The 9 most beautiful villages in Occitania

In Occitania? After the Cathar castles, direction the most beautiful villages of Occitania for souvenirs of postcard!

Rich in its history, the Occitania region has a huge heritage. Reuniting since 2016 the plots of the Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions, it occupies almost a third of France. Its historical and architectural heritages make it one of the most beautiful French regions, especially since the wars spared it during the nineteenth century. Thus, it was able to retain its medieval and natural charm, with its unique character villages and topography. We have listed the most beautiful villages in Occitania to inspire you to visit this place that has countless surprises!

1. Auvillar (Tarn-et-Garonne)

If Auvillar is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Occitania, it is not for nothing. Its name comes from the Latin Alta Villa, meaning high city. Indeed, nestled on a promontory, the view from Auvillar is exceptional, on the Garonne valley. The village has experienced many debris over the course of which stigmats are still seen today. So go to the discovery of this History and still standing buildings like the Tower of Horloge, built in the 17th century, or the amazing Halle aux Grains built in 1829.

2. Rocamadour (Lot)

Difficult to offer a list of the most beautiful villages in Occitania without including Rocamadour. Present on the route taken by the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela, Rocamadour is a regional pilgrimage. First, its construction is more than bold, at the top of a peak. Then, the beauty and preservation of the place leave the voiceless. In conclusion, Rocamadour has been in attendance for more than eight centuries. Today, more than a million and a half visitors per year come to admire the impeccable medieval architecture. But it may also be for the challenge: a stairway of more than 200 steps will give you a twist to finally offer you access to the Saint-Sauveur Basilica and the crypt Saint-Amadour .

3. Gorges du Tarn Causses (Lozère)

This great commune was born in 2017 of the union of the smallest communes Saint-Enimie, Montbrun and Quézac. Located in limestone, this large "village" spread over three communes has been able to adapt and occupy the territory in a very natural way. Crossed by the Tarn, they have direct access, offering for example via outdoor activities such as the canoe or climbing . Their medieval appearance gives them an unmistakable charm. Let yourself be seduced by narrow streets, paved floors and numerous white stone walls.

4. Collioure (Pyrenees-Orientales)

Discover the colliour, peaceful and warm atmosphere. Indeed, it is on the edges of the Mediterranean that the village of Collioure illustrates with the perfect conservation of its places, in the rich past, having attracted many artists. Moreover, it is the cradle of the furtive movement of Fauvism, which placed the color in the center of painting. These colors that the painters then directly pampered in the natural range that you will find between the buildings of Collioure, on the edges of the beach or at the dam of the port of this charming village which is among the most beautiful villages of Occitania.

5. Conques (Aveyron)

A true pearl in the heart of a wild nature, Conques does not demerit its place in the ranking of the most beautiful villages in Occitania. He also stage of the pilgrimage Santiago de Compostela , it does not reduce it. Indeed, its geographic location allows it to propose many activities related to the outside: canoe , fishing, cyclotourism, and even speleology. But what attracts a large part of the tourists, it is especially the conquois historical and architectural heritages that we highly recommend you to discover in your turn.

6. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)

Located on the banks of the Verdus, a small stream going to the Hérault, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a village that has also preserved its medieval style. Houses, streets and walls are made of exposed stones, giving at all a laying charm. Very green, this village stands out for its cleanliness and calmness. It is therefore a mandatory step for those who would like to recharge a little. In its heart is also the Abbey of Gellone, a superb architectural witness of the 11th century, bordered by vineyards. The villages of Occitania are known for their character, note that Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is no exception!

7. Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn)

Elected French Village in 2014 as part of the eponymous programme of France 2, Cordes-sur-Ciel is one of the villages of Occitania that must not be missed. So walk through this village as you could browse a history book. Go to discover her of her centuries of life that shaped her to make him a vestige of her own epistle. The soft and warm atmosphere of the alleys, the greenery hanging on the houses of raw stones or the view on its surrounding valley will charm you entirely. There are many things to discover in Cordes-sur-Ciel: museums, gardens, halls and religious buildings. So plan to stop there more than a day!

8. Fourcès (Gers)

In addition to being one of the most famous villages in Occitania, the village of Fourcès has the audacity to be built in an original way. Indeed, its main artery forms a circle in its centre, creating a perfectly round rocade around which the houses were built. This village seduces by its calm and the strong presence of nature: greenery and river Auzoue on the edge. Rather atypical, Fourcès is a place that is slowly discovered, leaving its visitors time to immerse themselves in its always summer atmosphere. The architecture is also preserved there: ancient doves, paved alleys, raw stone walls... and the Tower of Horloge dating from the 13th century.

9. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot)

Among the most beautiful villages in Occitanie (and France) is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This incredible village perched on its rocky peak guarantees a total change of scenery. Indeed, the alleys, the houses with the roofs of red tiles, as well as the clusters, have preserved their medieval style. Dating from the thirteenth century, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was surprisingly well preserved from the times. Its fortified church, its castle or the Rignault Museum bear witness to a rich past and alone justify the existence of a historical heritage. Also, the surrounding greenery contrasts with the village with red roofs. And for cause, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is in the heart of the Quercy Regional Natural Park!

Go further, see bigger

Also discover the villages that have become beautiful cities like Carcassonne , Narbonne , Nimes , Albi or Lourdes . Today, these cities in Occitania attract a lot of tourists looking for change. Their story is anchored in the floor and in the walls. Sometimes very wide, they lent themselves to modernity but intrinsically retain their medieval soul.