The Grand Site of the Cirque de Navacelles is located in the Occitanie region. The Cirque de Navacelles is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in June 2011, as a Mediterranean agro-pastoral cultural landscape.

Occitanie

The Occitanie is a diverse and historically rich region of France, located in the southern part of the country, known for its stunning landscapes that range from the Pyrenees mountains to the Mediterranean coast. Let’s discover iconic cities such as Toulouse, the “Pink City,” and Montpellier, while also exploring charming medieval villages and renowned vineyards. The Occitanie region offers a multitude of activities and experiences, perfect for a weekend escape or a longer vacation in France. Nature lovers can enjoy the national parks, while food enthusiasts can indulge in local specialties such as cassoulet, foie gras, and wines from the Languedoc.

Where is the Occitanie region?

The Occitanie region, located in the south of France, is composed of 13 departments: Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Hérault, Lot, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Gers.

This vast region spans around 72,724 km², or 13% of French territory. To give you an idea, that’s comparable in size to the Czech Republic!

Occitanie is the fourth most populous region in France. The beauty of its landscapes—from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees, via the Causses—is matched by the richness of its historic heritage. Wander the medieval ramparts of Carcassonne, stroll along the ancient Canal du Midi, or relax in the colorful village of Collioure… Behind the most popular tourist hotspots, this region also hides secret gems!

Map of the Occitanie Region

Map of the region Occitanie in France with departments and cities

Map of the region Occitanie

Why discover the Occitanie region?

The Occitanie region is an unmissable destination for those who dream of wide open spaces, historic heritage, and southern pleasures. Between majestic mountains, sun-drenched beaches, medieval villages, and generous vineyards, Occitanie invites you to travel and explore in a warm and authentic setting.

Saint-Cirq Lapopie, labeled among

Saint-Cirq Lapopie, the most beautiful village in Occitanie region

To the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with Spain, offering breathtaking landscapes and many opportunities for hiking, skiing, or adventure sports. Iconic sites such as the Pic du Midi, the Gavarnie Cirque, or the thermal spas appeal to both athletes and relaxation seekers in the heart of nature.

The Mediterranean coast offers golden beaches and peaceful lagoons between the Camargue and the Vermilion Coast. Seaside towns such as Gruissan, Argelès-sur-Mer, and Collioure combine sunbathing, water sports, and local traditions in a distinctly friendly atmosphere.

Located only 15 minutes from Narbonne in the region of Occitanie, Gruissan is an ideal nature destination to spend the weekend. My favourite part of in Gruissan is undoubtedly the salt marsh! ! The landscapes are incredible, not to mention the colour of the water.

Gruissan salt marsh in the region of Occitanie

On the urban side, Occitanie boasts a bouquet of fascinating cities. Toulouse, nicknamed the Pink City for its brick-colored buildings, charms with its cultural vibrancy, aeronautical spirit, and easy-going lifestyle. Montpellier, youthful and dynamic, enchants with its pedestrian streets, shaded squares, and bold architecture. Other gems like Albi, Carcassonne and its famous medieval citadel, and Cahors add to the region’s heritage treasures.

Occitan cuisine is also a true journey: Cassoulet from Castelnaudary, foie gras from Gers, wines from Languedoc, Roquefort from the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon… Local markets abound with terroir products, and gourmet restaurants delight even the most demanding palates.

Whether you love culture, nature, or tradition, visitors will find a multitude of activities and discoveries throughout the year: music festivals, medieval fairs, hikes on the Way of Saint James, or tours of the Gaillac vineyards.

To visit Occitanie is to choose a region that is vibrant, generous, and firmly rooted in the art of living. A region that wonderfully embodies the essence of southern France.

Travel reports and tips on my travels and discoveries in Occitanie

Stories and tips for staying and visiting other regions of France

About

A black and white portrait of Celine and her comic traveler alter-ego C-Ludik.

Hi ! My name is C-Ludik and I’m the person who runs this creative space. Welcome to ‘Tween here and there, a travel blog that shares awesome destinations, stunning photographs and captivating travel stories from around the world. No two landscapes are ever the same because of a different light, different conditions… whether it's a new or an old place. That’s what I love about nature and landscape photography. As the famous Ibn Battuta traveler said: « traveling – it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller ». He’s right ! Behind the photographer, I see myself more as a storyteller. When I arrive on a place, I try to respond to what I see and tell the story of the land. If you love travel, exploring new places, and seeing more of this beautiful world then you'll be right at home here. ‘Tween here and there is the travel inspiration for those with full-time jobs and for those in search of any off-the-beaten track destinations around the world, near and far.

Read more ➤