Discover Occitania
For your next weekend, discover Occitania, a region that combines nature, heritage and tranquillity.
Explore its diverse landscapes, visit its historic towns and take part in original activities. Enjoy a simple, authentic holiday, off the beaten path.
The French region of Occitania
From the Pyrenees to the Cévennes, from the Mediterranean to the Dordogne valley, Occitania is as big as a country.
With a generous climate, attractive metropolises like Toulouse and Montpellier, unspoilt natural areas and a collection of exceptional sites, 9 of which are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Occitania is an inspiring region.
The seasons set the pace, let us take you on a slow-paced tour of Occitania to enjoy the nuances of its landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage, and encounters with its passionate inhabitants, the artisans of the regions that make its charme. – In partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania.
What to visit in Occitania?
La Route des Vins du Languedoc
Albi
Lozère
Where to sleep in Occitania?
Spend the night in guest houses set amidst the vineyards or in charming hotels at the foot of the mountains. Our selected establishments welcome you for simple, environmentally-friendly stays.
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La Villa Duflot Perpignan Hôtel & SPA
Rond-point Albert Donnezan (avenue Charles Deperet) – PERPIGNAN 66000
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Le Monastère de Saint-Mont
627, rue Bernard Tumapaler – SAINT-MONT 32400
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Maison Chenet – Entre Vigne et Garrigue
600 Route de Saint-Bruno – PUJAUT 30131
Culinary specialties of Occitania
Annett Teich, at the restaurant BK
Text by Laurence Gounel
She is the first female chef to have joined the JRE (“Jeunes Restaurateurs”, literally “young chefs”) in France and she has been awarded the distinctions of “Master’s of Meat” and “Exemplary Chef to Follow” for her ethics… Trained at the Alma school in Colorno, Italy, among the 120 chefs selected to join the Smart Climate Chef program thanks to their commitment, she pursues her own very advanced one at her creative restaurant, BK, in the Hérault.
Firstly, by practicing zero kilometer sourcing, even if it means banning a number of products if they cannot be grown locally: thus replacing lettuce with samphire or seaweed, eliminating melon, eggs in desserts, and corn in favor of chickpeas. The same vigilance is applied to “species equality”: the fish is caught by small-scale fishermen from the Perpignan basin selected for their ethical practices. Fish that she ripens to preserve it better, and uses all parts without exception. The meat only comes from respectful slaughterhouses and she uses, for example, the fat from her pigs to thicken sauces. She has removed the siphon from her utensils, as it is too energy-intensive, and she works on different preparations from the same delivery of products to reduce water and energy footprints. Far beyond sourcing, the entire functioning and approach of her unique menu is the result of comprehensive reflection well in advance..
«Even if it changes all the time, my menu does not suffer from adaptations because it is designed to be as carbon neutral as possible. Ultimately, I would like it to become completely carbon neutral…»
Where to eat in Occitania?
Sample Occitan cuisine in our selection of committed restaurants. From tielle sétoise to duck breast, every dish features fresh, local produce. The chefs offer tasty, responsible cuisine that supports regional producers.
Teritoria celebrates its 50 years
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary,
our community invites its travelers
to discover new territories & win 50 getaways.
What not to miss in
Occitania?
What to do in Occitania?
Cultural activities
1. The medieval city of Carcassonne as you’ve never seen it before! – In partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania
With its dual UNESCO World Heritage listing for the medieval fortified city and the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne offers a new and unique visit: the fully secured and accessible parapet walk at the top of the ramparts of the medieval city of Carcassonne. For the first time in over a century, it offers a complete 1500-meter route with breathtaking views of one of the most famous UNESCO sites in Occitania.
Photo credits: G.DESCHAMPS – CRTL Occitanie
2. Cerbère: an artistic journey to discover the southernmost village in France in a different way – In partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania
The last station before Spain, Cerbère, invites you to stroll along its exceptional guided tours combining history and urban art. As you wander through the streets, you will discover contemporary frescoes and pop art works that have transformed the walls of this typical Catalan city into real open-air galleries. On the occasion of the Mar i Munt de Printemps weeks, a digital graffiti workshop led by Distillerie 66 from Torreilles is scheduled for April 23, 2025.
