13 Incredible Places To Visit in Occitanie, France
Occitanie is one of France’s most overlooked regions, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Provence and Nouvelle Aquitaine. Despite this, there are some seriously jaw-dropping places to visit in Occitanie.
This southern gem is packed with incredible cities, historic landmarks, and some of the most charming villages you’ll find anywhere in France. It’s a place where Roman ruins share the spotlight with medieval castles, and vibrant towns mix French and Catalan influences.
What makes Occitanie so special is its variety. You can explore the medieval ramparts of Carcassonne, walk along the ancient Canal du Midi, or relax in the colorful seaside village of Collioure, to say nothing of the beautiful mountains and landsapes that await you.
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations that are still beautiful and charming, Occitanie offers something unique at every turn. Once you discover this region, it’ll leave you wondering why it’s not on every traveler’s radar.
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13 Unbelievable Places to Visit in Occitanie
1. Toulouse
Toulouse, the capital of Occitanie, is known for its distinctive red-toned brick buildings, which have earned it the nickname “La Ville Rose” (the Pink City).
Toulouse actually is quite a colorful city in France, as many buildings in the city center are various shades of tan, peach, light red, and darker red, with accents and shutters in green, blue, and red. Alternating red and white stones are often used in the accents around windows – creating a striped appearance.
This vibrant city is a major hub for the aerospace industry in Europe, blending the historic southern French charm with cutting-edge innovation.
At the heart of Toulouse, Place du Capitole impresses with its grand Capitole building, housing both the city’s government offices and the Salle des Illustres—a lavishly decorated hall with frescoes and intricate sculptures showcasing the city’s cultural heritage.
Nearby, the Basilica of Saint Sernin stands as one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe and a key site on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
A walk along the Garonne River offers some of the best views of Toulouse, with its iconic Pont Neuf bridge and view of the Dome de la Grave. The wide promenade along the water is perfect for leisurely strolls or enjoying a picnic and the sunset.
2. Carcassonne
Carcassonne, France’s most famous fortified city, stands as a living piece of Medieval history and is a very well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense walled city is the largest of its kind in Western Europe, with double fortification walls and 52 towers stretching over 1.3 kilometers.
Besieged multiple times during the Crusades, Carcassonne has seen centuries of battles, religious tensions, and power struggles, all shaping the town we see today.
The highlight of Carcassonne is Château Comtal, an extra-fortified castle within the city walls. The castle gives access to the ramparts surrounding the city, which is a must-do for views over the fortress, winding streets, and surrounding countryside.
The walls twist and turn and are connected to towers and arches and outbuildings, creating the feeling of having actually stepped into a storybook.
Saint-Nazaire Cathedral is another must-see in the walled city, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles with beautiful stained glass and ornate carvings.
Beyond the fortress, the “new town” of La Bastide offers a quieter look at Carcassonne life.
Stroll across the Pont Neuf bridge or relax in Gambetta Square, where cafes and small parks offer a different perspective on this historic region. For great views, climb the bell tower of St Michel’s church for panoramic views to the walled city.
3. Les Chateaux de Lastours
The Châteaux de Lastours is a group of four medieval castle ruins located near the village of Lastours, just a little bit north of Carcassonne. The site is one of our favorite ruined castles in all of France!
Perched atop a rocky spur, these castles—named Cabaret, Surdespine, Tour Régine, and Quertinheux—offer a fascinating look into the region’s history while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Constructed during the 11th and 12th centuries, the Châteaux de Lastours played a significant role during the Albigensian Crusade as strongholds for the Cathars, a Christian sect deemed heretical by the Catholic Church. These were the same crusades that targeted the city of Carcassonne.
The castles’ strategic positions allowed them to control access routes into the Cabardès and Montagne Noire regions. Over time, they were partially dismantled and fell into ruin, but their remnants still stand as a remembrance of their historical importance.
To visit the chateaux requires a moderate hike up the hillside, with some steep (but quite charming) stone staircases leading to the ruins. The path is lined with olive and cypress trees, which just makes the setting feel even more picturesque and quintessentially Mediterranean.
Upon reaching the top, you can explore the remains of each castle, including various rooms, levels, and towers. It honestly feels pretty adventurous hiking to and exploring the nooks and crannies left in each castle.
Plus, each castle has stunning viewpoints overlooking the other castles and the surrounding countryside – truly the views here are unmatched.
4. Albi
Albi, known as “The Episcopal City,” is one of France’s most striking small cities, celebrated for its unique red-toned brick architecture and remarkable sites. Built largely from the same local brick as Toulouse, Albi’s charming cityscape blends history with a cohesive, warm-toned aesthetic.
The Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is Albi’s star attraction and holds the title of the largest brick cathedral in France. It’s massive and fortress-like, built to symbolize the power of the bishops who ruled here with unmatched religious and political authority.
Inside, the cathedral is covered top to bottom in vibrant paintings and decorative patterns, and the separate choir area—protected by a carved rood screen—adds to its one-of-a-kind feel.
