Guide to Occitanie

Region of Occitanie: Land of Mountains & Sea

Tucked into the sun-drenched embrace of southern France lies Occitanie, a tapestry woven from vibrant landscapes, captivating history, and the sweet melody of life à la française. This sprawling region, the second largest in the country, is a testament to diversity, its thirteen departments; Aude, Pyrénées-Orientales, Hautes-Pyrénées, Hérault, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Aveyron, Tarn, Tarn et Garonne, to name a few, each possess a unique character that whispers tales of the past and beckons with future adventures.

A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

From the golden sands lapped by the Mediterranean in the east to the rugged peaks and emerald valleys that paint the western horizon, Occitanie is a landscape painter's dream. Explore charming villages basking in the sunlight filtering through ancient oaks or trace the meandering paths that snake through canyons draped in verdant waterfalls. For active people, Occitanie offers a playground of endless possibilities. Embrace the thrill of skiing on snow-capped Pyrénean slopes, feel the wind whip through your hair as you cycle through rolling vineyards, or test your strength against the rapids of a gushing river. For those seeking a gentler pace, soak in the rejuvenating waters of natural spas nestled amidst verdant hills, or ascend sun-drenched slopes on horseback, the panoramic vista unfolding beneath you like a living masterpiece.

Golf in the Land of Eternal Sunshine

And who could resist a region where golf greens are kissed by sunshine year-round? Occitanie boasts many courses, each a jewel waiting to be discovered by players of all levels. Imagine perfecting your swing against the backdrop of the Pyrénées or celebrating a hole-in-one with a glass of locally-produced wine as the sun dips below the horizon.

A Journey Through Time

But Occitanie's magic goes beyond breathtaking landscapes and exciting pursuits. This land resonates with the whispers of a vibrant past, a melody woven from the threads of ancient Roman civilisations, Moorish influences, and the spirited Celtic soul. Step back in time amidst the majestic arches of the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Roman engineering genius. Or wander through the fortified city of Carcassonne, its ochre walls whispering tales of medieval knights and valiant battles.

Delights that Transcend Centuries

Speaking of time travel, indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey that transcends centuries. Savour the exquisite bounty of the Mediterranean, where olive oil glistens like liquid gold, plump mushrooms nestle beneath fragrant rosemary, and the freshest seafood graces the tables in a vibrant symphony of flavours. From delicate appetisers featuring plump snails and briny sea urchins to hearty cassoulet, a rich stew that warms the soul, Occitanie's cuisine is a love letter to tradition and flavour. And, no feast is complete without the perfect pairing – Occitanie's endless vineyards yield vintages that dance on the tongue, expertly crafted to complement the local fare.

Vibrant Cities Steeped in Culture

No exploration of Occitanie would be complete without a peek into its vibrant cities. Toulouse, a cultural and gastronomic hub, pulsates with youthful energy and artistic flair. Carcassonne invites you to delve into its medieval mystique while Montpellier whispers tales of Renaissance grandeur. Explore bustling Béziers, known for its lively markets and ancient Roman amphitheatre, or discover the sun-drenched charm of Nimes, where Roman history meets contemporary chic.

Easy Access to the Sun

And accessibility? It's a breeze! With Montpellier, Carcassonne and Toulouse airports offering convenient connections to internal and international destinations, reaching your Occitanie paradise is just a flight away. Prefer land travel? Paris is a comfortable five-hour TGV train ride, and the region's comprehensive road network makes exploring other French regions a dream from this strategic location.

Facts and Figures

• Capital city: Toulouse
• Population: Approx. 5.9 million (around 8.8% of France's population of approx. 68 million).
• Area: 72,724 sq. kilometres (28,080 sq. miles), approx 13.1% of France's total area.
• Density: About 81 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, below France’s national average of 106.

Tourism Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approximately 25 million.
• Km of Coastline: Approximately 220 km
• The Highest Peak is Pic de Vignemale (3,298 meters) in the Hautes-Pyrénées
• Km of Ski Domaine: Approximately 1,500 km
• Number of Ski Resorts: Over 40 ski resorts
• Average Sunshine Hours per Year: Around 2,200 hours
• Châteaux in the Region: Over 1,000 French châteaux, notably the Château de Carcassonne (Aude), Château de Peyrepertuse (Aude), and Château de Foix (Ariège).
• Most Famous Landmark: The Pont du Gard
• Golf Courses in the Region: Approximately 50 golf courses

Getting to Occitanie

The main cities are Toulouse, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan and Carcassonne. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports

• Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
• Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport
• Carcassonne Airport
• Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport
• Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
• Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport

Main Train Stations

• Toulouse-Matabiau Station
• Montpellier-Saint-Roch Station
• Nîmes Station
• Perpignan Station
• Carcassonne Station

Regional Tourist Hotspots

• The Pont du Gard
• Carcassonne
• Toulouse
• Montpellier
• Nîmes
• Albi
• Perpignan
• The Canal du Midi
• The Pyrenees Mountains
• The Cévennes National Park
• Montpellier Zoological Park (free access)

National Parks in the Region

• Parc national des Cévennes
• Parc national des Pyrénées (shared with Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses
• Parc naturel régional du Haut-Languedoc
• Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy
• Parc naturel régional de Camargue (shared with Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)
• Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises
• Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Catalanes

UNESCO Sites in the Region

• The Canal du Midi
• The Pont du Gard
• The Fortifications of Vauban (including the Citadel of Carcassonne)
• The Episcopal City of Albi
• The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape

Economic Information

• Economic Strength: A diverse region with a focus on tourism, agriculture, aerospace and technology, Occitanie makes a significant contribution to France's economic landscape.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx €170 billion (2022), around 6-7% of France's total GDP.
• Economy: Services 70% (tourism, healthcare and education, technology and innovation), industry 25% (aerospace, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, energy production) and agriculture 5% (wine production, olives, grapes, fruits and fishing.
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 8.0% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Toulouse, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, and the University of Nîmes.
• Regional Specialties: Occitanie is renowned for its wines, its cheeses, such as Roquefort, and its charcuterie, including saucisson and various pâtés. Other notable specialities include traditional dishes like cassoulet (a slow-cooked casserole) and bouillabaisse (fish stew). Additionally, the region is known for its olives, lavender and honey.

Bienvenue in Occitanie

Occitanie is more than just a postcard-perfect destination; it's a haven where history whispers, landscapes inspire and the sweet life lingers on every sun-kissed corner. If you seek a place where adventure intertwines with charm, ancient echoes mingle with modern laughter, and every day is an invitation to savour the best things in life, then Occitanie awaits with open arms.

Click on the links on this page to learn about a specific department, use our handy draw map to narrow your search and browse through our properties for sale in Occitanie.