Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Insight Guide Southwest France focuses comprehensively on the southwest corner or France, with full-color photos throughout combining with the lively text.
Essays by local writers immerse you in the history, culture and way of life of this largely rural region, taking in its lush landscapes, dramatic gorges, medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, and food and wine, with a range of special features homing in on topics such as truffles, the Basques and bullrunning.
Our Places chapters then take you on an inspirational trip from Bordeaux and the Southwest Coast, through the Basque Country and the Pyrenees, and on to French Catalonia on the shores of the Mediterranean, with the medieval walled city of Carcassonne – one of France’s top sights – included. 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.
About the Author
Nick Inman was born Yorkshire and graduated from Bristol University with a degree in Politics. For the last 20 years he has been a freelance travel writer and photographer specialising in France and Spain. He now lives in an old farmhouse near the Pyrenees in southwest France with his wife, Spanish writer Clara Villanueva, and their two children. A self-confessed Francophile, he is particularly passionate about the countrys vernacular and medieval architecture as well as its wildlife. He has contributed to over 60 travel guides including numerous titles for Insight and Berlitz, while his non-travel books include Politipedia and The Optimist's Handbook.
Table of Contents
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