Next to the cathedral, the Palais de la Berbie (Bishop’s Palace) houses the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, which displays works by the famous local painter and again underscores the bishop’s prominence in Albi.
Don’t miss the Jardins du Palais, beautifully designed formal gardens underneath the palace that offer scenic views over the Tarn River.
Albi’s Pont Vieux bridge, originally built in the 11th century, connects the old town to the Madeleine district across the Tarn. You can get an incredible view from the Madeleine district looking back past the Pont Vieux to Old Albi.
Just this view alone showcases why we think Albi is one of the top hidden gem cities in France!
5. Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a historic waterway in southern France, running 240 kilometers from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 17th century under King Louis XIV and designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of early modern engineering.
Originally constructed to enhance trade and provide a quicker route between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the canal features innovative locks, aqueducts, and reservoirs that are still impressive today.
The Fonserannes Locks, an impressive staircase of eight locks near Béziers, and the aqueducts spanning rivers and valleys are just a few of its highlights.
The canal winds through charming towns and villages, including Carcassonne, Castelnaudary, and Béziers, among many others. Guided cruises, often departing from Carcassonne, provide a relaxing way to experience the canal’s tranquil beauty and scenic landscapes.
Alternatively, you can bike along the shaded towpaths or rent a boat to explore on your own, or just admire the feat of engineering as you pass it on your explorations of the rest of Occitanie.
6. Nîmes
Nîmes is a pristine French city packed with Roman history, with monuments that make it feel like an open-air museum. Being right on the border of Provence, it shares a lot of the Roman heritage that is present throughout that region as well.
The Arena of Nîmes, built at the end of the 1st century AD, is the main attraction in Nimes. Smaller than Rome’s Colosseum but incredibly well-preserved, it held up to 24,000 spectators for shows like gladiator battles.
Today, it’s still used for concerts, bull games, and other events, and is an absolutely fascinating place to visit.
Nearby, the Maison Carrée is the best-preserved Roman temple in all of antiquity – crazy! It’s a stunning building with the Corinthian columns creating a striking facade. Finally, originally part of Nîmes’ extensive city walls, the Tour Magne provides sweeping panoramic views over the city.
Besides the Roman monuments, Nîmes is just such a pleasant city to take in. The Jardin de la Fontaine is a scenic park built around Roman waterworks, with pathways leading up to the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana ruins.
There are also numerous tiny squares, beautiful churches, and little gardens and fountains around Nîmes that make it a lovely spot to explore.
7. Cordes-sur-Ciel
Cordes-sur-Ciel is a quaint and picturesque perched village in southern France with narrow, mostly pedestrian-only streets that wind up the hill. Cobblestone lanes filled with boutique and artisan shops selling handmade, regional goods.
The buildings throughout the town are a combination of brick, stone, and half-timbered, and often the shutters are painted in contrasting colors. Vines, greenery, and flowers cover the walls, adding pop of color accents to the historic buildings.
Founded in the 1200s, Cordes was originally a walled city built as a defensive stronghold during a time of religious conflict related to the Cathar Crusades. Today, while most of the old city walls have been integrated into houses, there are still several picturesque gates that remain from the medieval fortifications.
Make sure to admire the many stunning Gothic buildings that were constructed as manors and villas for the rich families of Cordes – there are many throughout town, including the Maison du Grand Veneur, Grand Ecuyer, and Grand Fauconnier.
Definitely stop by the viewpoint of Cordes on the hill just to the east of town. This is a must-visit spot, as you can admire the picture-perfect village perched on top of the hill and tumbling down the hillside (see the first picture in this section).
8. Rocamadour
Rocamadour is a stunning and incredibly unique village in Occitanie, made famous for the jaw-dropping Notre Dame Sanctuary, a complex of chapels and churches perched right on the side of a cliff above a tiny village.
The Grand Staircase leads from the village up into the sanctuary, where castle-like buildings and archways around the main courtyard are overshadowed by the cliff. It’s pretty awe-inspiring to be hanging off the mountainside.
Fun fact – pilgrims would traditionally walk up the Grand Staircase on their knees to show devotion!
The Chapel Notre Dame de Rocamadour is the most famous building for housing the black Virgin Mary statue. This statue is associated with miracles and protection for sailors. The church’s bell has no clapper, but sometimes still gongs of its own accord; and it is said that when it rings a miracle occurs.
Next to the chapel is the cathedral Saint Solvere which has a double vault, a nice stained glass of the Good Shepherd, and an organ resembling a ship.
Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Rocamadour was part of the great pilgrimages of the Christan Occidental. This was the city’s golden age as it was visited by thousands, including famous visitors such as Charles IV, Philip VI, Louis XI, St. Bernard, St. Dominique, and Saint Louis.
Overall, Rocamadour is incredibly unique and definitely earns its spot on our list of most beautiful churches in France.
