The Occitanie Region

Located in the southwest of France, the Occitanie region, since 2016, has brought together the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions. It is the land of the Occitan language, a dialect of the South, which has retained the most influence of the Romance language. This region includes the large cities of Toulouse and Montpellier. Between the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees mountains, canyons, hilltop villages and gastronomy, this is an excellent destination for lovers of adventure, nature and unforgettable experiences.

Toulouse: The Pink City

Toulouse is the capital of the region. It is romantic, dynamic and steeped in history at the same time. It is one of the largest cities in France. The city is known for its rich heritage. Moreover, Unesco classified several monuments as World Heritage Sites, such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or the Canal du Midi. Several tourist sites are not to be missed in the city. We recommend you visit the Capitol, which has many restaurants and shops for shopping and souvenirs, the Prairie des Filters, the banks of the Garonne, and its many covered markets.

The Canal du Midi

Since 1996, the Canal du Midi has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It connects the city of Toulouse to Sète and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. This major tourist attraction is one of the oldest canals in Europe. It is also the most significant French work of the 17th century. It has 63 locks, 130 bridges, 55 aqueducts, six dams and seven canal bridges. Several places along the Canal du Midi are essential.

The Orb canal bridge in Bézier is well known for its architectural beauty. It allows the Canal du Midi to cross the Orb River. Along the Canal du Midi, you will also find the oldest canal bridge in the world: the Répudre canal bridge. The Naurouze threshold is the highest level of the Canal and one of the must-see places on the Canal du Midi. This threshold allows the Canal to be partially supplied with water from the Montagne Noire. On the Canal du Midi route, do not miss the Malpas tunnel located in Nissan-lez-Ensérune, an impressive place measuring 173m in length. The lock of the ancient Greek city called the round lock of Agde, which has three doors, is also a must-see.

You can visit the Canal du Midi on foot, by bike, waterbike, or quad. We recommend you also see the town of Castelnaudary, which is famous for its delicious cassoulet, Carcassonne, or Cathar country.

The Cathar castles

A large part of the Canal du Midi crosses the Cathar country. This region is steeped in history since it is where Catholicism has been most vital. The Cathar fortresses are unmissable monuments in a marvellous natural setting that must be visited in the Occitanie region.

Several historic sites are essential since they reflect the tragic history of a region marked by the religious wars of the 13th century, but also thanks to their architecture and spectacular natural scenery. Indeed, the castle of Quéribus, located at the top of the Corbières at 728 meters, offers you a marvellous landscape. On the other hand, the castle of Peyrepertuse is very imposing because of its size and incomparable architecture.

Lordat, Montségur, Puilaurens and Puivert are the most spectacular and remarkable Cathar castles. They dominate the green and mountainous region and offer a breathtaking landscape. We recommend you tour the Royal Fortress of Najac, where you can visit the keep, the Saint Julien chapel decorated with frescoes, and the Governor’s room. Finally, do not miss the castles of Lastours, at the top of the village of Lastours, comprised of 4 royal fortresses and the castle of Saissac, the oldest site of the Montagne Noire. In the Cathar Country, the Montagne Noire is a preserved natural area. We recommend that you stroll through this remarkable heritage.

The city of Carcassonne

The fortified medieval city of Carcassonne is a must-see in the Occitanie region. It is a medieval architectural ensemble whose origins date back to the Gallo-Roman period and is located in the department of Aude. It is the region’s symbol, mainly thanks to its historical heritage. The history of the medieval city of Carcassonne is well known as it is one of the world’s most perfectly preserved fortified towns and the largest medieval city in Europe. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This exceptional place brings together several must-see tourist sites. We, therefore, recommend that you visit the magnificent castle of Comtal, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire with its sublime stained-glass windows, considered the most beautiful in the South, and the Bastide Saint-Louis to enjoy its many mansions and its house of memories. The Fortress Bridge offers an incredible view of the city, and the Cérès Franco museum is in Montolieu, which exhibits the works of artists of the same name as the museum. It is a must-see historical museum in the region.

The abyss of Cabrespine is one of the most beautiful caves in Europe, very popular for the richness of its crystals. The Cave of Limousis is also an incredible place. The Cavayère Lake has a magnificent landscape that offers water skiing. Finally, the city festival is a must-visit in Carcassonne. Indeed, it has risen among the ten most significant festivals in France. Each summer, 120 shows, 80 of which are entirely free with national and international artists. It is a trendy festival that welcomes tourists from all over the world.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Ciel is one of the most beautiful and historic villages in France. The atmosphere in the streets is sweet and warm, and the views over the valleys are incredible. You can enjoy visits to museums, gardens, halls, and religious buildings such as the Saint-Michel church or the Cajarc mill.

