Discover the beauty and diversity of southern France through our Occitanie Destinations page, where each department showcases its own unique character and charm. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the scenic peaks of the Pyrenees, Occitanie offers a captivating blend of landscapes and cultural heritage. Explore our map and detailed descriptions to uncover the must-see attractions, historical landmarks, and hidden gems of this extraordinary region. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historic sites, or local delicacies, our guide to Occitanie’s destinations will inspire your next journey.

Occitanie Map
Occitanie Map

Our Aude Guides

Aude is a department in the south of France, named after the river that flows through it.

It is part of the Occitanie region and the historical territory of the Cathars, a religious movement that resisted the Crusades in the 13th century.

4 Chateaux de Lastours from 2nd Viewing Point
4 Chateaux de Lastours from 2nd Viewing Point

Aude has a diverse landscape, from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains, from the vineyards of the Corbières to the forests of the Montagne Noire.

Aude is also rich in culture and heritage, with many historical monuments, such as the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, and the Cathar castles.

Aude is a destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and gastronomy enthusiasts

Our Aude Guides

Things to Do in Narbonne

Narbonne, France: A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to See and Do

Narbonne may not be as famous as its neighbours, but this historic southern French city has its own charm. With …
beaches of port la nouvelle

The 5 most beautiful beaches in Aude in 2025: Discover the jewels of the Aude coast

With its stretches of fine sand, crystal clear waters and varied landscapes, Aude is a destination of choice for lovers …
Beaches of Leucate

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Leucate: 2025 Complete Guide for Your Holidays

Between Port-la-Nouvelle and Le Barcarès, the seaside resort of Leucate stretches over 18 kilometres of coastline. This jewel of the …
plages de port la nouvelle

The Beaches of Port la Nouvelle: An Authentic Coastline between Sea and Lagoons 2025

Nestled in the Aude department, the seaside resort of Port-la-Nouvelle stretches over 13 kilometres of beaches offering a unique diversity …
Giant Abyss of Cabrespine

Discover the Giant Abyss of Cabrespine: A Natural Wonder in Aude

The Giant Abyss of Cabrespine is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Aude, southern France. Located near the …
Places to Visit Near Bize-Minervois

Discover the Best Places to Visit Near Bize-Minervois in Occitanie

The charming village of Bize-Minervois serves as the perfect base for exploring a wealth of remarkable destinations in the heart …
Bize-Minervois

Discover Bize-Minervois: A Medieval Gem in Occitanie

Bize-Minervois is a charming medieval village situated in a beautiful rural location on the edge of the Haut-Languedoc Regional National …
Cathar Castle in Aude

Top 5 Cathar Castles in Aude: 2025 Local’s Guide

Welcome to Cathar Country! As locals, we’ve explored countless Cathar castles in Aude, and we’re excited to share our top …
Aguilar Castle

Aguilar Castle: A Local’s Guide to the Eagle’s Nest of Corbières

Commanding the landscape of the Hautes Corbières region in southern France, Aguilar Castle dominates a plain of rolling vineyards. The …
5 sons of Carcassonne

Discover the 5 Sons of Carcassonne Castles in Cathar Country

The ‘5 Sons of Carcassonne’ are located in Cathar Country in Aude in southern France. Puilaurens, Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Termes and …
Puilaurens Castle

Puilaurens Castle: Discover this Stunning Medieval Fortress in Cathar Country

Puilaurens Castle is one of the best-preserved royal fortresses in Cathar Country and offers an unforgettable glimpse into medieval history …
Is Carcassonne Castle Worth Visiting

Is Carcassonne Castle Worth Visiting? Discover What Makes It Special

Carcassonne Castle is not just a castle – it’s a journey back in time. Perched on a hill in southern …
Carcassonne Castle

Carcassonne Castle

The impressive silhouette of Carcassonne Castle (also known as La Cité de Carcassonne) stands high above the banks of the …
Lagrasse France

Lagrasse France and its Medieval Abbey 2024

Lagrasse, a captivating medieval village in the heart of the Corbières region in southern France, is renowned for its beauty …
Villerouge-Termenès Castle

What to Expect at Villerouge-Termenès Castle 2024

Villerouge-Termenès Castle is a completely restored fortress located deep in the picturesque Haute-Corbières region of Occitanie. This well-preserved medieval castle …
Termes Castle

Why You Should Visit Termes Castle in Occitanie 2024

Termes Castle is a hidden gem nestled in the mountainous Hautes Corbières region of Occitanie. This enchanting ruin is perched …
Fontfroide Abbey

