Road-Trip to two in Occitania • Wanderlix

Go to the duo adventure in a sunny region: Occitania. To make the most of your experience, we concocted you a road trip.

Roman jackets, old ports and other bucolic walks: this is what you will find (in part) in the beautiful occitane region. The one that now comprises 13 departments is one of the most popular spots of travellers looking for sunlight. But despite the tourist boom, she was able to remain authentic.

We have prepared a road trip from Nîmes to Collioure: an adventure that allows you to explore some of the occitane region. And who says road trip says... car! To make this trip simple, fluid and economic, opt for a car rental Ada's. You can book online and pick up your rental car directly from one of the many Ada agencies in the region.

From Nîmes...

Our occitane adventure begins in Nîmes, City of Art and History. Before taking the wheel to cross the region, we invite you to spend a little time in this beautiful city impregnated by Antiquity. In Nîmes, you can discover the famous arenas that were used as a refuge during enemy attacks. Other Roman vestiges will punctuate your visit, such as the Roman enclosure, the Maison Carrée, a former temple that dates back to the 1st century AD, or the Castellum Aquae, a basin that allows to understand the system of canalization of the period.

In addition, don’t make the big markets at the Halles de Nîmes to taste some local products (e.g. olives). Repu, you can then start a romantic walk through the Jardins de la Fontaine that houses the temple of Diane and the tower of Magne. And if the heart tells you, opt for a visit to the clock tower, or the Museum of Romanity. In short: a stay in Nîmes is a temporal capsule of the Roman era!

It is now time to set the course south, towards the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Therefore, if you opted for a rental car at Ada, you can get it back in one of the car rental agencies Nîmes. Once flying, it will take an hour to reach a good port. Moreover, you can make a detour by the Pont du Gard, because the site is worth a look.

On the way to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you will see the enchanting landscape of the Camargue. Think about stopping to visit the national park, where calm reigns as a master on a wild nature. Don’t forget your camera! Indeed, you can immortalize the pink flamingos in the largest pond in the park (Vaccarès) and even go on horseback riding.

After this dream in full nature in a bucolic universe, it is time to discover the city of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. First turn around the village and lose yourself in its picturesque alleys. We recommend that you visit the famous church where the relics of the Saints Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé are located, as well as the statue of Sara la Noire, patron saint of the community of travellers. They come every year to celebrate it in a particularly festive pilgrimage!

With your rental car, explore the surroundings like the ornithological park of Gau Bridge, the Paul Ricard estate and its bulls, or the guard cabin, typical Camarguaise house.

Des-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in Montpellier

When you wake up at the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, take the time to enjoy a breakfast and have a coffee on the old port, before taking the road to Montpellier. The journey is once again magnificent, as it crosses the charming city of Aigues-Mortes, the port city of Grau-du-Roi, before going back to Montpellier.

When you arrive at your destination, explore this culture city where you can intertwine with large pedestrian avenues and more discreet alleys. Among the passages required during a visit to Montpellier, we invite you to discover the Place de la Comédie and its famous fountain of the Three Graces which dates from the eighteenth century. Then, stroll through the historic centre, which is called L’Écusson, and where you will find what to eat in a small village of the south.

Do you need to rejuvenate from urban brouhaha? You're lucky: Montpellier has many parks and walks to discover. First, you can take a walk on the Promenade du Peyrou that offers a very beautiful view of the Cevennes and the sea. Then explore the oldest botanical garden in France that dates back to the 16th century, the Jardin des Plantes. There you can admire many tropical plants and some fruit trees.

Finally, if you want a moment of culture, test one of the city’s museums! You have the choice, depending on your interests: the Fabre Museum that brings together many paintings, the strange anatomy museum or the Atger Art Museum.

After one or more days of visit, enjoy the nightlife in Montpellier and its friendly cuisine.

From Montpellier to Sète

Let’s take the road through the park of the Estagnol to further admire the riches of the Occitane region. Our new destination is on the waterfront, and it is also the third largest city in the Hérault department!

The “Venise du Languedoc”, Sète, is full of surprises for a pleasant holiday. We encourage you to take a tour in the city centre, dyed with History. Indeed, the city dates back to 1666, when King Louis XIV decided to open a maritime market on the Canal du Midi. Then discover a port atmosphere, and stroll through the canals. And if you're rafting fish and seafood, stop in a port restaurant!

