Things to do & places to visit in Occitanie, France

Occitanie #2 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.43 based on 265.6k traveler reviews, of 447 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 11:40.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile (4.396 reviews)
- STUNNING ON MANY LEVELS
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

It was only a highway sign noting Albi at 'patrimoine mondial' that we detoured to have a look. The cathedral was breathtaking in size, the world's largest cathedral made of brick. Its interior is seemingly painted everywhere. Entering from the side, one was in the core body of the church. There were chapels on both sides. Behind this area were more chapels and the option to buy an audioguide. Beyond the alter was another area with a service. While the interior will dazzle, the entrance area has ornate decorative work. there is some stained glass as well. What a fine piece of architecture. See more..
5.0 Grotte de Massabielle (1.501 reviews)
- Exceptional Experience
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Manage to see the Grotto on the last day before the Sanctuary was closed to the public before Lockdown. First time in history it's been closed. Had to see it from the other side of the river. There were a few people there. You could see and hear the mass being performed and it was a very special touching experience. See more..
5.0 Enigma Escape (1.413 reviews)
- Great fun
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Enigma Escape is a real-life room escape game. You are physically going to live the adventure locked in a real room with films setting. The goal of the game is to escape the room in less than 60 minutes, in a team of 3 to 6 peoples. For that you need to resolve a series of enigma by using your logic and alloy reflexion and team spirit, you have to be of one mind ! See more..
5.0 Escape Dimension La Croisée des Mondes (1.252 reviews)
- fantastic escape game
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape dimension is not a simple escape game. You will live a true adventure, immersed in sumptuous scenery. With our experience in the show, escape dimension receives all the inheritance, the immersion is total. Enjoy! See more..
5.0 TimeZone - Escape Game Perpignan (1.209 reviews)
- Fun and scary
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

First Escape Game on Perpignan. Form a team with 2 to 7 players, warm up your brains and escape in less than an hour... See more..
4.5 Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (10.0k reviews)
- Fairytale Castle and City
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

This is one for the bucket list, what an amazing place. There are views from every corner. You can walk around the walled city anytime for free, what you are paying for is the castle and ramparts within the city. It is definitely worth the money (€9.50 at time of review), but get there early (before 10.30am) to avoid long queueing times, or buy online tickets. The best full view of the city is from the road bridge Pont Neuf, which then gives you the view of the city and the old bridge Pont Vieux. Stunning. See more..
4.5 Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne (6.523 reviews)
- Best views from the ramparts on a sunny day
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Carcassonne was settled as early as the 6th century BC and later became an important Roman town. It was fortified in the 4th century and was a strategic site in the Middle Ages. It took on its definitive shape in the 13th century with the king’s decision to construct the distinctive double-walled ramparts and extend the castle. The city was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century and is a testimony to 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,600 years of history. See a 12-minute film combining 3-D images and close-up footage; walk along the galleries, the fortified walls and the north ramparts; discover the museum of masonry and many other attractions. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > April to September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > October to March: from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups See more..
4.5 Gouffre de Padirac (5.772 reviews)
- Excellent day out—try to avoid crowded periods.
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves

The Gouffre de Padirac, the most famous cave in Europe, is considered as one of the most interesting geological sites in France. After a vertiginous descent, by lift or stairs, of 103 metres, you embark on a boat trip along the subterranean river with spectacular views on the galleries. That's when you discover the "Grande Pendeloque" - a gigantic stalactite of 60 metres high - hanging by a string, it appears to admire itself in the "Lac de la Pluie". You then walk towards the "Lac des Gours" or the "Salle du Grand Dôme" with its 94 metres high vault. See more..
4.5 Le Capitole (5.756 reviews)
- Surprisingly nice!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a pretty underrated gem I think! It may not seem obvious you can visit the town hall to see their lovely paintings, but you can, and it's free! You'll be checked at the front entrance - then proceed straight until you get to the iron gate at the other end of the courtyard. The doors will be to your left, and so push them and go upstairs. There is no exhibition, only pamphlets, so go through at your own pace and enjoy the views. The paintings were all down in a medieval Romantic revival style, and are lovely to look at. The special pieces are the pointilism works of Toulouse through the season, which really give you the sense of what it was like to live here in the early 1900s. It was a quick visit but well worth it - something free to do in the city centre! See more..
4.5 Arenes de Nimes (5.716 reviews)
- Impressive Roman Arena, still in use for music concerts
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Contemporary of the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheater of Nîmes is the best preserved amphitheater in the Roman world. The audio-guided tour, available in 10 languages, lets visitors experience the gladiator shows and life in Roman times. The "gladiator's quarter" presents the weapons and techniques of gladiatorial fights. See more..
4.5 Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes (4.784 reviews)
- Our Lady most beautiful!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

