Things to do in Occitanie, France: The Best Architectural Buildings

May 20, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

Occitanie is an administrative region of France that was created on 1 January 2016 from former French regions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Restaurants in Occitanie

1. Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile

5 boulevard General Sibille, 81000, Albi France +33 5 63 38 47 40 http://www.albi-tourisme.fr/fr/la-cathedrale-sainte-cecile-albi.html
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,251 reviews

Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile

Reviewed By soloflyer2018 - Brisbane, Australia

The magnificent brick building with its amazing Gothic entrance is very hard to describe because it is so huge and apparently the largest brick Cathedral in that part of the world. But... when you enter inside that is when your breath is taken away...it is beautiful. Although it is a French Cathedral the Art is Italian and it is spectacular. I actually visited more than once because I could not absorb everything. The history, the color, the Art ,amazing and a definite "must see" in Albi.

2. Theatre du Capitole

Place du Capitole, 31000, Toulouse France +33 5 61 22 31 31 http://www.theatreducapitole.fr/1/saison-2014-2015/recitals-et-concerts-475/choeur-du-capitole-484/italia-mia.html
Excellent
54%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,286 reviews

Theatre du Capitole

Reviewed By billand1 - Vienna, Austria

The main hall on the second floor is of unparelleled beauty in terms of design and paintings as well as pictures on the walls. Great history is obvious!

3. Cathedrale St-Just

Rue Armand Gauthier, 11100, Narbonne France +33 4 68 32 09 52 http://www.narbonne-tourisme.com/organiser/a-voir-a-faire/118605-cathedrale-saint-just-et-saint-pasteur
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,106 reviews

Cathedrale St-Just

Reviewed By Hugo929 - Los Angeles, United States

This cathedral joins the one in Siena (Italy) as an example of grandiose but truncated plans. Begun in the 13th century in the prevailing gothic style it has impressive thick columns, beautiful gothic arches and colorful stained glass windows. Built on the site of previous churches, one can find remnants. In the 14th century funds run out, mostly because of a decline of business in Narbonne, so the nave is missing.

4. Abbaye de Fontfroide

Chemin de Fontfroide Rd 613, 11100, Narbonne France +33 4 68 45 11 08 [email protected] http://www.fontfroide.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,112 reviews

Abbaye de Fontfroide

Open all year long. Visits, Restaurant, Wines, Concerts...

Reviewed By chaletaria

Beautiful abbey just outside Narbonne (you need transport). In an excellent state of repair and an informative leaflet (although the downloadable PDF is better- available French, English, Spanish). The cloisters are interesting, as are the gardens, but the piece de resistance is the church with its incredible stained glass windows. We came back in the evening to watch the light show (10-midnight). We were concerned that we would just see everything again, but in the evening, but the show was completely different and an excellent evening experience. The beautifully done show in the tour d’honneur/ courtyard (french only) was the highlight, as was a nice light show in the Louis XIV courtyard. Not too expensive (unless you opt for their meal+show, which we didn’t).

5. Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou

66820 Casteil France +33 4 68 05 50 03 [email protected] http://stmartinducanigou.org
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou

On an eagle's nest in the heart of the Massif du Canigou, the former Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin's discretely overhangs the valley since the XI century. A unique site just waiting to be discovered by the delighted rambler, with ist bell tower, marble capitals, the vaulted abbey-church and crypt... A jewel of early Romanesque architecture typical of this region.

Reviewed By rebeccatust - Perpignan, France

The walk up to this Abbey, perched on the top of a mountain, is fantastic (about 40 mins, bring walking shoes). The kids (aged 4 and 6) enjoyed it too. The Abbey is a great reward at the end, the guided tour (in French) is very well done and interesting (even for young children), and there are views of the mountains from all around the Abbey.

6. Chateau de Peyrepertuse

Route du chateau, 11350 Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse France +33 4 30 37 00 77 [email protected] http://www.peyrepertuse.com
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 974 reviews

Chateau de Peyrepertuse

Reviewed By SuzInDenver - Denver, United States

It’s a short trek to the rocky top but it totally pays off. There are lots of the castle ruins to explore plus 360 gorgeous views in several spots. Take water and a snack. It was really windy at the top so not the best for a full on picnic. There is an entrance fee, but we thought it was worth it.

7. Towers and Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes

Place Anatole Logis du Gouverneur, 30220, Aigues-Mortes France +33 4 66 53 61 55 [email protected] http://www.aigues-mortes-monument.fr/
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,755 reviews

Towers and Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes

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€)

Reviewed By michaelgW4189MQ - Noosa, Australia

Aigues Mortes is a charming small place with much to do. Visit the salt pans and the near by sea resorts There are many restaurants with a wide array of food and wine at very reasonable prices We stayed in 13-17 century old house which we booked for a month at a very reasonable price

8. Eglise Abbatiale Sainte-Foy

Place De L'Abbaye, 12320 Conques, Conques en Rouergue France +33 5 65 72 85 00 [email protected] https://www.tourisme-conques.fr/fr/conques/abbatiale#plan-et-structure
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 643 reviews

Eglise Abbatiale Sainte-Foy

Reviewed By ginsengNewYork

This abbatiale has been and still is an important stop for hikers and pilgrims on the Road to Compostella. Its stark beauty is enhanced by the modern, milky stained glass windows by Soulages , reminiscent of the first abbatiale windows covered simply with parchment paper. The Tympanum representing the Last Judgement over the main door is simply miraculous! You wonder how it survived religious wars , or the French Revolution...It looks like a comics book, especially with the devils trying to influence the Judgement in order to send more humans to hell...It must have terrified people in the Middle Ages! Don't miss Frere Jean's explanation in the evening, nor the night visit of the abbatiale 2nd story while organ is played down below. The Brothers Community is extremely welcoming and helpful!

9. Cathedrale Saint-Nazaire de Beziers

Rue des Albigeois, 34500, Beziers France +33 4 67 28 22 89 http://www.beziers-in-mediterranee.com/decouvrir/cote-ville/beziers-les-monuments-racontent-le-temps
Excellent
47%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 959 reviews

Cathedrale Saint-Nazaire de Beziers

Reviewed By MarjieS670 - Renfrew, United Kingdom

This is such a beautiful Church steeped in history. Although it is situated at the top of a hill, it is fairly easy to access from the town. Admission is free (there is a donation box) and it is well looked after. There is a lovely courtyard and the views from the Cathedral grounds are magnificent. It is certainly worth paying a visit if you are in Béziers.

10. Moulin de Collioure

66190 Collioure France http://www.lemoulindecollioure.com
Excellent
43%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Moulin de Collioure

Reviewed By TV2451

We once climbed the hill to this spot and loved the views of the town below. So one can do this, but beware the winds. Otherwise you see it perched above the town and it is indeed a lovely landmark.

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