The 21 things to do in Occitania

South France attracts you? Directions the occitan and Catalan countries with our 21 must-see in Occitania!

The Occitanie region has been regrouping the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions since 2016. That is about a third of France. It is the country of the language of Oc, the southern dialect, that has kept the most influence of the Roman language. Between the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains of the Pyrenees, the canyons, the perched villages and the gastronomy, it is a difficult exercise to make a selection among all the activities of the region.

But here are some ideas for your escapades with these 21 must-sees in Occitania!

1. The city of Carcassonne

The medieval fortified city of Carcassonne is a must-see in Occitania. Its 3 kilometres of ramparts and 52 towers are visible for kilometres in the round. The city is also the most famous example of the work carried out by Viollet-Le-Duc in the 19th century, to rehabilitate medieval buildings. You can admire the basilica of Saint-Nazaire, the comtal castle, walk on the lice or simply stroll through the old town. Only flat, you'll have to do with the tourist hordes.

2. Le Mont Canigó

It is the most famous peak of the Oriental Pyrenees with its 2784 meters high. You can go there many hikes and go to the ascent of its summit if you are a confirmed athlete. In the opposite case, many more accessible walks await you in beautiful landscapes, not to mention the Abbey Saint-Martin du Canigo built on a rocky piton.

3. The jouts of Sète

Fucked by the Thau pond and the Mediterranean Sea, Sète is a city popular with visitors and artists! Its museums, fine sandy beaches, architecture and gastronomy made the city a must-see in Occitania.

But if there is one thing to see absolutely in Sète, it is the nautical joutes. Organised from June to September, they follow well-defined rules and ceremonials before the fight begins. Your bets!

4. Cathar castles

It is impossible to visit Occitania without leaving on the assault of the Cathar fortresses! Quéribus, Montségur , Peyrepertuse, you have necessarily heard one day of these castles perched on rocky pitons several hundred meters away. Reputed unbelievable, some had a tragic story during the Crusade against the so-called Cathar albigeans, who formed a group of dissident believers of Catholicism in the 13th century. One thing is sure, exploring them with the wind that blows through ruins is an unforgettable experience.

5. The Gorges du Tarn

They form one of the most famous canyons in France, which is worth resembling the Parisian peripheral boulevard during the summer season. That said, it would be a shame to pass next to the panorama offered by crystal clear waters, steep rocks and the villages cliffs. On foot or in kayak , you choose your way to discover them!

6. The Cevennes

The Cévennes National Park offers such a range of activities and things to see that it takes time to discover it. Between the cornice, ancient royal road, the causses that are desert plateaus for hiking, charming villages and local gastronomy, you will not risk getting bored.

7. Aigues-Mortes and the Camargue

It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Occitania, the spectacle of the ramparts of the city of Aigues-Mortes that dive into the pink water of the Salins du Midi . But that’s not all, the region of pink flamingos and wild horses has much more to offer.

If you go there in May, do not miss the pilgrimage gathering the communities of people of the journey from all over Europe, to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Nature lovers are not left with the beautiful ornithological park of Gau Bridge.

8. The Pont du Gard

This is the must-see photo to be taken during your visit to Occitania! It must be said that the Romans knew about it in technical prowess and had a certain taste to choose their environment. The view of the aqueduct with its three rows of arcades and the surrounding nature is breathtaking.

9. Nimes

One could believe the city frozen in its ancient past but it is nothing. Of course, we must not miss the famous Arenas , the Maison Carré and the gardens of the Fontaine which serve as a writer to the Roman vestiges. But you also have to take the time to admire its contemporary art museum, its bold new architectures and enjoy its cultural scene.

10. The Canal du Midi

This is the must-have romantic walk of Occitania, follow the channel of the noon, by boat , walking, walking camping-car or by bike. An ancient royal canal dug to connect the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, it is essential to take the time to get fucked by its quiet course under the plane trees and admire the landscapes.

