We continue the series of publications about the southwest of France and the most interesting locations in this region. Occitania is a region located between the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees and the Dordogne River valley. It is famous for its wine production and rich cultural heritage, as well as an abundance of places to relax: there are beaches, ski resorts, natural locations, and historical monuments.
How to get there
The largest international airport in the region is Toulouse-Blagnac. There are no direct flights from Russia; you can fly with transfers in Morocco, Algeria and Turkey. The cost of one-way tickets starts from 24,500 rubles*.
Historic cities
Toulouse
The region’s capital is known as the “pink city” due to the distinctive shade of brick used in the construction of most buildings. In the Middle Ages, it was the Catholic center of the French south, so many of the key attractions here are of a religious nature: the 11th-century Basilica of Saint-Sernin is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the 13th-century Jacobite Church is considered an important pilgrimage location as the burial place of Thomas Aquinas, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Dorade was built in the neoclassical style on the site of the ancient Temple of Apollo, and the Saint-Etienne Cathedral was built over many centuries and became a striking example of southern French Gothic.
Where to stay in Toulouse
- In apartments L’Annexe du Bivouac (rating 10) — from 5,600 rubles per day*.
- In the Love Hotel Toulouse apartments (score 10) — from 15,800 rubles per night*.
Montauban
From Toulouse it is convenient to travel to other cities in Occitanie. For example, for one day you can go to Montauban. Fans of not only architecture, but also academic painting should visit it, because the famous French artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was born here, and one of his canvases adorns the main cathedral of the city.
Where to stay in Montauban
- In the apartments La mansarde d’Olympe (rating 9.6) — from 7,000 rubles per day*.
- In apartments L’Amarelo (score 10) — from 7,600 rubles per night*.
Moissac
Less than an hour by train from Toulouse is another historically significant city – Moissac. First of all, it is famous for the ancient Abbey of Saint-Pierre – one of the most famous and ancient Romanesque architectural monuments, founded at the beginning of the 7th century. The abbey’s cloister (inner courtyard) is especially beautiful, considered a wonderful example of a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles: the ornamentation decorating the arches is never repeated.
Where to stay in Moissac
- In the apartments La maisonnette de la Concorde au cœur de Moissac (rating 9.5) — from 6,800 rubles per day*.
- In the apartment Le T2 moderne des Palmiers au coeur de Moissac (rating 9.6) —from 7,900 rubles per night*.
Carcassonne
This is the birthplace of one of the most famous local legends, retold by Umberto Eco in the book “Baudolino”. It is connected with the inaccessibility of the fortress, which throughout history no one has been able to take by storm.
You can spend the whole day inside the powerful walls, exploring the picturesque and very well-preserved bastions and admiring panoramic views of the local vineyards and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The city has another historical center, outside the fortress wall, which is also very cozy and interesting.
It is surrounded by many castles of varying degrees of preservation. Rent a car and get to “Five Sons of Carcassonne”, the amazing medieval fortresses of Aguilar, Puylorans, Peyrepertuse, Thermes and Querybus; The castles of Montsegur and Foix are also worth seeing.
Where to stay in Carcassonne
- At the hotel B&B La Maison Vintage (rating 9.7) — from 10 500 rubles per day*.
- In the four-star hotel Hôtel Restaurant Le Parc Franck Putelat (rating 9.4) —from 24,600 rubles per night*.
Osh
The city became famous thanks to its cathedral of 1489, and this place is also considered the birthplace of d’Artagnan. The lower and upper parts of the city are connected by a 35-meter staircase with 373 steps, consisting of several flights decorated with sculptures. Its construction was completed in 1863. Many travelers note the comfort of small Osh streets, the picturesque view of the Ger River and the Gascon fields around.
Where to stay in Osh
- At the country hotel Le Gavachon (rating 9.7) — from 8,700 rubles per night*.
- In a three-star hotel with a swimming pool Le Domaine de Baulieu (rating 9.2) — from 14,700 rubles per night*.
Nim
One of the most vibrant cities in Occitania. It is primarily known for its amphitheater: this impressive arena dates back to the end of the 1st century AD and has a very complex architecture: the stands could accommodate 24,000 spectators at a time. Today, various events and reconstructions take place here. The Roman heritage in the city is very noticeable: it is worth seeing the Maison Carré built in 1 AD – the best preserved ancient Roman temple in France. 22 km from the city is the famous Pont du Gard, the highest surviving Roman aqueduct in the world, which supplied the region with water until 1985.
Where to stay in Nimes
- At the Sous Le Neflier Hotel (score 10) — from 10,700 rubles per night*.
- In the holiday home Maison dans les Arbres, SPA, Tennis, Parking (score 10) — from 13,500 rubles per night*.
Sea holidays
Perpignan
This Occitan town was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca. It is located next to the Spanish border, so you are more likely to hear Catalan than French on its cozy streets. In addition to the beaches, the local coast is interesting for its oyster farms, next to which there are small “sheds” – tasting restaurants with a fishing flavor. Oysters are cheaper here than anywhere else in France.
