Quick Facts:
✔ Sun-soaked climate and outdoor lifestyle.
✔ Affordable property compared to Provence or the Riviera.
✔ Deep cultural roots and varied landscapes.
Occitanie: Sun, Sea, Mountains, and Medieval Wonders
Stretching from the Spanish border to the Mediterranean coast, Occitanie is one of France’s most diverse and exciting regions. A land of contrasts, it offers sunny beaches, snow-capped mountains, bustling cities, and centuries of history.
OCCITANIE
Where is Occitanie?
Located in southern France, Occitanie was formed in 2016 by merging the Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions. It borders Spain, Andorra, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Major Cities and Areas
Toulouse: The dynamic "Pink City" with aerospace industries and vibrant culture.
Montpellier: A stylish university city near the coast.
Carcassonne: Home to the fairy-tale medieval walled city.
Nîmes: Roman heritage galore, including a remarkably preserved amphitheatre.
Perpignan: Strong Catalan influence near the Spanish border.
Weather in Occitanie
Expect a Mediterranean climate along the coast: hot, dry summers and mild winters. Inland and in the mountains, the weather is cooler with snowy winters, perfect for skiing.
A Look at Occitanie’s History
Occitanie has layers of fascinating history — from prehistoric caves to Cathar castles and Roman arenas.
Highlights:
Pont du Gard: A stunning Roman aqueduct near Nîmes.
Cathar Castles: Spectacular medieval ruins perched on dramatic hills.
Albi and its UNESCO Cathedral: Home of artist Toulouse-Lautrec.
Things to Do in Occitanie
✔ Visit Carcassonne’s Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site straight from a storybook.
✔ Relax on Mediterranean Beaches: From Narbonne-Plage to Collioure.
✔ Ski the Pyrenees: Resorts like Ax-3-Domaines and Font-Romeu offer winter sports and hiking in summer.
✔ Explore Vineyards: Taste wines from Languedoc and Gaillac regions.
✔ Discover Ancient Nîmes: Roman temples and arenas transport you back in time.
Outdoor Activities
Occitanie’s Cuisine
Wines of Languedoc: Excellent reds, whites, and rosés.
Cassoulet: A hearty dish of beans, duck, and sausage.
Roquefort Cheese: A famous blue cheese aged in limestone caves.
Seafood: Fresh from the Mediterranean coast.
Occitanie offers a slice of everything that makes France magical: beaches, mountains, vineyards, and medieval towns — all with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.