Midi-Pyrenees, the largest region in terms of surface area, is located in the south west of France on the border of Spain. The name chosen for the region was based purely on its geographic location: Midi or "southern regions" and Pyrenees - made with reference to the Pyrenees Mountains that are on its southern border. Apart from the area of Toulouse at its centre, the region is sparsely populated and used predominantly for agricultural purposes.

Midi-Pyrenees has over 60,000 active farms and is responsible for some of the finest beef, lamb, dairy products and wine produced in France. There are a number of activities available to tourists and inhabitants of the region which include: horse-riding, canoeing, hang-gliding, golf, fishing, climbing and caving.

The economy of the region is based on a number of key factors but the most notable in terms of both reputation and jobs is surprisingly the aeronautics and space industry. The global headquarters of Airbus are in Toulouse and the A380, the Caravelle and the Concorde all took their maiden voyages in the skies above the city. Midi-Pyrenees is well known for its underground sites such as the caves of Padirac, in the lot, as well as the decorated Niaux cave which tells the story of early Homo sapiens. For those interested in a spiritual journey, the pilgrim roads to Santiago de Compostela provide an alternative way of experiencing the area.  

For anyone looking to begin a new life in France, the 2.6 million hectares of readily usable land in the region provide the perfect opportunity. Besides the land and farmhouses for sale; watermills, mills, stone houses and small cottages are available either to move directly in or to renovate.