Holiday in Occitanie

Region in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷

Country

France

Type

Region

Best time to travel

May–October, winter for ski resorts in the Pyrenees

Budget/day

80–150 €

Getting there from Germany

Flights to Toulouse (approx. 2 hours). TGV Paris–Toulouse in 4 hours 20 minutes. By car approx. 11 hours.

About Occitanie

Occitanie, the southernmost mainland region of France, stretches from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean and from the Dordogne to the Rhône estuary. Formed in 2016 from the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, this large region combines an impressive diversity: medieval Cathar fortresses, Roman monuments, wild gorges, endless vineyards, and over 200 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. Toulouse, the regional capital, captivates with its pink brick facades and a vibrant student scene. Carcassonne impresses with the largest preserved medieval fortress city in Europe, while the Pont du Gard is recognized as the best-preserved Roman aqueduct and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gorges du Tarn offer white-water kayaking between 500-meter-high limestone walls, and the Canal du Midi, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, runs through the region for 240 kilometers from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Occitanie is France's largest wine region — here Malbec, Tannat, and Carignan thrive in appellations such as Cahors, Madiran, and Corbières. The cuisine features Cassoulet from Castelnaudary, Roquefort cheese from the Causses, and fresh seafood from Sète. In winter, the ski resorts of the Pyrenees (Cauterets, Font-Romeu, Ax-les-Thermes) attract visitors, while in summer, the beaches between Collioure and La Grande-Motte beckon. For travelers seeking authentic France away from Paris, Occitanie is a perfect choice.

Culture
100
Nature
95
Food
85
Safety
80
Romance
75

Top 5 highlights in Occitanie

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Viaduct of Millau

The highest bridge in the world (343 m) spans the Tarn Valley and is a masterpiece of modern engineering by Norman Foster.

2

Albi

The UNESCO-listed old town on the Tarn impresses with the largest brick cathedral in the world and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum featuring over 1,000 works.

3

Cirque de Gavarnie

The 1,500 m high rocky basin in the Pyrenees with Europe's highest waterfall (422 m) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4

Rocamadour

The medieval pilgrimage village spectacularly clings to a 150 m high cliff above the Alzou Valley – one of the most visited villages in France.

5

Conques

The tiny pilgrimage village on the Camino de Santiago enchants with its Romanesque abbey and the legendary treasure of Sainte-Foy.

Hotels in Occitanie

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Occitanie

Recommended travel time

May–October, winter for ski resorts in the Pyrenees

Summer

Warm to hot, 25–35 °C

Winter

Mild in the valley, cold in the mountains, -5–8 °C

How much does a holiday in Occitanie cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

40–65 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

80–150 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

200–400 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Occitanie

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The Pyrenees are less crowded than the Alps – perfect for hikers seeking tranquility.

Visit Rocamadour early in the morning or in the evening when day tourists are gone.

In Toulouse, the Cité de l'Espace is a must for space enthusiasts – including a full-size Ariane-5 rocket.

Roquefort cheese is aged in natural caves at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon – tours available.

The Gorges du Tarn are a paradise for canoeists and kayakers.

Food & drink in Occitanie

These specialties you must try!

Cassoulet de Toulouse
Saucisse de Toulouse (sausage)
Roquefort cheese
Aligot (cheese puree)
Garbure (vegetable stew)
Pastis gascon (apple pie)
Suitable for:PyreneesToulouseUNESCOHikingCulinaryHistoryNaturePilgrimage route

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