11. The Gouffre de Padirac

After sailing in the open air, why don't you try a walk on the underground river 103 meters below the Lot land? The bravest will choose the dizzy staircase to reach the bowels of the earth and admire the wonderful stalactite sculptures in which crystalline waters are reflected.

12. Rocamadour

It is one of the most emblematic villages to visit in Occitania. Nothing surprising to this when you discover its medieval houses literally hung to the rock of the cliff 150 meters above a canyon. But in order to have the most magical point of view, it is at sunset that one must go there when the village appears at the turn of a turn.

13. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

The former Midi-Pyrénées region has a number of beautiful villages and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is one of them. The medieval village with its view of the Lot attracts every year a crowd of visitors but if you want a little more tranquility, don't miss its trail dug into the rock just above the river.

14. The Gorges de l’Aveyron

Less frequented than the Tarn, the Aveyron Gorges offer no less beautiful views. Whether you follow them on the water or on the farmland, they offer a beautiful diversity of landscapes between green nature, cliffs and fortresses perched. A trip not to be missed in Occitania.

15. Albi

Flânering in the heart of the city of red bricks is a pleasure that you shouldn’t push! It is an opportunity to discover the episcopal city classified at Unesco, to shiver before the Last Judgement in the cathedral before going to admire the lights of the city from the Old Bridge. But above all, don’t forget to visit the magnificent Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

16. Toulouse

Let's stay in the shades of warm colors with the discovery of the pink city! Several days will not be too much to explore it so many things to see. So between the Jacobin Convent, the banks of the Garonne, the Capitole square and the Cité de l’espace What are you going to start with?

17. Cords on Heaven

Still one of the most beautiful villages in France to see in Occitania but promised is the last of this list. As a bonus with this one, you will do a sports session because you have to climb to the top of the bastide. Think about taking a break in the ascent to lift the head and admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the houses.

18. Le Pic du Midi

Welcome to the roof of the Pyrenees! Ascension by cableway about 300 meters from the ground is already a journey in itself. Once at the top, you can enjoy the exceptional panoramas on the entire massif before making a tour of the planetarium and the astronomer’s dome. At more than 2,800 metres above sea level.

19. Cirque de Gavarnie

It is one of the most important natural sites in Occitania. The beauty of the circus, dug by the glacial erosion, even inspired a poem to Victor Hugo, that is to say! The good news is that there is no need to be a great athlete to discover it because the hike that makes the tour is accessible to all.

20. Vignobles d’Armagnac

Your visit to the Occitania must end in beauty and for this, go to the Gers to taste the oldest wine-life water in the world! You will take advantage of this to leave in the footsteps of Artagnan who, if we believe Dumas, was very fond of Armagnac.

21. Montpellier

Former capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier is obviously unmanquable when visiting the Occitania. Close to the sea, it attracts many tourists every year but not only! Indeed, the name of the Overdue attracts the French for its quality of life.

Montpellier is also a student city. Therefore, nightlife is very developed. Don't miss his Faculty of Medicine, the birthplace of medicine in Europe. Finally, walk in the Ecusson. Go from the Place de la Comédie, then join the gardens of the Peyrou and its Arc de Triomphe .

How to go to Occitania?

By plane

The largest cities in the region have for the most part an airport, the largest ones are Toulouse and Montpellier, which offer the largest number of connections in the area. To find the most suitable flight for your stay, you can use a flight comparison as Ulysses .

By car

The network of highways serves the region well, including the A20, A75 and A61 .

By train

In TGV you can reach Occitania from the TGV stations in Montpellier, Toulouse and Nîmes. It is also simple to move to Albi, Perpignan or Narbonne.

Where to stay in Occitania?

The region is a popular tourist destination so the offer of accommodation is very diverse. You have the choice between charming hotels, campsites, holiday homes, Airbnb or even unusual rooms. To make you an idea, you can go for a ride on one Compare hotels .

Here you are incollable on the tourist sites of the great Occitanie region! Now it's time to pack!