Photo credits: © Istock/ Damocean
3. Pont du Gard
Discover this immense Roman aqueduct, listed by UNESCO. Wander the surrounding paths to learn more about the history and construction of this historic monument, a testament to Roman engineering in France.
Photo credits: Aurélio RODRIGUEZ – Site de Pont du Gard
4. Musée Soulages à Rodez
Explore the works of painter Pierre Soulages, a pioneer of contemporary art. The museum presents his major creations in a modern setting. Discover how his work has influenced contemporary art, in an atmosphere that encourages observation and reflection.
Photo credits: © Istock/ Eric Bascol
5. Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Visit this jewel of Romanesque art, set in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Combining sacred architecture and magnificent landscapes, the abbey is an ideal place for meditation and historical discovery, offering an emblematic glimpse of the local heritage.
Photo credits: Office de Tourisme Grande-Motte – CRTL Occitanie
6. In the Pyrénées-Orientales: Collioure voted “Favorite Village of the French” – in partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania
Pearl of the Côte Vermeille, the famous Catalan town of Collioure has just won the 12th season of the TV program “Le village préféré des français” (“Favorite village of the French”) hosted by Stéphane Bern on “France 3”. Representing Occitania, Collioure distinguished itself among 13 other villages in mainland France and the overseas territories, thus giving Occitania its third title after Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot) in 2012 and Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn) in 2014. Take the opportunity to rediscover this authentic fishing village with its incredible charm, already acclaimed by the most famous painters of “Fauvism” at the beginning of the last century…
Photo credits: H.ARGENCE – OT Collioure
Unusual activities – In partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania
1. Night-time hike to the Pic du Midi
What could be more enchanting, at nightfall, than reaching the aptly named Vaisseau des Étoiles (litteraly “Starship”)?
Setting off in the late afternoon from the Col du Tourmalet, you can admire the sunset over the mountain peaks. After the track that leads to the Hôtellerie des Laquets, the slope becomes steeper, but you will reach the summit without any problems. At the top, in a magical setting, it’s picnicking and snacking under the stars. After taking in the sights, the return is gentle, by torchlight or, even more magically, by moonlight.
Photo credits: Dominique VIET – CRTL Occitanie
2. In the Gard | At Le Grau-du-Roi: whale watching or dolphin and other cetacean watching off the coast
As environmental protection measures begin to bear fruit, it is increasingly common to observe dolphins and other cetaceans off the coast of Occitania.
Surfing on growing demand, the catamaran Le Providence offers themed sea trips to observe these magnificent marine mammals, departing from the port of Grau-du-Roi. Surfing on growing demand, the catamaran Le Providence offers themed sea trips to observe these magnificent marine mammals, departing from the port of Grau-du-Roi. Committed to an eco-responsible approach that respects marine animals, the Providence is in the process of obtaining the High Quality Whale Watching label.
Photo credits: © Istock/ stephenallen75
3. In Fitou, Aude: “Make your own wine” at Domaine du Vent
Domaine du Vent offers you the opportunity to become a winegrower for a time-sensitive experience that will awaken your sense of smell and taste buds, allowing you to create your own blend, your own cuvée. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are the grape varieties that characterize the Fitou appellation. They each have their own characteristics. Which one will be the fruitiest, the most floral, with more or less tannins, discreet, silky or even velvety? Which one will bring structure, depth, roundness, freshness? Not forgetting spices, liquorice, garrigue scrubland… In short, endless possibilities for creating your own vintage.
Photo credits: Charlène Pelut @pelut.charlene – CRTL Occitanie
4. In Aveyron – Celebrate 100 years of the Roquefort PDO
The most famous French sheep’s milk cheese has been delighting the palates of epicureans since ancient times. To mark the 100th anniversary of its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), numerous events and festivities will take place throughout 2025 to showcase all the players in the Roquefort industry. On June 7 and 8, 2025, for example, you will celebrate this centenary in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon for the 3rd edition of Roquefort-en-Fête: entertainment and culinary shows, exhibitions, cellar visits, concerts, children’s activities, themed hikes and pyro-symphonic shows are on the program of festivities.
