Preparing the experience...
Occitania, the second largest region of metropolitan France, is a vast territory of contrasts that stretches from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Massif Central to the beaches of the Mediterranean. It is a land with a deeply rooted identity, heir to the Occitan language and culture. Its history is marked by the drama of the Cathars, the greatness of Rome and the ingenuity that gave life to the Canal du Midi. With two dynamic metropolises, Toulouse and Montpellier, the region offers a journey through spectacular landscapes, monumental cities, villages perched on cliffs and a gastronomy that celebrates the products of the land.
Descubre las ciudades más fascinantes de Occitania
Toulouse estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Montpellier estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Nîmes estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Perpignan estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Occitania is a vibrant region with internationally renowned festivals and fairs celebrating its strong culture and traditions.
Pentecost (May/June) and September.
One of the most important fairs in France. The city lives to the rhythm of bullfights, 'abrivados' (bullfighting in the streets), concerts and open-air wineries.
July.
A prestigious festival with concerts by international stars, theatre, opera and dance in the incomparable setting of the Grand Theater of the medieval city.
September.
The largest international photojournalism festival, which turns the city of Perpignan into an immense art gallery with impressive exhibitions.
June.
A great world music festival held on the banks of the Garonne River, each year exploring the culture of a different region of the planet.
The cuisine of Occitania is generous, authentic and deeply linked to the land. It is the kingdom of duck, foie gras, Toulouse sausage and, of course, cassoulet. Its cheeses, such as Roquefort, and its wines, from Languedoc to Cahors, are world famous.
The most emblematic dish of the region. A hearty, slow-cooked stew of white beans with different types of meat, such as duck confit, Toulouse sausage and pork.
Star products of the southwest. Confit is a duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat, while foie gras (fatty duck or goose liver) is enjoyed mi-cuit (semi-cooked) or preserved.
A fresh pork sausage, large and meaty, unsmoked. It's a key ingredient in cassoulet, but it's also delicious simply grilled.
A comforting and spectacular dish from the Aubrac region. Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with fresh Tomme cheese, which stretches into long threads.
The 'king of blue cheeses'. Made with raw sheep's milk and matured in the natural caves of the village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.
A round empanada typical of the port city of Sète, with a spicy filling of octopus and tomato sauce.
The largest wine region in France. It offers a huge variety of high-quality red, white and rosé wines, with appellations such as Corbières, Minervois and Pic Saint-Loup.
Known as 'black wine' for its dark and intense color. It is a powerful red wine, made mainly with the Malbec grape.
The oldest brandy in France, distilled in the Gascogne region. A wine spirit with a robust and complex character.
A traditional apple pie, with very thin layers of hand-stretched dough and drizzled with butter, creating an incredibly crunchy texture.
A spectacular cake, typical of the Pyrenees, whose dough is poured onto a spit ('broche') that rotates in front of the fire, creating a cone-shaped cake with peaks.
A traditional Toulouse cake dating back to Roman times, with a sablé pastry base, a filling of almonds and apricots, and decorated with lemon meringue.
An exceptional example of a medieval fortified city.
One of the most extraordinary works of civil engineering of the modern era.
The highest Roman aqueduct in the world and a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
A coherent and homogeneous set of medieval brick architecture.
An exceptional mountainous landscape that straddles the Franco-Spanish border, including the Cirque de Gavarnie.
Several key monuments in the region form part of this serial site, such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and the Cathedral of Auch.
A landscape of mountains crisscrossed by deep valleys that reflects an ancient tradition of grazing.
Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather for exploring cities and landscapes, and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is ideal to enjoy the Mediterranean coast and festivals, although it can be very hot in the interior. Winter is the ski season in the Pyrenees and a quiet time to visit the cities.
A car is highly recommended to explore the vast region, especially the remote villages and Cathar castles. In summer, temperatures inside can be very high. To visit the Cité de Carcassonne in high season, it is advisable to go first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds. Some roads in the Pyrenees may be closed in winter due to snow.
TripMatches
Find companions with the same dates and interests. Free.
Cities, day trips, and practical tips for the area
One of the most important fairs in France. The city lives to the rhythm of bullfights, 'abrivados' (bullfighting in the
A prestigious festival with concerts by international stars, theatre, opera and dance in the incomparable setting of the
The largest international photojournalism festival, which turns the city of Perpignan into an immense art gallery with i
A great world music festival held on the banks of the Garonne River, each year exploring the culture of a different regi
88
84
84Key stops for your route through the area
Sibling areas to compare or combine
Coasts, cities, and areas to extend the trip
RankingTop French cities by overall TripMatches score.
RankingCities with the strongest food scenes by TripMatches scores.
RankingDestinations with the highest TripMatches safety scores.
RankingRanked by TripMatches family-friendly score: safety, pace, and kid-friendly activities.
Travel type
Travel typeRegister to unlock Match Finder, saved destinations, and trip plans for Occitania.
Start planning your perfect trip to this amazing region