Sète has other assets such as beaches for swimming-bronzing sessions, or a wonderful viewpoint with stunning views of the city. Indeed, the view of Mont Saint Clair is a must to discover in Sète, as it overlooks the sea, the pond of Thau, but also the canals.

Finally, offer a small sea trip by renting a boat or enjoying the many excursions offered. It is an opportunity to leave the road for a moment to enjoy a boat trip and admire the coast by breathing the fresh air of the noon. At sunset, once on the earth, start a little walk to the Môle Saint-Louis: the pier and its fard that ferment the marina.

From Sète to Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an emblem of the region! This is why this step is major in your road trip to Occitania. Located in the lands, Carcassonne is a fortified city that has played an important role in the history of France. Indeed, it defended the border between France and Aragon until the seventeenth century. It is therefore this city in the ramparts among the largest in Europe that one must visit first. Through this journey in time, you will have the chance to discover the medieval atmosphere and dive into a world of towers, canons and knights.

Discover the various monuments that make up the medieval city like the Comtal Castle which dates from the Gallo-Roman era. Also, enter the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the “Joyau de la Cité”, which is worth a look.

Once you descend and return to the 21st century, you can enjoy the “low city” and its pretty alleys. You will have the leisure to visit several museums like Ceres Franco, an amazing art museum around the Brazilian artist. And if your visits of all kinds open your appetite, it’s time to taste the speciality of the corner: the famous cassoulet!

Finally, if you want to explore the surroundings of Carcassonne and if you like the strong sensations, we recommend you to go on adventure in the Cabrespine dildo, a cavity 250 meters deep. This popular place of amateur speleologists as confirmed is 25 kilometers from the city centre. Don’t hesitate to visit the cave of Limousis, which consists of seven rooms, as well as a sumptuous water mirror. Experience is new and worth a visit! Because Occitania is full of impressive caves and caves of all kinds.

In addition, for the hot summer days, nothing more pleasant than going to pick a head at Lake Cavayère, located a few minutes from Carcassonne. There you can swim, but also go hiking!

From Carcassonne to Collioure, to Perpignan

We start the last stage of our road trip in Occitanie! It is also the longest and the one that will make you see varied landscapes. Indeed, you will cross part of the Narbonnaise Regional Natural Park.

Our first stop in Perpignan allows you to discover the capital of Roussillon: a charming city of Catalan influence. If the city has not always had a good reputation, it is now enjoying a renewed interest, and rightly! To make an idea, explore the city centre to discover the old fortified citadel that dates back to the 14th century. The latter, in the form of a star and thus architecture of the Vauban style, surrounded the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. In addition, the Palais des Rois is a must-see during a stay in Perpi’.

Also in the theme of fortifications, visit Castilet, the old gate of the city that also dates back to the 14th century. And if your stage in Perpignan is long enough, do not miss the Sea Lodge: a funny Gothic building in the heart of the city.

Take the wheel back to the final point of this journey in Occitania: Collioure. There you will find the calm and voluptuousness to finish in the most beautiful ways your road trip. And above all, you will be able to awaken your taste buds even more with what the Occitania region produces better. Take a glass of local AOC wine on the terrace (or a delicious fresh fruit juice) and accompany your drink with delicious anchovies.

But we are not here only to restore us, we must also discover this city with 1001 secrets. Because everything is discreet in Collioure, and nothing is ostentatious. At first, go to Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, which dates back to the 17th century. Inside, you can admire baroque masterpieces. A little further, on the pier, you will have the chance to see a charming little chapel whose history is however tragic: Saint Vincent, the Patron Saint of Collioure was allegedly tortured in 303 on the island where the chapel is currently located. In addition to this story, the pier is particularly beautiful and the place inspires a certain serenity.

If you still have energy to resell after this trip to Occitania, don’t pass next to Fort Saint-Elme, which is on the heights. From the castle you can also access a hidden mill in an olive grove. Believe us: the march to this building of an ancient time is worth it!

Finally, after a long day of discovery, you will have taken full of the mirettes. It’s time to take small colorful streets, then walk to two on the old port. Take the time to feel the marine effluves and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Our road trip ends here, and we hope you will enjoy every step. Between Roman heritages, wild nature and preserved coastline, the region is ideal for a sunny journey. Share us in comment your most beautiful experiences in Occitanie!