Where to stay in Perpignan
- In the apartment Studio République #5 (rating 9.5) —from 4,500 rubles per day*.
- At the Le Mas Bresson hotel (rating 9.6) — from 7,800 rubles per night*.
Canet-en-Roussillon
One of the most popular locations among locals for a holiday on the Mediterranean Sea. There is a spacious sandy beach where swimmers and windsurfers flock on warm days. In the distance you can see the silhouette of the Pyrenees peak Canigou, whose height reaches 2,784 m. The commune itself is also very atmospheric: you can walk along the promenade, go to seaside seafood restaurants, explore the old village and medieval castle, or look into the estate Chateau Esparru, where wine tastings take place.
Where to stay in Caen-en-Roussillon
- At the camping Mobilhome neuf 2021 Mar Estang Canet-en-Roussilon (score 10) —from 6,300 rubles per day*.
- In a three-star hotel with a swimming pool Le Galion Canet Plage — Logis (rating 9.0) — from 8,200 rubles per night*.
Montpellier
Another cozy town not far from the sea. Here you can already feel the proximity of Provence in everything: narrow streets, tiled roofs, an abundance of flowering trees and lavender fields. Sit on the terrace of a café on the Place de la Comédie, stroll along the Quai Peyroux to the Belvedere and Saint-Clement Aqueduct, climb the bell tower of Saint-Pierre Cathedral or the Arc de Triomphe, wander through the luxurious botanical garden – then rent a bike and head to the coast (it’s located approx. 10 km from the city center). The seashore near Montpellier is very unusual – it is divided by etangs, small salty bays and lakes where pink flamingos live.
Where to stay in Montpellier
- In apartments App T2 a Montpellier (score 10) —from 13 600 rubles per day*.
- In the five-star hotel Hôtel Richer De Belleval (rating 9.3) —from 34 100 rubles per night*.
Hiking
In the last two decades, many travelers, even not the most religious ones, have sought to walk El Camino de Santiago – the walking route of medieval pilgrims. The most important section of the Way of St. James begins just in the south of France: four roads lead to passes through the Pyrenees.
Places associated with El Camino de Santiago can be recognized by the shell sign (this also marks relatively inexpensive hostels that host pilgrims) or by the red and white flag that marks the hiking trails.
One of the most interesting French roads is Podenskaya, as it passes through the most beautiful national park Cos du Quercy. This is a huge area with hills and rocks, dotted with the picturesque rivers Lot and Dordogne. The village of Rocamadour is considered an important pilgrimage site (and just an interesting location). Its houses seem to be stuck on a steep cliff.
In Cos du Quercy there is a cave of stunning size Padirac. The entrance ticket costs 20 euros, and it is better to buy it in advance online or arrive at the opening, because otherwise you can spend a couple of hours in line. The descent into the cave will be a very interesting experience: part of the route will have to be covered along an underground river in tiny canoes. Sunlight does not penetrate into Padirac, the temperature always remains at +13 degrees, and multi-colored lamps intricately illuminate the limestone deposits of various fantastic shapes.
Where to stay in Causses du Quercy
- At the Hôtel-Spa Le Saint Cirq in Tour de Forêt (score 9.0) —from 10,200 rubles per night*.
- At the Mas de Garrigue hotel in Calvignac (rating 9.7) — from 12,600 rubles per night*.
Kaor
The largest settlement in the park is Cahors, and it also lies on the Way of St. James. This city is famous for its wine (it is here that the original Cahors is produced from the Malbec grape) and the magnificent 900-year-old Saint-Etienne Cathedral.
Where to stay in Cahors:
- In a three-star art deco hotel Hôtel Terminus (rating 8.6) —from 6,900 rubles per night*.
- At the hotel on the river bank Best Western Plus Hotel Divona Cahors (score 9.2) — from 11 000 rubles per night*.
Rest in the mountains
Many French cities and villages owe their beauty to the Way of St. James, because it was because of the flow of pilgrims that churches and cathedrals were built in them, and refuges for pilgrims appeared. Thanks to this, from small settlements to pilgrimage and then tourist centers, for example, Tarbes and Lourdes, located not far from the Pyrenees and the border with Spain, turned.
The Pyrenees has many large spas with thermal pools where you can spend the whole day if you wish. For example, the mineral springs of the town Bagnieres-de-Bigorre have been known since the times of the ancient Romans. Check out the modern Aquensis center with saunas, hammam, massage rooms, swimming pool and rooftop hot tubs with mountain views. This city is a Pyrenean idyll with grazing herds of cows, cheese shops and mysterious ancient churches.
Where to stay in Bagneres-de-Bigorre
- At the hotel Le Rêve d’Aghon (rating 9.8) — from 10,800 rubles per night*.
- In apartments L’en vert appartement (score 9.9) — from 19,800 rubles per night*.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
