌13 Euros one way and arrived in less than 3 hours. On the way, I saw a lively market on the Eqlise Saint Aubin Square. ~After getting off the bus, you can walk 🚶🏻‍♂️ to Place Saint Pierre. There are many seats in the square where you can enjoy the sunshine, or sit on the steps by the bridge or have a picnic on the lawn by the river 🍾🍹, which is very healing Walking south along the river from Place Saint Pierre, the river view along the way accompanied by the guitar sounds of street musicians is very similar to the atmosphere of Rome Walking along Place de Justice, you can take Metro Line 3 to Université de Paul Sabatier, where you can take the cable car 🚠 up the mountain and get off at Hôpital Rangueil after 1 stop. You can then hike to the top of the mountain to overlook Toulouse. The park on the top of the mountain is called Parc de Pech David. The viewpoint can be found on Google and is called Point de vue/Belvédère Pech David. From here you can overlook the Garonne River and the city. If the weather is good, it is really great to watch the sunset here. However, since today is a special forces day trip, we went down the mountain early and returned to Montpellier. The cable car ticket is the same price as the subway ticket, both are 1.8 euros one way. You can buy the ticket directly at the self-service ticket machine next to it, which is very convenient. In addition, I tried Thai Kafe, a Thai restaurant in Toulouse today. The sweet and sour fried fish 🍲 there is really good, a little spicy and goes well with rice, and it is not far from the train station and bus station~

Always beautiful!

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

- There are soo many people from different countries (tourists) - Beautiful sight from wherever you are standing witha amazing view - Incredible hotels and restaurants across the Eiffel tower

#fallingseason My autumn visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris was a truly enchanting experience. Against the backdrop of the city's iconic landmark, the fall season added a layer of warmth and charm to the entire ambiance. As I ascended the tower, the panoramic views of Paris were made even more breathtaking by the golden hues of autumn. The city's landmarks, from the Louvre to Montmartre, were bathed in the soft light of the season. Wandering in the Trocadéro Gardens, framed by golden leaves, offered a peaceful respite amidst the urban excitement. The brisk air, the scent of chestnut vendors, and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot made the experience all the more memorable. The Eiffel Tower in the autumn is like a dream from a romantic postcard come to life. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience Paris's iconic beauty in a new light. #france #paris

Natura Cafe Natura is a cafe in Thonburi, located in a lychee garden that is over 100 years old in 'Phumjai Garden', which is a green area and is still the last living garden in Bangkok. Natura is designed to be a place to relax for those who want to relax amidst the lush nature with fresh air and those who yearn for the lifestyle or atmosphere of a garden house by the canal. The atmosphere is suitable for relaxing, chilling out. There are many seating areas in the cafe area to choose from. In the picture, I chose to sit in the riverside area to relax my legs comfortably. There are tourist boats passing by almost every 5 minutes. The coffee is reasonably priced. The cakes are delicious. It is suitable for bringing work to sit and do, sitting and watching birds and trees, sitting and smiling at foreigners who will wave goodbye to us every time. It is not hot, there is always a breeze. There is enough parking space. Atmosphere 9/10 Transportation 8/10 Cleanliness 8/10 Price 8/10 Taste 7/10 Open: 10:00-17:00 (Closed every Tuesday) Location: Rama 2 (Chom Thong 19) #cafe #trip #cafe #naturalcafe #Cafe in Bangkok #Cafe in the garden #Places to visit in Bangkok #Nice parks #Secret cafe

Stade Toulousain This is the stadium in the rugby city of Toulouse where the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be held.

Paris, a dream city that many people want to visit, is another country worth visiting. You will get to see new things while traveling. It is a city that combines beauty with old things that make this country very charming in its own way. It is also known as a city of romance. Most French people do not speak English very well. Traveling in Paris is very convenient, whether it is the subway, bus, or even walking. We can download the Metro Paris app. We can search for the place we want to go to in the app and then we will be able to take the subway route. In many places in Paris, there are often thieves. Be careful of pickpockets and theft. Be very careful. This is just some general information. #Paris #France

Paris is an incredible experience with innumerable museums, parks, restaurants and beautiful sites but the Eiffel Tower is one of the most interesting places to visit. The view from the top is breathtaking but it's not the only thing to enjoy. Around the tower we can find hundreds of souvenirs sellers, people from all parts of the world, restaurants, street artists and many other surprises. There is a flow of energy which makes the visit a remarkable experience.