Hello, and welcome to Occitanie Travel, the blog where I share my passion and expertise about the beautiful region of Occitanie in southern France. My name is Olivier de Winne, and I am the founder and writer of this blog with my wife Sarah.
As a local living in Occitanie, I’ve explored every corner of this dynamic region, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the towering Pyrenees to the inviting Mediterranean coast and protected natural parks, Occitanie offers a wealth of natural beauty to explore.
Within its borders lie historic gems like Toulouse and Montpellier, alongside charming towns such as Carcassonne and Albi and 50 of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Additionally, Occitanie boasts an impressive array of gastronomic delights, including renowned dishes like cassoulet and foie gras, complemented by its exceptional wine production.
With a history steeped in Roman conquests and the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars, this region offers a fascinating blend of past and present for travelers to discover and enjoy.
I am a young retiree, and I decided to create this blog to share my knowledge and love for Occitanie with the world. I want to inspire you to visit this region and discover its hidden gems, its history, its culture, and its people. I also want to give you practical tips and advice on how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to do, and what to avoid.
I am not only a travel blogger, but also an active member of my village community. I am part of the Bize Patrimoine Association (Bize Heritage Association), a group of volunteers who work to restore and preserve heritage sites in and around our lovely village of Bize-Minervois. We organize events, exhibitions, and guided tours to showcase the beauty and the history of our village. Our association and our activities have been featured in L’Indépendant, a local newspaper that covers the news and events of our region.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and find it useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your dream vacation in Occitanie. Thank you for visiting Occitanie Travel, and I hope to see you soon in this amazing region!