Midi-Pyrénées is strongly influenced by Basque, Gascon and Languedoc cultures and many regional and provincial traditions have been kept alive in the towns and villages that lie in the more isolated valleys of the region. The regional Languedoc and Gascon languages, though no longer spoken, have left marked impressions on the accent and vocabulary of this part of France. Many young people within the region ‘ascend’ to Toulouse rather than following the marked national aspiration to move to Paris, illustrating the cultural, economic and social esteem of Midi-Pyrénées’ regional capital. - See more at: http://www.hunt-a-home.com/france-area-guide/midi-pyrenees.php#sthash.iAuOAvr6.dpuf