8 reasons you should buy a property in Midi-Pyrénées

Stunning scenery, pretty villages with traditional, reasonably priced properties, delicious food and a gentle pace of life… there are so many reasons why you should buy a property in Midi-Pyrénées in south-west France

1. The scenery is breathtaking

The scenery of Midi-Pyrénées is varied and beautiful. Sandwiched between the peaks of the Pyrénées mountains and the Massif Central are rolling vineyards, lush greenery and mighty rivers. Dotted among this are traditional bastide villages, cities with striking architecture. Who wouldn’t want views like that on their doorstep?

2. There are so many pretty towns and villages

Midi-Pyrénées is famous for its traditional bastide villages, many of them, like Cordes-sur-Ciel, perched on a hilltop and offering spectacular views. There are no less than 30 Plus Beaux Villages de France in Midi-Pyrénées including Conques, Najac and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. If you prefer a bit more life then you can head to Toulouse, Albi or Cahors. The only problem will be narrowing down where you want to buy.

Read more: 18 pretty villages in Midi-Pyrénées you need to visit

3. The properties are just stunning

There are so many beautiful properties in Midi-Pyrénées you will have trouble choosing just one! One of the most popular styles is stone bastide houses found in the traditional villages often with character features and typically French shutters. You will also find grand maisons de maîtres and maisons vigneronnes (wine producer’s houses). Another popular property feature is a pigeonnier (dovecote). In the Pyrénées you will find mountain chalets and farmhouses.

4. And property prices are pretty reasonable!

If you want a city centre apartment in Toulouse then you’ll find prices are high – an average of €290,000 – but head away from the big city and you’ll be able to pick up a bargain. The average property price in Aveyron (home to Albi) is €100,000, in Lot is €118,200 and in Tarn is €131,000 – all much less than the national average of €158,000.

5. There is plenty of sunshine

Located in the south-west of France, Midi-Pyrénées enjoys an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine each year and summer temperatures reach the high 20s. Winter sees snowfall in the higher areas, spring is warm but with rain making the landscape green and autumn is pleasant and colourful making it the perfect area for those of you who enjoy clearly defined seasons.

6. The pace of life is gentle

No one is in a hurry in south-west France and you will soon adapt to the gentle pace of life. The locals are friendly and welcoming and you can easily wile away an afternoon in a café or on the terrace. Midi-Pyrénées is often compared to the UK 50 years ago when you could leave your door unlocked and everyone knows everyone. Thanks to the great climate, life is mainly lived outdoors so it is an ideal place to raise a family.

7. You’ll never go hungry!

Rich dishes such as foie gras, cassoulet and confit de canard are local specialities and the region produces two world-famous cheeses – Roquefort and Rocamadour. Vineyards are found all over Midi-Pyrénées so you’ll easily find a local wine to accompany your meal.

8. It is in a great location

Midi-Pyrénées is perfectly located with everything within easy reach. If you fancy a day by the sea you can either head west to the Atlantic coastline and surfers beaches or east to the glamorous Mediterranean coast. If you like the mountains then you can head up into the Pyrénées for skiing or hiking. Toulouse international airport has regular flights from the UK so it is easy to travel back and forth.

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