What a lovely holy place to see in Lourdes. We were able to have an early mass in the morning followed by praying the rosary. Large holy site were many pilgrims come to pay homage. Walk the entire place and you’ll see a section where you can offer prayers and candles. The evening offers a procession with music and prayers. Such a serene place to visit. See more..
4.5 Basilique Saint-Sernin (3.561 reviews)
- A stirring experience
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Religious Sites

This is a fabulous cathedral. One of the best we’ve visited in Europe. There’s a wonderful spirit within the huge cathedral. I enjoyed spending some time in solitude & prayer which I found calming and reassuring. There is a video that explains the history behind the building of the cathedral over the original church and its ongoing development and restoration. A very worthy stop on one’s visit to Toulouse. See more..
4.5 Jardins de la Fontaine (3.092 reviews)
- A pleasant oasis
Gardens

Beautifully laid-out gardens in classical style. The fountain was not flowing when I visited. I don’t know if this is usual or not. It would have looked magnificent if the water was moving. The canals leading to the garden are very pretty. I was impressed to see municipal workers cleaning them and making sure they were presentable for locals and visitors alike. The Temple of Diane is within the gardens, as is the Roman Tower. There were quite a lot of people visiting as soon as the gates opened – walking their dogs, exercising – obviously a well-loved oasis in the city. See more..
4.5 Towers and Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes (2.859 reviews)
- Historic town situated between the canals and the marshes
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Castles

The fortified city of Aigues-Mortes was built in the 13th century on the order of Saint Louis to provide the kingdom of France with a port on the Mediterranean. The complex consists of 1,634 metres of ramparts flanked by twenty towers and one of the most splendid keeps in the architectural style of the Middle Ages, the tower of Constance, which was used as a prison for Protestants from the Cévennes region from 1685. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Ticket office closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (from 1st September to 30th April). Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 6,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups (40€) See more..
4.5 Cite Religieuse (2.812 reviews)
- A unique site that is worth the side trip
Historic Sites

Rocamadour is famous for the religious site. We spent half a day here and greatly enjoyed ourselves. It can be tough - a lot of stairs to climb as you go from the village to the church or to see the Black Madonna. The walk ends with the 12 stations, a very long walk with beautiful statues at each station. We visited in March so there was limited food options and the stairs can be tough. See more..
4.5 La Bambouseraie en Cévennes (2.614 reviews)
- Wonderful and informative park/forest
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Bambouseraie en Cévennes Gardoise Losing track of time… finding happiness. In these troubled times where we tend to lose ourselves by trying to have it all, the Bambouseraie en Cévennes is quite unique… Here, in one of France’s most beautiful gardens, time dares stop to catch its breath: breathing inspires, disconnecting reconnects, lifting one’s head brings repose. A thousand and one varieties of bamboo, rare flowers, remarkable trees and plants make a trip into this unexpected landscape a timeless idyll. Unique in Europe since the 19th Century, the Bambouseraie en Cévennes offers a veritable one-way trip back to oneself. See more..
4.5 Viaduc de Millau (2.497 reviews)
- What an Amazing Construction
Bridges

This is a remarkable construction. The visitor centre on the north bank is accessible from both directions, and it's free! There is a restaurant and a tourist office The information presented on screens and in a big screen format was superb. The walk of half a kilometre up to the viewpoint was well worth the minor effort. The bridge is a stunning piece of architecture/engineering See more..
4.5 Musee Toulouse-Lautrec (2.347 reviews)
- Lautrec Comes Home
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

Lautrec would be amused that his paintings and story are housed in a monumental Bishop's Palace. I suspect the Bishops less so, considering the subject matter of much of his work. The family and city seems to have re-owned him, in contrast to his uncertain leaving of the city to pursue his calling in art. He might also note with surprise how the city has commercialized his story. The museum does have a very comprehensive collection of his work and does a decent job of explaining it. The gift shop contains serious books on paintings, reproductions and the usual tacky souveneirs. All worthy of a visit to see this tribute to a native son. See more..
4.5 Abbaye de Fontfroide (2.237 reviews)
- Night show and stained glass highlights
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Open all year long. Visits, Restaurant, Wines, Concerts... See more..
4.5 Jardin Japonais (2.054 reviews)
- One of the Best Attractions in Toulouse
Gardens

This was my 3rd visit to the Japanese garden and I'm really lucky to have seen it during different seasons (summer, autumn and winter) each time. The setting is idyllic, quiet and very relaxing. The garden is inside a much larger park which also includes a big children's play area. Compans Caffarelli would be the closest metro stop but you could also enter from Canal du Midi. The public toilet near the play area is not well maintained, is dirty and the locks were broken during my latest visit. See more..
4.5 La Foret des Singes (1.985 reviews)
- Monkey magic
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 25, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

