Lot
Markets
Martel market
© CRT Midi-Pyrénées / D. Viet
Round or square, the market hall with its timber, stone or brick pillars shelters the market from the sun. Many of the region's villages have market halls.
Aveyron
Villefranche de Rouergue market
In the 'bastide' towns founded in the Middle Ages, the market square is always the beating heart of the community, where the locals stock up on fine fresh produce.
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Ariège
Mirepoix market.
Authentic produce bursting with flavour and the twang of southern accents: the market is a celebration of day-to-day life.
Gers
Cafés
Le Café Gascon, Auch
At apéritif time, around the table or at the market: any time is the right time to share the sociable traditions of the Southwest.
Haute-Garonne
On the terrace in Place Saint Georges - Toulouse
All year round, from morning to late at night, nothing sums up Toulouse better than a buzzing café terrace.
Australian cyclists in Saint Céré
The café terrace typifies the great quality of life in Midi-Pyrénées. It's the perfect place to relax and quietly take in the beautiful surroundings.
Know-how
Michel Bras and son, 3 stars in the Michelin Guide - Laguiole
What makes the gastronomy of the Southwest is not just the local produce, it is also the people, 25 Michelin-starred chefs among them.
Harvest time in the Armagnac vineyards - Fourcès
In the region's vineyards, from the top AOCs to the Vins de Pays, the grape harvest brings together all the generations.
Making a Laguiole knife - Forge de Laguiole
© A. Lizeray
Skilled methods and techniques, handed down through generations, turn fine materials into works of art.
The remains of the Roman town of Lugdunum-Convenae - Saint Bertrand de Comminges
In Haute Garonne, Gers and Lot, the patient work of archaeologists has revealed countless treasures of ancient Rome that are today open to the public.
Making horn combs - Maison Azéma-Bigou - Lesparrou
© C. Chabanette
Designed and shaped by hand, one by one, some objects such as the natural horn comb from Ariège are unique items.
Festivities
Banda concert in Condom
The brass and percussion instruments of the traditional banda bands, a feature of many summer celebrations, are symbolic of the colourful, friendly atmosphere that is the norm here.
Jazz in Marciac festival
The terroir (a mix of the local soil, produce, climate and traditions) is an integral part of the main events taking place in Midi-Pyrénées
A jubilant crowd on Place du Capitole
In a region where rugby is a way of life, Toulouse goes wild every time its team Stade Toulousain wins.