Discover Occitanie – A Peaceful Journey in Southwest France
Stone & Sea: Through the Peaceful Charms of Southwest France
From hilltop villages to the Mediterranean coast, discover the peaceful soul of Southern France. Explore UNESCO-listed gems like Albi and Carcassonne, stroll through sun-drenched towns, and end your journey in colorful Collioure—where art, sea, and slow travel meet.
Your journey,
day by day
Arrival in Occitanie
Welcome to Occitanie! Upon arrival at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, you’ll pick up your rental car — your trusted companion for comfortably traveling between cities and exploring the area at your own pace during your free time.
After picking up your car, make your way to your hotel in the heart of Toulouse, where you’ll be staying for the next few days. Take some time to settle in, relax, and enjoy your first evening in the vibrant “Pink City.”
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Day 2 – Streets of Stories – Guided Walk Through Toulouse’s Historic Soul
In the morning, your local guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a walking tour through the heart of Toulouse. As you stroll across the Pont Saint-Pierre, with its sweeping views of the Garonne River, your guide will share the city’s rich history and stories behind key landmarks such as the Jacobins Convent, Place du Capitole, and the elegant private mansions that reflect Toulouse’s vibrant past.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. After a delicious lunch at a local Toulousain restaurant, you might choose to explore one of the city’s many museums, or simply embrace the southern French art de vivre with a coffee on a sunny terrace or a peaceful walk along the Garonne.
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Day 2 – Cathedrals & Hilltop Dreams – A Journey Through Albi & Cordes-sur-Ciel
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a full-day excursion to the heart of Occitanie. First, explore Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the largest brick cathedral in the world. Discover the city’s rich history shaped by the Cathars and powerful bishops as you visit key landmarks.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the medieval hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel. Wander its cobbled streets past gothic mansions and artisan shops, often shrouded in mist that makes the village seem to float above the clouds. This enchanting place has inspired artists for centuries.
In the evening, return to your hotel in Toulouse for a well-deserved rest.
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Day 3 – Medieval Majesty & Southern Wines – Carcassonne and a Vineyard Escape
Start your day with a scenic drive toward the legendary Cité de Carcassonne. On the way, enjoy a quick stop in Castelnaudary to admire the Grand Bassin and Saint-Roch Lock, part of the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi.
Then, dive into the medieval world of Carcassonne, one of Europe’s most iconic fortified towns. Let your guide unveil the rich stories that shaped this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site over 2,500 years.
After some free time for lunch inside the citadel, head to the countryside for an authentic wine experience. Visit a charming local vineyard, meet passionate winemakers, and learn about their traditions and production methods—all while tasting the exceptional wines of the region.
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Day 4 – Sacred Cliffs & Timeless Villages – Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Rocamadour
Accompanied by your guide, step into a storybook as you explore Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a medieval village of cobbled streets, artisan arcades, and stone houses from the 12th to 15th centuries.
After a leisurely lunch, continue with your guide to Rocamadour, dramatically perched on a cliff in the Dordogne Valley. Follow the Pilgrims’ Staircase to the UNESCO-listed basilica and chapel, where the Black Madonna has been venerated for over a thousand years.
Return to Toulouse in the late afternoon, enriched by a day of heritage and history.
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Day 5 – From Toulouse to the Sea Breeze of Collioure
Enjoy a relaxed morning and take in the atmosphere of Toulouse one last time — perhaps with a stroll through the local markets, a quiet coffee on a sunny terrace, or a final walk along the Garonne River.
Later in the morning, you’ll begin your journey south, driving through the scenic landscapes of southern Occitanie toward Collioure, a colorful seaside town nestled between the Mediterranean and the vineyards.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle into this painter’s paradise — where the coming days invite you to slow down, explore, and soak up the spirit of the South of France.
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Day 6 – Coastal Charms and Sunset Views in Collioure
Let the rhythm of the Mediterranean guide your day. Spend your morning wandering the colorful streets of Collioure, discovering its art galleries, lively squares, and the ever-present influence of Fauvist painters.
If the mood strikes, step into history with a visit to the Royal Castle or climb to the old windmill for panoramic views of the bay. Prefer a more leisurely pace? Take time to unwind on one of Collioure’s small beaches or hidden coves, just a few steps from the heart of town.
As the day draws to a close, follow the jetty toward the green lighthouse or the Chapel of Saint-Vincent. From here, watch the sun dip below the horizon — a golden finale to your first full day on the coast.
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Day 7 – Coastal Trails & Mediterranean Scents
Today, lace up your walking shoes and set off on a breathtaking coastal walk along the Sentier du Littoral. Winding between sea and vineyards, this scenic trail offers sweeping views of the Côte Vermeille, secret coves, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.
In the afternoon, return to Collioure and enjoy your last moments at your own pace — browse a few final boutiques, linger at a seaside café, or revisit a favorite spot from the day before. As night falls, let the gentle glow of the town and the soft crashing of the waves be your farewell soundtrack to the South of France.
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Farewell, Occitanie
It’s time to say goodbye to the Mediterranean charm of Collioure and begin your journey back. After breakfast, take the road toward Toulouse, soaking in the last glimpses of Occitanie’s diverse landscapes — from seaside cliffs to sun-drenched vineyards and rolling countryside.
Upon arrival at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, return your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying with you memories of historic towns, coastal strolls, and the warm art de vivre of southern France.
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