Discover Occitanie: A Diverse and Captivating Region

Occitanie, located in the south of France, is a vast and diverse region offering breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving property market. Bordered by Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the west, Occitanie is an attractive destination for those seeking a property in France.

A Region of Contrasts

Occitanie is known worldwide for its diverse attractions, from the aerospace industry (Airbus) to the famous Roquefort cheese and the renowned pilgrimage site of Lourdes. This variety highlights the unique blend of history, industry, and nature that defines Occitanie.

Lastest properties for sale in Occitanie

Departments of Occitanie

Occitanie consiste of 13 departements : the Ariège (09), the Aude (11), the Aveyron (12), the Gard (30), the Haute-Garonne (31), the Gers (32), the Hérault (34), the Lot (46), the Lozère (48), the Hautes-Pyrénées (65), the Pyrénées Orientales (66), the Tarn (81), and the Tarn-et Garonne (82).

With a population of approximately 5.8 million and covering an area of 73,000 km², Occitanie is one of France’s largest regions.

Outdoor Adventures in Occitanie

Summer Activities

The varied landscapes of Occitanie make it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. You can enjoy activities such as canyoning, rafting, hydro speed, climbing, paragliding, gliding, hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking.

Winter Sports

Occitanie is also a haven for winter sports lovers. The Pyrenean ski resorts, including St-Lary-Soulan (famous for international snowboard competitions), Barèges, and La Mongie, offer some of the best slopes in the region.

Cultural Heritage and Art

Many famous artists and intellectuals have left their mark on Occitanie, including:

• Champollion in Figeac
• Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres in Montauban
• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi

Their legacies live on in the region’s museums, which house remarkable collections.

Charming Markets

Local markets are a highlight of life in Occitanie. Some of the most famous include those in Figeac, Cahors, Revel, and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, offering a rich selection of fresh and traditional products.

Nature and Protected Landscapes

Occitanie is home to several protected natural areas, including:

• Cauterets National Nature Reserve (Hautes-Pyrénées)
• Labastide-Murat Regional Natural Park (Lot)
• Saint-Pons-de-Thomières Regional Natural Park (Hérault)
• Millau Regional Natural Park (Aveyron)

These areas preserve the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Relaxation and Thermal Spas

Occitanie boasts 17 thermal institutes welcoming nearly 75,000 visitors annually. Notable spas include:

• Balnéa in Génos-Loudenvielle
• Eugénie Thermal Baths in Luz-Saint-Sauveur
• Aquensis Céité des Eaux in Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Gastronomy and Wine

The region is famous for its culinary excellence, featuring:

• Foie gras from Gers
• Cassoulet from Castelnaudary
• Aligot from Aveyron
• Roquefort cheese (since the 11th century)
• Chasselas de Moissac grapes (AOC certified)

The wine culture is equally rich, with renowned vineyards producing Cahors, Gaillac, Pacherenc, and Armagnac, one of France’s oldest brandies.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Occitanie is home to exceptional craftsmanship, including:

• Laguiole Knives – famous for their precision and elegance
• Hats of Caussade – a historic hat-making center since 1857
• Furniture and Marquetry from Revel – known for fine woodworking and Louis XIV-style furniture

Travelling to Occitanie from the UK

By Air:

• EasyJet: London Gatwick to Toulouse
• Ryanair: Dublin, Liverpool, and East Midlands to Carcassonne, and London Stansted to Rodez

Buying Property in Occitanie

Our team at Sextant Properties can help you find the perfect property in Occitanie. With an extensive network of registered French real estate agents fluent in French and English, we specialize in a wide range of properties, including:

• Farmhouses
• Longères
• Barns
• Gîtes
• B&Bs
• Country houses
• Mills
• Villas
• Chateaux

We offer properties in key locations such as Albi, Toulouse, Najac, Rodez, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Mazamet, Castres, Foix, Mirepoix, Gaillac, Figeac, Espalion, and Montauban.

For more details, feel free to contact us and explore our latest property listings in Occitanie.