Occitania

Region ·🇫🇷 France

Population 6,124,653

Area 73,225 km²

Time zone Europe/Paris

Official website www.laregion.fr

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Explore Occitania

Occitanie's Absolute Essentials

Occitanie showcases a dense concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient Roman engineering. This selection spans from the first-century Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard and the preserved Maison Carrée temple in Nîmes to the fortified Palais des Papes in Avignon. The region’s architectural history is further represented by the red-brick Gothic Albi Cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse. Coastal fortifications like the Château Royal de Collioure and the 240-kilometer Canal du Midi highlight the strategic and commercial importance of Southern France through the centuries.

13 places

French Heritage Treasures

This collection showcases the architectural evolution of Southern France, spanning from the 1st-century Roman engineering of the Pont du Gard and Arles Amphitheatre to the medieval grandeur of Avignon’s Palais des Papes. It features UNESCO World Heritage sites including the brick-built Albi Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. Sernin in Toulouse, and the 240-kilometer Canal du Midi. These landmarks represent centuries of religious pilgrimage at Rocamadour and Conques, alongside Renaissance townhouses like the Hôtel d'Assézat.

19 places

French Religious Heritage

This collection showcases the architectural evolution of French religious sites, ranging from the remarkably preserved 1st-century Roman temple, Maison Carrée, to the Southern Gothic brickwork of Albi Cathedral. Highlights include the Romanesque pilgrimage center of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and the iconic "palm tree" vaulting of the Jacobins. The list spans diverse faiths and styles, featuring the 19th-century Avignon Synagogue, the Protestant St. Martial Temple, and the Neo-Gothic pilgrimage basilica at Lourdes, reflecting centuries of spiritual history and craftsmanship across Southern France.

19 places

Castles and Forts of France

This collection highlights the diverse military and royal architecture of Southern France, spanning the Middle Ages to the 16th century. It features the 14th-century Palais des Papes in Avignon, the unique Catalan-style brickwork of Fort de Salses, and the clifftop strongholds of Foix and Najac. The list covers various defensive styles, including the coastal Château Royal de Collioure and the well-preserved Château de Tarascon. These sites illustrate the evolution of regional power, from the seats of the Anjou dynasty to strategic border fortifications near the Pyrenees.

15 places

Archaeological and Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the architectural heritage of southern France, spanning from Roman antiquity to the Middle Ages. It features UNESCO-listed monuments in Arles, such as the 1st-century amphitheatre and the Alyscamps necropolis, alongside Nîmes’ ancient city gates. The list also includes strategic medieval fortifications, including the 11th-century Mornas fortress perched above the Rhône and the coastal ruins of Fort de Leucate. These sites offer a direct look at ancient entertainment, funerary traditions, and centuries of regional military defense.

19 places

Regional Flavors and Markets

This collection features the gastronomic heritage of Occitanie and Provence, spanning historic market halls, traditional wineries, and regional restaurants. Highlights include the 16th-century timber-framed hall in Bassoues, the 1901 Baltard-style pavilion in Narbonne, and the first wine cooperative in France at Maraussan. Visitors can explore specialized markets like Samatan's poultry halls or dine in regional establishments serving local specialties from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast.

44 places

Scenic Viewpoints and Mountain Passes

This collection features the diverse landscapes of Occitanie, from high-altitude Pyrenean passes like Tourmalet and Soulor to the dramatic glacial amphitheater of the Cirque de Gavarnie. It includes Roman monuments in Nîmes, medieval fortresses overlooking the Rhône Valley, and panoramic viewpoints across the Tarn countryside. The list also highlights regional wildlife and peaks like the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, known for its astronomical observatory.

20 places