Photo credits: © Getty Images/destillat
5. In Perpignan: make your own pair of “Payote” (Catalan espadrilles).
During an exclusive, immersive 4-hour workshop offered by the famous brand “Payote”, you will create your own pair of Catalan espadrilles, those rope and canvas shoes so typical of summer, and you will leave with a nice holiday souvenir. Those in a hurry can also buy a kit to make their own espadrilles once they get home.
Photo credits: © Getty Images/Manakin
Sports activities – In partnership with the Regional Center for Tourism and Leisure of Occitania
1. In Viala-du-Tarn: discover the Tarn valley on an electric surfboard
Le Héron des Raspes offers e-foil rentals, an electric stand-up paddleboard, for a unique experience in a little-known area of the Tarn valley, downstream from Millau: the raspes du Tarn. Sailing on an e-foil or “electric surfboard” promises an incredible feeling of freedom and of flying over the water.
Photo credits: © Getty Images/clodio
2. For hiking enthusiasts: follow the GR de Pays d’Armagnac
346 kilometers of roaming through the Gers, combining the discovery of wine tourism sites and unmissable heritage. The GR de Pays d’Armagnac is divided into three themed loops (from 3 to 6 days) that can be combined with each other. It offers a Grande Randonnée (GR) path open to all three practices, on foot, by bike and on horseback.
Photo credits: © studioroman
3. In Cordes-sur-Ciel: follow the Chemin du Grain de Sel
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a Mecca for tourists in Occitania. To appreciate its timeless beauty, far from the crowds and close to nature, take the Grain de Sel trail: winding along the Cérou valley, it offers walkers magnificent views of the medieval city. At the bend in an old railway line, water mills and beautiful 19th-century farms, herons, foxes and roe deer sometimes cross the path of discreet hikers…
Photo credits: Viajandoconmami – CRTL Occitanie
4. In Lautrec: discover the winegrowers’ paths and pink garlic on an electric Solex moped
The iconic two-wheeler propels its passenger towards ever more discoveries, silently and emission-free. Flexibility, originality, agility: the retro-style machine with modern technology effortlessly connects the pretty bastides of Lisle-sur-Tarn or Rabastens to the vineyards of Gaillac, passing through picturesque villages and heritage sites including Lautrec, famous for its pink garlic…
Photo credits: Christine CHABANETTE – CRTL Occitanie
5. Take a gravel bike along the Grande Traversée du Massif Central!
Linking the Morvan to the Mediterranean over 1380 km, no less than 230 km of the “Grande Traversée du Massif Central” are in Lozère.
Originally dedicated to mountain biking and e-mountain biking, gravel bike enthusiasts can now enjoy this itinerant route. This new discipline has been adapted to allow cycling on both country lanes and roads. Gravel bike enthusiasts can therefore discover not only beautiful trails, but also our beautiful departmental roads!
Photo credits: © Getty Images/Gwenvidig
Zoom on Occitanie Rail Tour
Occitanie Rail Tour is casting its net!
Occitanie Rail Tour (ORT) is developing its offer and is now extending to all regional coach lines (liO network) so that, in addition to the 19 TER (regional train) lines on which the ORT already operated, practically 100% of the territory of Occitanie is now accessible by public transport at a lower cost.
Occitania is committed to welcoming you in a responsible manner by capitalizing on low carbon impact stays and promoting environmentally friendly service providers, in line with Teritoria’s values.
As a reminder: the ORT is a digital pass that allows you to travel as much as you like on all regional train lines in Occitania for €10/day per person, 365 days a year, regardless of the user’s age or income.
And for just €2 more, the entire regional bus network is now included in this scheme
Do you want to organize a meeting in Occitania?
Looking for the perfect venue for your next corporate event? Teritoria will (free of charge) find the ideal venue for you, negotiated at the best price, according to your availability, within our community of hoteliers and restaurateurs!
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La Villa Duflot Perpignan Hôtel & SPA
Rond-point Albert Donnezan (avenue Charles Deperet) – PERPIGNAN 66000
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Château & Village Castigno – Wine Hotel et Resort
Avenue de Saint-Chinian – ASSIGNAN 34360
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Responsable du bar et chef sommelier du Château & Village Castigno – Wine Hotel et Resort depuis deux ans et demi, ce passionné de gastronomie affiche 17 000 bouteilles et presque 500 références dans sa cave à vins exclusivement française.
