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Villefranche de Lauragais – a lively small town
Villefranche de Lauragais is a lively little fortified town that lies close to the Canal du Midi in the south-west of France. Set in the department of Haute-Garonne, Villefranche has great access to Toulouse, and also to the Mediterranean coast as it is close to the A61 auto route and also has a train station. The countryside of the Lauragais, which surrounds the town, is characterised in summer by fields and fields of golden sunflowers, the dark line of trees that delineate the path of the Canal du Midi, and the rather majestic chateaux that sprinkle the landscape, calling to mind an affluence of centuries standing.
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Second to none for shopping
Villefranche is not really a very big place, but it is blessed with an excellent row of shops along the main street that runs through the centre of town. The one way system that is in place keeps traffic less than hectic, and it is easy to enjoy the shopping experience. With everything from flower shops to tabacs to epiceries to the best dress shop in the south-west (allegedly!) Villefranche leaves you wanting for nothing. On the edge of town there is a large Super U supermarket which is a handy alternative to the small shops or the traditional street market that graces the town every Friday.
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A rich gastronomy...
The rich cuisine of the south-west of France is famed throughout Europe, and Villefranche is proud of its culinary traditions. Here you will be served with duck confits, Foie Gras, cassoulet and Toulouse sausages, probably with a side dish of the white haricot beans that are grown in many of the surrounding fields. There are numerous good restaurants in the area, and almost all of them will offer you cassoulet, which is the most popular dish in the region!
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Sports and leisure
The Lauragais is a sportsman's paradise, with opportunities to take part in almost any activity you can think of. With Med and Mountains both within reach you can ski or sunbathe, swim, climb and anything in between! Close to Villefranche there are riding stables, leisure lakes and, of course the lovely Canal du Midi, perfect for gentle strolling or cycling in any season. Villefranche has a very well constructed and maintained skate or BMX park which is excellent for kids... or any adults brave enough!
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How to get there
Fly to Toulouse-Blagnac with a good choice of airline and departure points from around the UK. Airlines serving Toulouse include British Airways, easyJet, bmi, Jet2 and flybe. Train travel is another possibility, with TGV links from Paris to Toulouse and on to the sea. There is a station in Villefranche which makes life really easy, as it has frequent connections to Toulouse and to the coast. The A61 auto route runs close to the town for those travelling by road.
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Property prices and availability in and around Villefranche de Lauragais
Property in Villefranche is considerably cheaper than in Toulouse, and you still have easy access to the city. Property here, while certainly not the cheapest in France, represents good value for money, and the region is increasing in popularity all the time.
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VILLEFRANCHE DE LAURAGAIS AT A GLANCE |
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HOTELS IN VILLEFRANCHE DE LAURAGAIS
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
* full confirmation with directions |
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