Haute-Garonne, Department in southwestern France.
Haute-Garonne is an administrative division in southwestern France that stretches from the plains along the Garonne River to the Pyrenees range. The landscape shifts from flat fields and vineyards in the north to forested hills and mountain peaks in the south, with numerous rivers cutting through the territory.
The division was created in 1790 during the reorganization of France after the Revolution, when the country was split into smaller administrative units. Toulouse was chosen as the capital at that time, as the city had already served as a major trade center since the Middle Ages.
The name comes from the Garonne River, which has shaped daily life in this part of southern France for centuries. Local markets sell produce from the surrounding valleys, while traditional festivals show the connection between mountain villages and lowland towns.
Travelers will find information and administrative services in larger cities like Toulouse, which serve as central hubs for the entire region. Those heading to mountain areas in the south should note that roads can be closed at times during winter.
Nearly 600 small and large communities belong to this territory, ranging from tiny mountain hamlets with just a few dozen residents to major cities. This variety shows in the different building styles, dialects, and local customs that change from valley to valley.
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