Fontfroide Abbey: A Serene Sanctuary in Occitanie 2024

Fontfroide Abbey is tucked away in the picturesque region of Occitanie, not far from the coastal city of Narbonne in …
Peyrepertuse Castle

Why You Should Visit Peyrepertuse Castle in Occitanie 2024

Peyrepertuse Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress that is perched breathtakingly high on a rocky ridge in the eastern Pyrenees …
Plage de Gruissan

Visit Gruissan Beach 2025

Presentation of Gruissan Beach and its assets Gruissan Beach, located in the charming village of Gruissan in the Occitanie region, …
Quéribus Castle

Quéribus Castle 2024

The ruins of Quéribus Castle are perched high on a rugged peak deep in Cathar Country near the village of …
Oulibo

L’Oulibo: Between Earth and Olive, Journey to the Heart of Olive Growing 2024

L’Oulibo , this olive cooperative nestled near the charming village of Bize-Minervois, embodies much more than a simple olive oil …
Canal de la Robine

Discovery of the Canal de la Robine in Occitania 2024

Ready to embark on a journey to discover a hidden treasure of Occitania? The Canal de la Robine awaits you, …
Gouffre-oeuil-d'oux

Discovery of the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux 2025

The Montagne de la Clape, this limestone massif which extends proudly above the Mediterranean Sea, hides within it a well-kept …
Le Somail Canal du Midi

Le Somail Canal du Midi: A Hidden Gem on France’s Waterway 2024

Situated along the scenic bends of the historic Canal du Midi lies the tiny hamlet of Le Somail. This hidden …
Saint-Pierre-la-Mer-Grande-Roue

Saint Pierre La Mer Beach, Occitanie 2024

Situated along the sunny coasts of Occitanie, Saint Pierre La Mer beach welcomes you with its golden sandy beaches as …
narbonne plage

Narbonne Beach 2024

Narbonne Beach is the Mediterranean façade of Narbonne, located just 15 kilometres east of the city center. It is a …
Belvédère Lastours

Belvédère Lastours 2025

Perched on the Montagne Noire in southern France, the Lastours Castles offer a captivating glimpse into medieval history. This medieval …
Lastours Castles

The Four Castles of Lastours, France 2025

The Lastours Castles (or Châteaux de Lastours) are hidden in the picturesque region of Occitanie in the South of France …

Our Herault Guides

L’Hérault is a department in the south of France, named after the river that flows through it. It is part of the Occitanie region and the Mediterranean basin, with a coastline of 87 km and a hinterland of mountains and plains.

L’Hérault has a varied landscape, from the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Lion to the Cévennes hills, from the vineyards of the Languedoc to the gorges of the Hérault and the Orb.

Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes
Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes

L’Hérault is also rich in culture and heritage, with many historical monuments, such as the city of Montpellier, the Canal du Midi, the 9 locks of Fonseranes, and the abbey of Gellone.

L’Hérault is a destination for leisure, culture, and gastronomy, with activities such as sailing, hiking, cycling, wine tasting, and festivals.

Our Herault Guides

Marseillan plage promenade

Marseillan Beaches: Nature, Friendliness and Serenity 2025

The seaside resort of Marseillan offers 4 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, perfect for lovers of the Mediterranean. Between preserved …
Plage cap d'Agde

The Beaches of Cap d’Agde: A Diverse Coastline Between Nature and Leisure

Cap d’Agde, an iconic seaside resort in Hérault, stretches over 14 kilometres of beaches. With varied landscapes, ranging from well-equipped …

Vias Beaches: Complete Guide to the Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches in Hérault

Nestled between Cap d’Agde and Sérignan, the seaside resort of Vias is a popular destination for its 5 kilometres of …
Béziers

What to See and Do in Béziers France 2025

The small city of Béziers is a hidden gem in the South of France. Situated roughly halfway between Marseille and …
Béziers Christmas Market

Discover the Magic of Béziers: Christmas Market and Festive Lights

Béziers transforms into a winter wonderland each December, with its charming Christmas market and dazzling festive lights. Visitors can explore …
Places to Visit Near Bize-Minervois

Discover the Best Places to Visit Near Bize-Minervois in Occitanie

The charming village of Bize-Minervois serves as the perfect base for exploring a wealth of remarkable destinations in the heart …
Chichoulet Port

