Camping Occitanie

Occitanie embodies France as a whole, with its distinct accent and valued customs, with preserved natural regions and stunning landscapes, an extraordinary heritage and a well-known lifestyle, and leisure activities for everyone, everywhere. Come explore it, take in the surroundings, get moved, and have a memorable experience.

Occitanie, région of southern France created in 2016 by the union of the former régions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. It is bounded by the région of Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the west, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to the north, and Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur to the east.

Separated by an official border since the 1960s, the lands that make up the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées have had a shared destiny on several occasions during their separate histories.

A Roman invasion of the area in the 2nd century B.C. would determine the future administrative territory of Languedoc. As the most important city in Roman Gaul, Narbonne established its own province, La Narbonnaise, which stretched from west of Toulouse to what is now Provence. Toulouse surpassed Narbonne during the Late Empire and became the capital of the Visigoth kingdom, which controlled the southwestern region of Gaul, around the beginning of the 5th century.

Toulouse

The sheer number of spectacular monuments in Toulouse's centre, which you may explore on foot or by bike, will astound you. Visit the Saint-Sernin Basilica (one of the largest Roman structures in the West) and the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Discover the splendour of the Jacobin Convent, a work of Southern French Gothic art. Enjoy the tranquillity of the cloister and the Augustine Museum. If you only have time to see one of Toulouse's 80 houses, make it the Hôtel d'Assézat.

Albi

You're in the centre of Albi's episcopal city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site if you go to Sainte-Cécile Cathedral near the Palais de la Berbie. This architectural ensemble, which is entirely made of orange brick, has stayed remarkably consistent. The Saint-Salvi Collegiate Church and its cloister, as well as the Pont-Vieux over the Tarn, are also included (one of the oldest bridges in France).

The Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is a Southern French Gothic masterpiece with an enthralling Renaissance design and spiritual strength.

Montauban

Go to Montauban's Pont Vieux bridge. Since the Middle Ages, its arches have crossed the Tarn. This is the greatest place to see the town's orange brick architecture.

Right bank: the old bishop's residence, which now houses the Ingres Museum and the Natural History Museum, as well as Saint-Jacques Church and former convents along the docks.

Mansions on the left bank. They serve as a reminder that Montauban was formerly home to affluent traders, despite its reputation as a Protestant safe haven that incurred Louis XIII's fury.

Mirepoix

Mirepoix's main square will appeal to you. Half-timbered homes stand guard over the bustling plaza, which is surrounded by cafés and stores hidden behind awnings. Consider this: Their oak pillars date back over 800 years.

Mirepoix, which was also a prominent Cathar settlement, was rebuilt by adopting a bastide model after being inundated in 1289. Its church and extremely large nave symbolise the country's return to Catholicism.

Lourdes

Lourdes is a lovely town in southern France, nestled in the Pyrenees foothills. Since 1858, when a young lady named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary 18 times, it has been a popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage site.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the pilgrim destination next door to the Basilica, should thus be the first port of call. Every year, millions of people gather to drink or bathe in the cave's free-flowing spring, as Soubirous was allegedly advised by the Madonna herself.

Uzes

Uzes, former silk, linen, and liquorice trading hub, is a city of striking contrasts, with ancient stone homes and Renaissance architecture coexisting with contemporary townhouses.

The Ducal Palace, constructed on an ancient Roman camp, the Cathedral of Saint Theodorit, and a museum dedicated to Haribo sweets are all highlights. Climb the Window Tower for spectacular views, then meander around the peaceful Medieval Garden.

1. The Most Beautiful Villages in France

Their names ring out and delight: Loubressac, Carennac, Minerve, Belcastel, and so on. Around 40 villages have already been awarded the "Plus Beau Village de France" badge, proving that our region is one of the most beautiful.

The area is covered with a variety of hues and materials, including red and ochre sandstone, hazelnut-coloured shale, and white and golden limestone. Their twisting alleyways are alive with artisans, stores, cafés, and restaurants. If you enjoy the patina of old stones, the gorgeous alleyway scenescapes, and the spice of history, Occitania is the place to be!

2. Canal du Midi

For nearly 350 years, the Canal du Midi (Canal of the Two Seas) has connected the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. It runs from Toulouse into the Etang de Thau basin, France's second-biggest lake.

But it's the trip that's important here; it's jam-packed with nature, culture, and food. You can explore anything on foot, bike, or boat, but the latter is the true delight! Furthermore, you do not need a boat licence to perform it.

3. St-Guilhem-le-Desert

St. Guilhem-le-Desert is almost a thousand years old and is hidden away in the isolated Gellone Valley. It has been an important pilgrimage place for nearly as long, with humble origins as far back as the 9th century, when an abbey was founded in the Herault Gorges.

4. Pyrenees National Park

The Pyrenees National Park stretches over the hilly border with Spain, encompassing six valleys ranging from the Hautes-Pyrenees to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. This wild and fascinating region has the tallest peaks in the French Pyrenees as well as hundreds of alpine lakes that demand to be explored.

