Occitanie
Occitanie is one of the biggest French regions. Midi-Pyrénées associates the highest summits of the Pyrenean chain, the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pic du Midi, massif of Néouvielle, the Regional Nature Park of the Quercy Limestone Plateaux, the valleys of the Lot, the Dordogne and the vineyards around the Tarn. Toulouse, lively metropolis deserves at least one day of your stay. The charming villages as Conches, Rocamadour, Cordes-sur-Ciel, St-Bertrand-de-Comminges or Villefranche-de-Rouergue will show you the variety of the South West. Lourdes is the second sanctuary for pilgrimage in the world after Rome. Walk down to the natural caves where the Roquefort Cheese ripens or have a typical regional dish, the “Cassoulet”.
Languedoc Roussillon winds along the Mediterranean Coast from the Pyrenees to the Cévennes, and benefits from a mild and sunny climate. Discover national or regional parks, for instance Lozère with rare animals like wolves and wisents or the last existing Przewalski Horses in Europe. A huge historical and cultural heritage is waiting for you: the roman monuments in Nîmes or the Pont du Gard, the medieval fortress of Carcassonne, the old town of Montpellier and the Cathar Castles like Mirepoix. Discover all the typical regional dishes and products: the “Aligot” of Aubrac, the “Tielle” in Sète or some oysters in Bouzigues, the wine of Rivesaltes or the “Muscat” in Frontignan.
Sample Tour
Here is how we could organize the program for this tour
1
day
ARRIVAL IN TOULOUSE
Arrival in Toulouse (TLS).
stroll through the “pink city” combining cultural heritage and lifestyle. The Basilica St Sernin, the convent of the Jacobins and the Capitol Square are just some of the interesting sights during this visit.
Check in at your hotel for 1 night.
2
day
TOULOUSE, CAHORS, ST CIRQ LAPOPIE, ROCAMADOUR
Visit of the historical city of Cahors, with the emblematic Valentré-Bridge situated within a meander of the Lot river. Short walk through Saint Cirq Lapopie.
The last stop of the day will be the sanctuary of Rocamadour, extraordinary site of breathtaking beauty - built into the cliffs high above the Dordogne, Rocamadour seems to seriously challenge the laws of gravity.
Hotel in Rocamadour.
3
day
ROCAMADOUR, FIGEAC, ESPALION, LAGUIOLE, GAGES
Figeac will enchant you with its vitality and characteristic styl. Discover a picturesque ensemble of medieval houses and mansions made of beige natural stones. Located in the Lot valley, Espalion is surrounded by the Causse and the Aubrac highlands.
Through preserved nature continue to Laguiole - known all over the world for its cutlery and for its cheese “Laguiole AOP”. Cheese Tasting.
Hotel near Gages.
4
day
GAGES, GORGES DU TARN, MILLAU (VIADUC), CAVES DE ROQUEFORT
Discover the Gorges du Tarn - unique canyons, classified in the world heritage of the UNESCO. Drive across the Viaduc de Millau, architectural masterpiece and cable-stayed bridge over the Valley of the Tarn river to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.
Visit of the Roquefort maturing cellars followed by a nice as well as interesting tasting. Possible tour to La Couvertoirade, the Templar settlement in the heart of the Larzac.
Hotel in the Millau region.
5
day
MILLAU, CORDES SUR CIEL, ALBI
Go on a trip through the centuries and discover another step on the paths of Saint Jacques de Compostella in Cordes sur Ciel. Arrival in Albi, episcopal city built around the Cathedral Sainte Cécile hosting a monumental organ.
The town is named “Albi La Rouge” as it is built of red bricks – like Toulouse.
Hotel in Albi.
6
day
ALBI, CASTRES, CARCASSONNE
Visit Castres, the former city of tanners, weavers and dry cleaners accommodating the Goya Museum dedicated to Hispanic Art in the episcopal palace.
Departure to Carcassonne, one of the most visited touristic sites in France with the Medieval City containing 52 towers along its double enclosure walls (3 km). THE world-famous fortress Chateau Comtal was built in the 12th century, constantly improved and renovated until the 14th century.
Hotel in Carcassonne.
7
day
CASTELNAUDARY, TOULOUSE
In Castelnaudary enjoy a mini cruise on the Canal du Midi and its four locks – or have a relaxing stroll along the towpaths.
Lunch at the Maison du Cassoulet.
Go back to Toulouse, free time for leisure or shopping. Hotel in Toulouse
8
day
DEPARTURE
Departure from Toulouse (TLS).
