Holiday in Occitanie

What makes Occitanie special as a destination?

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.