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Lonely Planet describes Occitanie as “feeling like a country within its own right.” While the tourists head to Provence, you can head here.
Occitanie has buzzing cosmopolitan cities like Toulouse, Montpelier, and Nimes (all worth a visit). But I found that the dreamy historic towns and hilltop villages held the most appeal.
Here are my picks for the best villages to visit in southwest France:
Chateau Comtal, the entrance to the ramparts of the village of Carcassonne in Occitanie France
Here are my picks for the prettiest fairytale towns in Occitanie.
The first site of Carcassonne takes your breath away. Carcassonne is a 13th century fantasy world of towers, turrets, walls, winding alleys, and moats.
As historian Anthony Horowitz has said, “In no other city I’ve visited does history feel so alive.”
The UNESCO-listed Carcassonne has a double row of fortified walls stretching nearly 2 miles with 52 watch towers, each one crowned with fantastical “witch hat” turrets.
It will appeal to fans of the knight in shining armor era, a group in which I unabashedly include myself.
a witches hat turret in Carcassonne
Because tourists flock in droves to the walled city, you should attack the UNESCO-listed citadel at off peak hours or off season. Or consider staying overnight to enjoy the village after the day trippers leave.
You can also visit Carcassonne’s lower city, the Bastide St-Louis. It’s inappropriately called the “new town,” when in fact it was built in the 13th century.
It has a magnificent tree-lined square, the Place Carnot, where you can relax and let the world go by over a coffee or glass of wine.
Here’s my complete guide to the town of Carcassonne, which is an absolute must see site in southern France.
the village of Collioure near Spain
Collioure lies at the feet of the chilly Pyrénées, just a few miles from Spain. It’s a lovely seaside town.
There are impressive fortifications rising from the bay and pretty pastel houses everywhere. It’s also an oasis of sophistication, with chic cafes and restaurants lining pedestrianized streets.
Chateau Royal In Collioure
Because of its famous light, in 1905, Collioure became the center of André Derain and Henri Matisse’s Fauvism movement. The Fauves were dubbed the “wild beasts” of the art world.
They focused on pure color, taking ideas from the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. You can follow the “Fauvism Trail” to find 19 of their most famous works of art.
When you’re done strolling the beach and medieval streets, visit the Chateau Royal. It’s an 800 year old chateau with great rampart walks and killer views.
Collioure is postcard perfect and, unlike Carcassonne, still largely undiscovered. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind, if you’ve been frantically touring.
the village of Lagrasse in Occitanie France
Lagrasse is a picturesque medieval village listed as one of France’s “les plus beaux villages.” It’s halfway between Narbonne and Carcassonne and sits on the River Orbieu.
Like other towns on my list, it’s been designated a “plus beaux village” in France.
The famous and very well preserved Abbey of Lagrasse, founded in 799, is on the opposite bank. It’s still a Benedictine Abbey.
You may see monks in white robes as you meander around the grounds. The abbey has been listed as a historic monument since 1923.
Lagrasse also has pretty houses cobblestone streets from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It’s 12th century hump back bridge is a charming looker.
It’s a perfect detour on your way to the Cathar castles further south. The Chateau de Termes, a ruined Cathar Castle, is right next door.
the Abbey St. Marie d’Orbieu
the Cathar Castles of Lastours France
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