Midi-Pyrénées, Administrative region in southern France
Midi-Pyrénées was a former administrative region in southern France that covered eight departments between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. The territory stretched from vineyards and plains in the north to mountain peaks along the Spanish border, with Toulouse serving as the regional capital.
The region was created in 1956 during French administrative reforms, bringing together areas that historically belonged to different provinces such as Gascony and Languedoc. In January 2016, it merged with Languedoc-Roussillon to form the new Occitanie region.
The French language coexists with regional Occitan dialects throughout the territory, reflecting the linguistic heritage of southwestern France.
Although the administrative unit no longer exists, locals and travelers still use the name to describe the area south of Toulouse. Road signs, maps and tourist markers often show the old designation alongside the official Occitanie name.
The name combines two geographic features: the southern position at midday sun and the Pyrenees mountain chain along the border. This designation reflects how French speakers traditionally describe directions using the path of the sun, with Midi meaning the south.
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