Chichoulet Port: Top Things to Do & Local Tips

Chichoulet Port offers an authentic and peaceful escape along the Mediterranean coast. This small, unassuming marina is nestled along the …
Plages de Portiragnes

Practical Guide to Enjoying the Beaches of Portiragnes: Access, Amenities and Safety

Discover Portiragnes, the hidden gem of the Languedoc coastline. Far from the hustle and bustle of crowded seaside resorts, Portiragnes …
Serignan plages

Discovery of the Beaches of Sérignan: Between Nature and Relaxation 2024

The beaches of Sérignan, nestled on the Languedoc coast, are a treasure for lovers of sun, sand and sea. Their …
Valras plage

Valras Beach: A Paradise for Families and Nature Lovers 2024

Valras-Plage, located between Vendres-Plage and Sérignan-Plage, is a must-visit seaside resort in Hérault. With its 4 kilometres of fine sandy …
Vendres Plage

Vendres Beach: Discover the Coastal Beauty Just 10 km from Béziers 2024

Located just 10 kilometres from Béziers, the picturesque seaside resort of Vendres Plage welcomes you with its authentic Mediterranean charm …
l’Auberge de la Croisade

L’Auberge de la Croisade: A Hidden Gem Along the Canal du Midi 2024

L’Auberge de la Croisade, known for its French Cuisine, is situated in the hamlet of Cruzy in the Hérault department …
Malpas Tunnel Canal du Midi

The Malpas Tunnel Canal du Midi 2024

The Malpas Tunnel on the Canal du Midi is an intriguing place where history is etched in its walls. This …
Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes

Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes in Béziers: A Local’s Guide 2025

Welcome to our insider’s guide to Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes in Béziers! Are you planning a trip to this …

Ariège in Occitanie

The Ariège is a department in the southwest of France, named after the river that flows through its valleys. It is part of the Occitanie region and is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rolling plains of the lower Ariège to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees mountains.

The Ariège has a varied landscape, from the lush forests of the Couserans to the high-altitude lakes of the Pyrenean range, from the pastoral valleys dotted with sheep farms to the rugged limestone plateaus and caves of the Vicdessos.

Montségur Castle
Montségur Castle

The Ariège is also rich in culture and heritage, with many historical monuments, such as the medieval town of Foix, the prehistoric caves of Niaux, the thermal baths of Ax-les-Thermes, and the Cathar fortress of Montségur, a symbol of the region’s tumultuous history.

The Ariège is a destination for leisure, adventure, and history enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, skiing, rock climbing, exploring Cathar castles, and discovering local crafts and traditions.

Our Ariège Guides

Montségur Castle

Scaling the Heights of Montségur: Insider Tips About the Ultimate Cathar Castle

Montségur Castle is a misty sentinel of medieval history in southern France. Perched 1,207 metres high on a rocky ‘pog’ …

Eastern Pyrenees in Occitanie

The Eastern Pyrenees is a department in the southernmost part of France, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. It is part of the Occitanie region and is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant Catalan culture, and sunny climate.

The Eastern Pyrenees boasts a diverse geography, from the golden beaches of the Vermillion Coast to the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees, from the fertile plains of Roussillon to the dramatic cliffs and vineyards of Banyuls-sur-Mer. This mix of sea and mountains creates a truly unique environment.

Landscape of Orgues d'Ile-sur-Têt
Landscape of Orgues d’Ile-sur-Têt

The Eastern Pyrenees is also rich in culture and heritage, with historical landmarks such as the Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan, the ancient Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa and Saint-Martin-du-Canigou, the Vauban fortifications of Villefranche-de-Conflent, and the breathtaking rock formations of Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt. The area also includes the charming fishing villages of Collioure and the Catalan festivals that celebrate its vibrant traditions.

The Eastern Pyrenees is a destination for relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery, offering activities such as hiking in the Canigou massif, enjoying water sports along the Mediterranean, exploring local wineries, and indulging in the rich flavors of Catalan cuisine.

Our Eastern Pyrenees Guides

Fortress of Salses

Visiting the Fortress of Salses in Pyrénées-Orientales (2025)

Built to guard the historic border crossing between France and Spain, the imposing Fortress of Salses (Forteresse de Salses) is …
Orgues d'Ile-sur-Têt rock formations

Exploring the Orgues d’Ile-sur-Têt Rock Formations in Southern France 2025

The Orgues d’Ile-sur-Têt offer a striking contrast to the more traditional historic sites of the Occitanie region. While many of …