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Insight Guide Southwest France focuses comprehensively on the southwest corner or France, from Atlantic coast to Mediterranean coast, with full-color photos throughout combining with lively narrative.
Our “Best of Southwest France” section outlines top attractions and activities not to be missed, such as the lush landscapes, dramatic gorges, medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, and food and wine of this region. Essays by local writers immerse you in the history and culture and way of life of this largely rural region: from its characteristic Romanesque architecture and great wine-making tradition, to understanding the country life, wildlife, and the outdoor pursuits offered by sea, mountain and river. A range of features homing in on special subjects such as truffles, the Basques and bullrunning, give you the full picture.
Our Places chapters then take you on an inspirational trip from Bordeaux and the Southwest Coast through to French Catalonia on the shores of the Mediterranean, with the Basque Country and the Pyrennees included en route. On the way there’s the Gorges of the Tarn, the winding river valleys of the Dordogne, medieval ‘perched’ villages such as Rocamadour and the amazing prehistoric cave art at Lascaux; while urbanites are also catered for with, among others, the cities of Bordeaux, Toulouse, Pau and Montpellier, the pilgrimage site of Lourdes, and the medieval walled city of Carcassonne – one of France’s top sights. Plentiful full-color maps show you the way around, with dotted sights highlighting areas of interest. Finally, the Travel Tips cover all your planning needs, with a wealth of information and listings – transportation, activities, accommodations, and our selective, independent recommendations for the best places to eat and drink.
Introduction The Best of Southwest France Coast to Coast The People
History Decisive Dates Cave Painters to Cathars Centuries of War Revolution and Republics
Culture The Country Life Romanesque Architecture Sea, Mountain and River Wildlife Food in the Southwest Fine Wines Rural Architecture Prehistoric Cave Art The Aerospace Industry Wildlife of the Pyrenees The Great Outdoors Festivals The Language of Oc Eleanor of Aquitaine The Cathars The Road to Santiago Wine-making The Gironde Estuary The Canal du Midi Truffles Bastides Fashionable Biarritz The Basques Lourdes Rennes-le-Château Fauvism and Cubism
Places Introduction Bordeaux and the Gironde The Dordogne The Lot Aveyron and the Cévennes The Tarn Toulouse Gascony The Basque Country The High Pyrenees The Ariège The Aude French Catalonia Hérault and Gard
Travel Tips
Transportation Accommodations Eating Out Activities A–Z Language Further Reading
Anonymous
Posted March 22, 2012
This book has lots of pretty pictures, some very small maps and very general text about locations. It has almost no information that would be useful for an actual traveler such as where to stay and how to get around. This book would only be useful for the "armchair traveler."
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Overview
Insight Guide Southwest France focuses comprehensively on the southwest corner or France, from Atlantic coast to Mediterranean coast, with full-color photos throughout combining with lively narrative.
Our “Best of Southwest France” section outlines top attractions and activities not to be missed, such as the lush landscapes, dramatic gorges, medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, and food and wine of this region. Essays by local writers immerse you in the history and culture ...