Along magnificent hiking routes, dense woodlands, purple Pyrenean irises, and rhododendrons crawl up the snow-capped peaks. The park is open all year and may be visited on foot or by train for outdoor activities in the summer, festivals in the fall, snow sports in the winter, and flowers in the spring.

5. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval hilltop town that has been so perfectly kept that you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. Its medieval strongholds, museums, mysteries, and stories date back to the Gallo-Roman period.

The ancient town may easily have been influenced by Disney, with its lovely stone houses, frequently abandoned alleyways, and castle-like walls on the Canal du Midi. Carcassonne was well-known for its role in the Albigensian Crusades as an Occitan Cathar stronghold.

1. Enter the famous arena of Nîmes

The construction of this arena is exceedingly complex, dating from the end of the first century after Christ. The Coliseum, which was round in shape, could hold 24,000 spectators, all of whom had a good view of the track. Today, the arena holds concerts and reconstructions of classic Roman sports, serving as a vivid reminder of colonial times.

2. Relax in the Cevennes or in Lozère

It is difficult to discover more intact landscapes than the Lozère, which encompasses the lakes of Aubrac, the plateaus of Causses, and the valleys of the Cévennes. Hiking and open-space enthusiasts will be enchanted by this gorgeous area of Southern France.

3. Take a day trip to Sant Martí del Canigó & Sant Miquel de Cuixà Abbeys

The Canigó (pronounced "Canigou" in French) is a Pyrénées mountain of symbolic significance for the Catalan people. Canigó is a hallowed area of stories and secrets for Catalans, but it is also a national emblem that inspired artists such as Jacint Verdaguer, author of the poem Canigó. 

4. Enjoy nature in Gorges du Tarn

For nature enthusiasts, Gorges du Tarn is one of the top Occitanie locations. It consists of a massive canyon carved by the Tarn River in the limestone plateau between the Causse Méjean and the Causse de Sauveterre. The Gorges du Tarn region is filled with scenic towns, ancient cathedrals, and historic châteaux and fortifications.

Today, this location is highly regarded for its outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, and kayaking. It's also a fantastic place to drive through on a road trip, with amazing landmarks and breathtaking vistas.

5. Climb the 374 steps of the monumental staircase of Auch

In 35 vertical metres, the stairway links the city's foot and head (100 feet). Levels with sculptures and statues weave amid the stairs, including one of D'Artagnan, the famed soldier of the Three Musketeers, and were completed in 1863.

The magnificent seafood platters with snails, sea urchins, mussels, clams, and Thau basin oysters are a feast for both the stomach and the eyes. The region also serves heartier, richer fare like French foie gras, Roquefort cheese, and cassoulet (meat and bean stew).

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: in the footsteps of pilgrims

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a spiritual halt on the Way of Santiago de Compostela, is a little medieval town that is one of France's most beautiful towns. The Abbey of Gellone, a treasure of Languedoc Romanesque art, is located in the hamlet.

Avignon: theatre and popes' city

Avignon is a great place to visit on your Provence vacation. A unique medieval legacy with the Popes' Palace and the bridge from a famous song, as well as one of the greatest theatrical festivals, guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Arles: between Van Gogh and Roman monuments

UNESCO has inscribed eight structures from the Roman imperial era at Arles on its World Heritage List. Arles also has vistas whose beauty only Van Gogh's artistry could portray... Arles was the painter's most prolific era.

Come and discover the excellence of our regional produce in the heart of Occitania. The Gascon style is available in Auch, the Cévennes style in Sommières, the Pyrenean style in Saint-Girons, and the Mediterranean style in Port-la-Nouvelle.

Farmers from Hérault congregate at the Arceaux market in Montpellier. The market in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the Aveyron Gorges offers the greatest variety of Rouergue vegetables. On Sundays, visit the Saint-Aubin market in Toulouse, and every day, visit the Carmes and Victor Hugo indoor markets; the finest of Occitania awaits you.

Jazz in Marciac Festival

Everyone should have this experience at least once in their lives. Since 1978, the world-famous Jazz in Marciac Festival has brought together the world's greatest musicians. It was started by a few friends and now draws 250,000 people every summer. The main tent has hosted performances by Wynton Marsalis, Ibrahim Maalouf, Keith Jarrett, Diana Reeves, Norah Jones, and others.

Relaxing by the water, in peace and quiet with your feet in the grass, fun events for all: a camping holiday on the Mediterranean Sea's coasts, in the Pyrenees, under the shade of the Dordogne valley's cliffs, or in the Tarn gorges. Camping is an excellent alternative in the region of wide-open spaces and protected scenery!

Breathtaking landscapes that combine the sea and the mountains, significant heritage sites, and a plethora of lovely villages: Occitania is the place to go for a fantastic camping-car trip.

There are cabins, yurts, and gipsy caravans available as accommodations. Experience wonderful moments in one-of-a-kind natural settings.

You may enjoy the microclimate in our pleasant and active tourist communities and centres on the Mediterranean Sea's coastlines, in the heart of the Pyrenees, or in regional natural parks. They are located in preserved areas with an amazing quality of life and provide an opportunity to spend time with your loved one, family, children, or friends.