Occitanie has it all: stunning landscapes, endless activities, and historic treasures galore! From ancient châteaux and medieval villages to natural wonders and a spectacular coastline, this alluring corner of southern France is worth visiting at any time of year. So, what are the must-see sights in Occitanie? Follow our guide and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
Top towns and cities in Occitanie
Carcassonne
The old city of Carcassonne is a UNESCO-listed medieval marvel and worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, especially with the family. A real highlight of Occitanie, the site is absolutely breathtaking, with 3 kilometres of ramparts and 52 towers visible for miles around. Walking through it feels like stepping straight back in time, and it’s as educational as it is fascinating!
Toulouse
Another of Occitanie’s gems is the Pink City, as Toulouse is affectionately known. It will steal your heart the moment you arrive! Beyond its irresistible southern charm, you’ll find treasures like the Jacobins Convent, the banks of the River Garonne, the Place du Capitole, and the famous Canal du Midi. Be warned though – one visit won’t be nearly enough to see everything in Toulouse, so you’ll have the perfect excuse to come back soon!
Albi
Here’s another UNESCO-listed treasure that’s perfect for couples or families. With its distinctive red-brick buildings, Albi invites you to explore an array of exceptional historic monuments like the episcopal city and cathedral, home to a 15th-century masterpiece: the Last Judgement mural – magnificent and terrifying in equal measure! Don’t miss the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (a real gem) and make sure you admire the town from the Pont Vieux bridge.
Millau
The capital of the Aveyron awaits you for a nature-rich getaway packed with outdoor activities. Hiking in the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park, canoeing through the Gorges du Tarn, paragliding… there’ll be no time to get bored! And if you’re keen to do some sightseeing, the Larzac Plateau, Roquefort cheese cellars, and the famous viaduct are all key attractions.
Torreilles
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Pyrénées, Torreilles in the Pyrénées-Orientales is well worth a stop. Enjoy the joys of the seaside on its beaches, feast on freshly caught seafood, savour that southern French way of life – and if you fancy soaking up the buzz of the city for a few hours, beautiful Perpignan with its Catalan vibe is just down the road!
Leucate
You could say that Leucate is the land of wind! This world-renowned kitesurfing spot in the Aude is perfect at any time of year if you fancy taking on the Mediterranean waves. Not your thing? No worries – you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, strolling along the seafront, fishing at the Leucate lagoon, or visiting the fort for all-round views of the area… and more besides.
Montpellier
With its lively atmosphere and reliable sunshine, Montpellier is brilliant for families or couples all year-round. In summer, the Mediterranean beaches are just 15 minutes away – perfect for mastering the noble art of doing absolutely nothing! Come autumn, lace up your walking boots for a hike up Pic Saint-Loup or a wander around Lac du Salagou.
Must-see spots in Occitanie
Gorges du Tarn
Straddling the Lozère and the Aveyron, the Gorges du Tarn are a natural wonder and definitely one for your bucket list. The scenery is stunning – that contrast between the clear river and the vibrant green vegetation is something else – and it’s paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, riverside picnics – you can do it all here.
Millau Viaduct
The Millau Viaduct is an architectural giant set in the heart of Aveyron and as impressive as it is fascinating. At 343 metres high, it was the world’s tallest bridge for years and remains a remarkable engineering feat. Whether you admire it from the ground or from the air, it’s quite a sight!
The Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is another UNESCO-listed monument. It’s a spectacular sight that you really should see at least once in your lifetime. At 48 metres high, with three tiers of arches and the fact it took almost a decade to build, the statistics are mind-boggling. Especially considering that it was built in the first century!
Canal du Midi
Yet another UNESCO gem! Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, the Canal du Midi is a marvel of waterway engineering and wonderful to explore – whether you’re cruising by boat, or cycling or walking along the towpath.
The Sigean African Reserve
Fancy travelling to far-flung lands without leaving Occitanie? That’s exactly what the Sigean African Reserve promises! Visitors of all ages can get up close to lions, giraffes, bears and migratory birds roaming semi-free across this 300-hectare park. It’s a proper African savannah experience for the whole family – unforgettable memories guaranteed!
Top activities to do in Occitanie
Hiking and canyoning
Want to breathe in some fresh air surrounded by stunning scenery? Nothing could be easier in Occitanie! There are hiking trails everywhere – the only thing that changes is the backdrop: coastal paths, mountains, vineyards, or lakes. You can also explore the region from its rivers and lakes in whatever craft takes your fancy – canoe, paddleboard, or boat. Pick one, then set sail and enjoy!
Watersports
The waters of the Mediterranean are Occitanie’s ultimate haven for adventure. From the beaches of La Franqui to Leucate where kitesurfing rules, and on to Torreilles, Frontignan, or Vendres, there are countless spots to ride the waves. You’ll easily find one that suits you!
Medieval villages and historic sites
Love stepping back in time and exploring places steeped in history? Welcome to Occitanie!
Historic treasures you’ll come across include:
- The Cathar castles of the Aude
- Rocamadour in the Lot, famous for its religious sanctuary
- Cordes-sur-Ciel, a 12th-century fortified village perched on its rocky outcrop
- La Couvertoirade, a former Templar Commandery in the Aveyron
Get ready for some seriously impressive sights!
Food and wine
One thing you simply must do in the Occitanie is explore the local gastronomy! Foodies will be in heaven with the vineyards of Pic Saint-Loup or Armagnac, Roquefort cheese cellars in the Aveyron, oysters from the Étang de Thau, Sète’s tielles (seafood pies), or cargolade, the traditional Catalan snail dish. Enjoy – but don’t overdo it!
Where to stay in Occitanie?
After “what to see in Occitanie?”, here’s the other big question: “where to stay?”. While there’s plenty of choice, a 4 or 5 star campsite is your best bet, offering:
- A wide range of accommodation for every kind of family, from couples to big groups
- Comfort levels to match your needs (PREMIUM mobile homes with services included, or camping pitches with or without private sanitary facilities, for example)
- CHILL or CLUB vibes to suit your holiday style
- A variety of activities and entertainment
- Free children’s clubs
- Water parks and aquatic playgrounds
For glamping, quirky accommodation, or a Prestige getaway, you’ll find the best of camping with Sandaya!
Planning a holiday in Occitanie means you’re guaranteed a packed programme of activities, historic sites with bags of charm, and unique adventures tailored to your interests. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip!
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