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.
Departments of Occitanie
Occitanie consists of 13 departments:
Ariège (09)
Aude (11)
Aveyron (12)
Gard (30)
Haute-Garonne (31)
Gers (32)
Hérault (34)
Lot (46)
Lozère (48)
Hautes-Pyrénées (65)
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Tarn (81)
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.
