Midi Pyrenees Sites

[paulktnichols]

Now the children are slowly fleeing the nest we are looking at a non-beach French holiday next summer.

We are attracted bt the Midi-Pyrenees and would welcome any comments about sites - sepecially as we have a long van - 8m.

Many thanks

 

[OldBean]

You've still a huge area in the Midi-pyrenees. As your van is so long you may be better keeping off some of the (many) narrow, winding roads. A good centre, I think, is in the town of Millau. You get to see the new viaduct (well worth it), there are plenty of sites to choose from, and you're virtually in the centre of the area. You can visit the Tarn Gorges, the Gorges of the Jonte and Dourbie with all the wildlife, there are historic villages, caves, mountain passes, bastide towns, the vineyards of the Minervois are within a decent drive,and you're within about an hour and a half from the coast should you wish for a nostalic paddle!! There are some lovely sites in the gorges, but access is not easy to most of them.

In Millau (a market town, in a fantastic setting, but very much a working town, ie not prettied up for the tourist trade) you can watch the parascenders over the top of many of the campsites. I think a good one (improved over recent years) is Les Rivages - which is within walking distance of the town centre, for market day, yet has big lawned pitches, separated by hedges, with some right alongside the river Tarn, and easy access which will be important for you. There's a good pool, facilities are clean and 'wholesome', there's a bar and restaurant on site, and if you fancy a meal out you can walk into town where there are some excellent small restaurants.

Generally we love the area - and have been many many times before, both with our sons when they were small, and more latterly on our own or with friends also with grown up children. It's an area with plenty to offer for everyone.

If you're not tied to school holidays, too, it may be worth your while looking at the Camping Cheques website, or getting hold of an ACSI card (Les Rivages costs 14 euros at present rates, with an ACSI card). You can pick one up (probably) in your local caravan dealer for about

 

[SteveW77]

I would have thought that the Midi-Pyrenees was further west than Millau, more to-wards Toulouse and Cahors. There is a good site at Carcassonne and the town its self is well worth a visit.

Having said that I must agree that Millau is also worth a visit as the bridge is truly breath taking.

Steve W

 

[OldBean]

I suppose you're right, although the Region 'Midi-Pyrenees' does include the Aveyron, which is where Millau is situated. I suppose most people think of it as being more to the west,with Cordes, etc

 

[KeithM]

The site Le Ch'Timi at Touzac (on the south bank of the Lot about 25 miles west of Cahors) is well situated for exploring the Lot valley, Cahors, the bastide villages just to the north, not to forget Puy L'Eveque, just a few kms upriver from the site. The site is Dutch-run (new owners this year)and is well equipped, clean and the owners are very friendly and helpful. We have been there twice, both times in Sept and cannot comment on how it is in the peak season. However, both of our visits have been most enjoyable - grab pitch no. 1 if you can - it is the optimum one! Our caravan is 7.2m shipping length and went very nicely sideways with plenty of room for awning and car.

On the other side of Cahors, we had a marvellous fortnight (in 2001) at a site in Larnagol (small village on the Lot north bank 'twixt Cahors and Figeac, close to Cajarc)- Camping du Ruisseau du Treil. Now English-run, it was Dutch-owned when we stayed there. Very handy for St Circ Lapopie, the Lot and Cele valleys, Rocamadour and the caves (Grotte du Pech-Merle) at Cabrerets. Figeac is well worth a day out, being well endowed with ancient buildings in the local pink stone.

The Lot valley from Figeac to Fumel remains one of our favourite parts of France - enjoy!

Keith M