Archaeological and natural wonders in Occitania

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.

Archaeological and Natural Wonders — Map

A

Arles Amphitheatre

The Arles Amphitheatre is a Roman amphitheatre in Arles, southern France.

B

Arles Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Arles is a 1st-century Roman theatre, built during the reign of Caesar Augustus.

C

Alyscamps

The Alyscamps is a large Roman necropolis, which is a short distance outside the walls of the old town of Arles, France.

D

Cirque romain

Built in 149 AD, this was the largest Roman building in Arles, primarily used for chariot racing.

Lhaw 31 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Roman Amphitheatre of Toulouse Purpan

The last ancient monument standing in Toulouse where gladiator combat took place. Take a guided tour and learn about the Roman era.

F

Porte d'Auguste

A 1st-century BC Roman gate in Nîmes that served as a major entrance along the Via Domitia.

Guillaume de clermont 60 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Tour Barberousse

The Tour Barberousse is in the coastal village of Gruissan in the Aude département of France.The tower is all that remains of a castle…

Krzysztof Golik / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Château de Najac

Château de Najac or the royal fortress of Najac is located in Najac, in the Aveyron département, in southern France.

I

Forteresse de Mornas XI ème siècle

11th-century fortress situated on a rocky spur, featuring defensive walls that overlook the Rhône Valley.

Arnaugir / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Castell i Torre de Querroig

10th-century medieval castle ruins and tower located on the border ridge between France and Spain.

Serge Ottaviani / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Château de Beaucens

The Château de Beaucens, is a 14th-century ruined castle in the commune of Beaucens in the Hautes-Pyrénées département of France.

Depagax / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Château de Pagax

The château de Pagax is located in the ancient province of Rouergue. It dominates the valley of the River Lot.

Yricordel / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Château de Calmont d'Olt

The Château de Calmont d'Olt is a castle situated in France, in the Aveyron département in the commune of Espalion.

N

Château Inférieur

The Château Inférieur is a ruined castle in the commune of Peyrusse-le-Roc in the Aveyron département of France.

Unidentified painter / Public domain

O

Redoute de Mailly

18th-century coastal fortification in Port-Vendres designed for maritime defense.

benpro / CC BY-SA 4.0

P

Fort de Leucate

Ruined 16th-century fort on the Leucate plateau, formerly a strategic border post against the Kingdom of Aragon.

Q

Château de Montlaur

11th-century medieval castle ruins located in the commune of Montaud.

Fabricio Cardenas / CC BY-SA 3.0

R

Tour de Château-Roussillon

13th-century medieval signal tower in Perpignan, standing on a site with archaeological remains dating to the Iron Age.

S

Château Sainte-Marie

14th-century ruined castle built on a rocky promontory to defend the Luz valley.

Other Lists

Occitanie's Absolute Essentials French Heritage Treasures French Religious Heritage Castles and Forts of France Regional Flavors and Markets Scenic Viewpoints and Mountain Passes