La Foret des Singes A magical moment, a unique encounter ! An exciting walk amongst more than 150 free roaming Barbary Macaques. No bars, no cages to hinder your view. A direct contact with this amazing species. Feeding talks throughout the day. See more..
4.5 Église Saint-Nazaire (1.966 reviews)
- Always my first stop - open on 19th May 2020
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

We live in a nearby village and visit The Medieval City frequently. I always stop at this beautiful church first, after walking the external ramparts after going through Porte Narbonne. YES IT IS OPEN Photos taken today. I was the only one inside!! The official ramparts are closed but the Citi itself is open and a few of the shops. Let's hope it is busier on 1st June when reopening is extended! See more..
4.5 Pont Valentre (1.693 reviews)
- Wonderful Architecture
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings • Bridges

This must be one the most beautiful bridges that I have ever seen. Three beautiful towers, one in the middle, and the other two, one at each end. When I visited some 40 years ago, single file traffic was able to navigate the bridge, with the use of a traffic light system. But now it is pedestrianised, which makes it much easier to view. Well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Church of Les Jacobins (1.651 reviews)
- A Must See in Toulouse City Center
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I'm not sure how much I can add to other reviews other than to endorse that what they say is true. This is an immense and incredibly beautiful building and certainly worth the trip if you're in Toulouse or nearby. My favorite part of visiting old churches like this is the opportunity to see the artwork within, set in its intended environment. Church of Les Jacobins provides this along with the beautiful architecture of the arches. Tours are available, but we did fine without one. As others mention, the small fee to visit the cloisters is well spent for a view of some smaller chapels and the beautiful garden. See more..
4.5 Musee Fabre (1.624 reviews)
- Excellent art museum coupled with 19th C Mansion Sabatier d'Espeyran.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Museums

After paying 9E each and using the basement restrooms, we took the elevator to the top floor and wound our way down its 3 floors of art exhibits. While our interest was focused on the collection of masters Matisse, Monet, Courbet, Delecroix, Jan Steen, Teniers, Ostade, Brueghel and Ruisdael, we also discovered nice works by Danvin, Ferogio, Manguin, Meulen, Morisot and local impressionist Bazille. Included was the Mansion Sabatier d'Espeyran just one block away with its wonderfully preserved interior, furniture and opera artifacts and costumes from the late 19th C. Very worthwhile 2+hour visit. See more..
4.5 Musee Soulages Rodez (1.547 reviews)
- Are you prepared to be challenged?
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

Pierre Soulages is the painter in black, but the surprise is his lithography and screen printing, of which I was previously unaware. His ultranoir paintings are astonishing and kept me occupied, looking at them from different angles, for a long time. The museum is beautiful, spacious, well-arranged, set in a lovely park just off the Rodez city centre. There is a very odd temporary exhibition of works by Gilles Barbier until October 2021, if you're prepared to be intrigued. It's either brilliant or rubbish, not sure which. See more..
4.5 Grotte du Pech-Merle (1.439 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Science Museums • Caverns & Caves

One of the world's finest painted prehistoric caves. See more..
4.5 Promenade du Front de Mer (1.362 reviews)
- Argeles sur Mer seafront walk
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

We have a place in St Cyprien, but our favourite walk is along the front at Argeles. Stunning in summer and winter alike. Very attractive with pine trees and palms.....rich lawns opposite the beach. Pretty Marina/port with an array of restaurants and bars and dont miss the fabulous Artisan Ice cream parlour....to die for! try the chestnut ice cream....the best! See more..
4.5 Theatre du Capitole (1.309 reviews)
- A STUNNING STRUCTURE AT ANY TIME OF DAY
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Theaters • Government Buildings

It seems to stretch beyond its 135m length. Its pink bricks reflect neoclassicism, dating from 1750. The building commands the Place du Capitole area, now reserved for pedestrians. In additon to being the city hall, it also houses an archestra and an opera company. See more..
4.5 Cirque de Gavarnie (1.274 reviews)
- A spectacular amphitheatre of rock surrounds a lush green valley of pine and tumbling rivers
Geologic Formations • Waterfalls

Spectacular scenery, a beautiful valley with quite a long walk from the village to the Cirque. The cirque is a amphitheatre of rock, with mountains of 10,000 feet or more surrounding you. There is also the highest waterfall in France but I wouldn't recommend walking all the way up to it, and this could be dangerous for inexperienced walkers See more..