9. Perpignan
Perpignan, the southernmost city in metropolitan France, sits just before the Spanish border and offers a unique blend of French and Catalan cultures. The city’s vibrantly colorful buildings, palm tree-lined streets, and even sidewalks paved with red marble make it a visually striking place to explore.
Historically, Perpignan was a wealthy city that shifted between French and Catalan rule before officially becoming part of France in 1659.
Its long, complicated history is reflected in landmarks like the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a 13th-century Gothic palace/fortress with stunning views, and the Castillet, a former city gate turned museum and panoramic viewpoint.
Perpignan also has its share of hidden gems, like the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, with its soaring Gothic nave, and Hotel Pams, an elegant mansion with lush gardens and stunning Art Nouveau decor.
This city was such an unexpected delight. Even as someone whose job is to know all about France, I had only heard of Perpignan about a month before visiting, but its beauty, vibrant colors, and fascinating cultural sites completely blew me away.
10. Collioure
Located on the Mediterranean coast near the Spanish border, Collioure is a small seaside village known for its colorful streets, beautiful setting, and fascinating ties to art history.
The winding alleys are painted in bright hues, surrounded by vineyards that climb the hills, and the azure Mediterranean waters on the beaches just adds to the charm.
Collioure is also famous for its ties to art. Henri Matisse and André Derain came here in 1905, drawn by the light and colors, and their time in the village sparked the Fauvist art movement and inspired many other artists to come and paint.
The Château Royal de Collioure, sitting right on the beach, the village’s main landmark. Originally built as a Roman fort, it was later expanded by the Kings of Majorca and was an important strategic stronghold in the region.
Perched on a mountain overlooking the town is Fort Saint-Elme, which provides amazing views of the coastline.
Don’t miss the iconic Notre-Dame-des-Anges, a former lighthouse turned church that sits on the water’s edge, or the town’s thriving anchovy shops, a nod to its Catalan roots and local fishing economy.
11. Montpellier
Montpellier is the 2nd largest city in Occitanie and is actually the 7th largest city in all of France. Its heart is the Place de la Comédie, a lovely square surrounded by old world buildings that marks the start of the Old Town, centered with the beautiful Fountain of the Three Graces.
One of Montpellier’s standout historical landmarks is the Arc de Triomphe, which leads to the Place Royale du Peyrou. This open space is filled with statues, tree-lined pathways, and the terminus of the Saint-Clement Aqueduct, which flows through the Pont du Gard.
The Jardin des Plantes offers a peaceful break from the city’s energy, with its medicinal garden, pond, and stately lines of cypress.
To be frank, while on paper Montpellier seems like an amazing city, we actually were pretty underwhelmed here. It’s a similar size to other French cities like Nice, Strasbourg, Lille, and Bordeaux, yet we found Montpellier to be less than the sum of its parts, and honestly fairly forgettable.
I still want to include it on this list because it is a major city in Occitanie and that merits it a mention. Wwhile it’s not a bad city at all, my personal opinion is to spend your precious vacation time in any of the other places in Occitanie, or even nearby Provence, instead.
12. Bruniquel
Bruniquel is a charming perched village that also has the designation of “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” The beauty comes from the cobblestone streets, and stone houses (more natural and unworked stone) accented with plentiful plants and ivy.
The buildings are from the 14-16th centuries and were quite nice for the time – testifying to the town’s great prosperity.
Bruniquel’s castle is perched right above a sheer cliff overlooking the Averyron River and Valley as well as the Vere Valley and River.
The castle was built in the Middle Ages and was designed to control the rivers and trading routes. It contains two separate chateaus inside the main complex. Both can be explored and you can see the old halls, cooking areas, and rooms.
While Bruniquel used to have city walls, those walls are long gone and have been subsumed into the current town buildings. However, several of the city gates remain.
The Horlonge Place gate (Porte Méjane) is the prettiest of the remaining gates. The Porte Neuf is the only remaining gate of the new wall and offers a scenic view of the town through the gate.
13. Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is an extraordinary Roman aqueduct that spans the Gardon River near Nîmes and remains one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.
Built in the 1st century AD, the three-tiered arches of the aqueduct are impressive in size and engineering, reaching 160 feet high and stretching nearly 900 feet across the river.
Originally constructed to transport water to the Roman colony of Nîmes, the Pont du Gard was a marvel of its time, capable of carrying millions of gallons daily over a 31-mile stretch.
Today, you can explore the aqueduct from various viewpoints, actually walking across the lower tier or admiring it from the riverbanks, where many visitors enjoy picnicking, kayaking, or simply taking in the view.
Whether you’re interested in history or just want to see an iconic structure set in a beautiful landscape, the Pont du Gard is a must-visit in the Occitanie region.
The Wrap Up
In short, Occitanie is an incredibly fascinating and highly underrated region of France to explore. There’s practically no end to the vibrant cities or charming villages to discover in this region. As soon as you visit, you’ll already be planning your next trip back!
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