The Gorges du Tarn

It is a well-known tourist site in the region marked by history. This natural space comprises incredible cliffs, rivers with crystal clear waters, rocks and forests. This exceptional place brings together impressive landscapes and lush green nature that you must not miss. This canyon is located in the Lozère district in the Grands Causses massif and is caused by the erosion of the Tarn River. Les Gorges extends over 50 km in length. The Gorges du Tarn are one of the best French climbing sites.

This place is well known for hiking. There is also an extensive hiking network, such as Le Rocher des Fées, La Corniche du Tarn and Le Col de la Planète. This natural space is perfect for strolling and enjoying the magnificent landscapes. You can also cycle since the routes are organized and marked for cycling tours. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this experience will remain incredible. Finally, you can also choose a horseback ride since several riding centres offer rides in the region or even take a 4×4 ride.

In addition, several activities are available to you during this visit. You can go kayaking, canyoning activities, or a via ferrata excursion to enjoy the marvellous views from the heights with various possible routes such as “La via ferrata du Rochefort” in Florac or “La via ferrata de Rousses” in Mont Aigoual. Regarding unforgettable activities, especially those with intense sensations, you can go gliding or go on a paragliding tour to discover the region. We also recommend you find the caves and cavities, particularly the Clujade cave, the Castelbouc, or the castle of Prades.

Nîmes: A Roman city

Nimes was one of the most important Roman cities. Its heritage from the Roman Empire makes it a cultural capital. It is an attractive city with a festive atmosphere. We recommend visiting the Maison Carré, the Tour Magne, and especially the Arenas. A little further on, you will find the famous Gard’s Bridge.

The Gard’s Bridge

The Gard’s Bridge is one of the most beautiful Roman masterpieces in the Occitanie region. It was built in the 1st century AD in Vers-Pont du Gard and is an essential site for French and international tourism. Since 1985, it has been a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Rocamadour

Located on the side of a cliff, this medieval village is exceptional and magnificent. It overlooks the Alzou Canyon. This village is a stopover on the way to Compostela, where pilgrims come to contemplate the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur and the Saint-Amadour crypt, classified as World Heritage by Unesco. We recommend you visit the religious buildings, the Monkey Forest, the Rocamadour Cave, the medieval city, and the Rocher des Aigles, a breeding and reproduction centre for raptors (for example, eagle or hawk). You can also enjoy a magnificent view of the Padirac chasm, a natural and monumental cavity 35 meters in diameter. Do not hesitate to taste the local gastronomy, which will not leave you indifferent.

The Cevennes

The Cevennes are a chain of mountains located in Lozère, Gard, Ardèche, and Hérault departments. Here, you can enjoy charming villages, incredible nature, and landscapes.

Fontestorbes fountain

Fontestorbes fountain is located in Belesta, a French commune in the department of Ariège. It’s a river that leaves the cave of Fontestorbes and flows intermittently. During low water periods, from July to October, the fountain becomes intermittent due to rhythmic and regular variations in flow. The complete cycle takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The rest of the year, the fountain flows continuously. Known since Antiquity, it is an infrequent phenomenon and one of the most spectacular in the world.

The Cirque of Gavarnie

The Cirque of Gavarnie is the most famous of the tremendous Pyrenean limestone cirques and one of the most impressive and magnificent places in the French Pyrenees. It is part of the Pyrenees National Park and has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site as a natural and cultural site. You will find in its heart an impressive waterfall 423 m high.

The Lake of Salagou

In the Occitanie region, you cannot avoid the famous Lac du Salagou. It is an artificial reservoir created 50 years ago surrounded by red and black hills. This vast expanse of water is located near Montpellier, in the heart of Hérault, and extends over 750 hectares. It offers the possibility of doing water sports amidst a magnificent landscape. Indeed, you can go catamaran, canoe, paddle, sail, kayak or even fishing boats. In this place, you can also go hiking or quad biking, travel by bike, horseback ride or mountain bike to discover the shores of the lake, the paths that scatter all around and the unmissable viewpoints.

The surroundings have 17 marked circuits, from 3km to 38km. You will also find a climbing spot recognized by climbers: the Vissou Peak. You can thus enjoy a view of the entire tourist site.

The caves of Lacaves

We recommend visiting La Caves, located northwest of the Lot department. To do this, take a trip to the heart of Antiquity by taking the small underground electric train, which leads to the heart of these immense cavities for 1h30 in the earth’s bowels. On a 1600 m round trip, you will pass many beautiful lakes and natural concretions. It leads you through a visual and sound spectacle. You would, therefore, be at the heart of the history of its caves.