Stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea, the Occitanie region offers both the sunny charm of Languedoc-Roussillon and the rugged charm of the Midi-Pyrénées. Connecting these two contrasting landscapes, the Canal du Midi flows quietly through vineyards, hilltop villages, and sunflower fields, offering a glimpse into the region's multi-layered history and leisurely pace. This section presents each of the most interesting departments one by one, from the relaxed coastal areas of Languedoc-Roussillon to the mountain trails and hilly landscape of the Midi-Pyrénées inland. From remote hilltop castles to historic towns, we'll share our suggestions for the best hotels and holiday homes in Occitania, an often-overlooked region of southern France.

Where to stay in Languedoc-Roussillon: where the Mediterranean Meets the Hills

Languedoc-Roussillon is a particularly beautiful destination in the south of France. The incredible diversity of the region – the Camargue, the coast, the mountains and the viticulture – has always been a special attraction for visitors. The area stretches along the Mediterranean coast between the border with Spain, Provence in the west and the Pyrenees. It is paradise for beach lovers and hikers alike. But the rich history of the region can also be experienced here. Ancient monuments nestle appropriately into the tranquil landscape. In the north of the region is the Cévennes National Park, which enchants visitors with its great nature. Whether you just want to explore history, enjoy nature or simply experience the Mediterranean way of life, here you will learn more about where to stay in Languedoc-Roussillon for an authentic stay.

Journey to the Middle Ages in Aude

The province of Aude is home to the famous medieval fortified city of Carcassonne. It is known for its well-preserved city walls, towers and narrow streets, in and around which we have found the most beautiful boutique hotels and holiday homes in Carcassone for you. In the hills of the Corbières, you'll find villages where time seems to stand still, and local markets offering everything from earthy olives to artisan cheeses, as well as wines that tell their own story of the land. If you are looking for decisiveness and want to visit more old stones, discover one of the dozens of wonderfully reserved Cathar castles, such as Peyrepertuse, Quéribus or Puilaurens. Perched on hills and mountains, these small castles are now listed among the best places to stay in Aude, thanks the mysterious forces of attraction exerted by these historical jewels, which inevitably transport visitors into a completely different age.

In the footsteps of the Romans in Gard

If you want to go even further back in time, stay in one of our historic B&Bs and boutique hotels in Gard, and discover the many traces of the Roman occupation of Gaul scattered throughout this department. Explore the best places to stay in Nîmes, a city also known as the "French Rome" because of its impressively preserved Roman amphitheaters and its ancient Roman temple, the Maison Carrée, among others. Stay at one of our enchanting historic B&Bs in Uzès, a wonder along narrow medieval streets leading to shady squares where lively local markets fill the air with the scent of olives, cheese and wild herbs, inviting you to a more intimate experience of French culture. Between the two cities lies the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rises majestically above the Gardon River and used to transport water over 50 km from Uzès to Nîmes. Further inland, the Cévennes National Park offers hiking trails through low mountains and hills, punctuated by waterfalls and picturesque villages overlooking the valleys.

Historic domains on the Hérault wine route

The Hérault offers a subtle, multi-layered introduction to the south of France, where the call of the Mediterranean mixes with the scent of the inland vineyards. Montpellier is bursting with youthful, lively energy, and the historic squares are bustling with cafés, while nearby Pézenas, with its market streets and artisan shops, invites you to take a slower pace. On the coast near Bèziers, our boutique accommodations in Sète and Mèze have retained an unpolished charm, with quiet beaches and harbours full of fishing boats and fish stalls. Inland, the River Orb meanders quietly through wild gorges, while the vineyards of villages such as Quarante and Puissalicon bear witness to Languedoc's long winemaking tradition. Our collection of the best boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs in Hérault are mostly found in historic wine domains, where guests can taste wines, stroll through the cellar corridors or simply watch the sun set over the vines.

French Catalonia in the Pyrénées-Orientales

In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the south of France feels unmistakably Catalan, a place where the Pyrenees gently meet the Mediterranean Sea. This heritage shapes daily life here - from the flavors of the food to the rhythms of the festivals. In Collioure, with its lively harbour promenade and ochre houses, you can feel the spirit that once attracted artists like Matisse, while inland, villages like Ortaffa and Prats-de-Mollo offer a calmer picture of Catalan traditions. Local products are offered at the markets, and each café has its own interpretation of regional classics such as escalivada and cargols. At the family-run boutique hotels and B&Bs in Pyrénées-Orientales, staying feels like an extension of local life - the hosts are happy to tell stories, recommend nearby hiking trails or offer a taste of homemade ratafia. The landscape is rich in Romanesque churches, secluded valleys and mountain trails that seem to lead directly into the heart of Catalonia.

Where to stay in Midi-Pyrénées: mountain retreats and riverside escapes

Further inland, the former Midi-Pyrénées region, centred on the vibrant city of Toulouse, offers a journey through some of France's most fascinating landscapes and historic cities. From the "pink city" with its terracotta colors and lively café culture to the quiet valleys and medieval bastides, the region combines natural beauty with a deep sense of history.  The south is characterized by the Pyrenees, the north and northeast belong to the low mountain ranges, while the central part of the region is rather flat and characterized by the course of the Garonne River. We will introduce you to the most beautiful places with the best accommodations in the Midi-Pyrénées - from cozy, family-run B&Bs in the Tarn to boutique hotels in Toulouse.

The pink city of Haute-Garrone

Toulouse is a city full of colours – it is particularly known for the pink colouring of the bricks of many houses, among which we have found the most beautiful accommodations in Toulouse for you. You should definitely visit the beautiful old town of Toulouse, where you will also find the Capitoline Hill, which houses both the City Hall and the National Theatre. It has differently designed rooms dedicated to artists from the region and is definitely worth a visit. But there is also art and museums to discover in the city, such as the colorful graffiti and street art that can be found around Rue Gramat. Or visit the Musée des Instruments de Médecine. In this former hospital, medical instruments and furniture from the 19th century are exhibited. In Toulouse, be sure to try the Saucisse de Toulouse, the famous bratwurst is a kind of landmark of the city. Toulouse is also a good place to shop, from Galeries Lafayette department stores to concept stores with regional brands. Beyond the city, the countryside unfolds with its quiet villages, vineyards and riverside paths, ideal for those who want to take it a little easier. The southern part of the department takes you to the peaks of the Pyrenees, where the paths wind through the woods and lead to panoramic views. Discover here the best hotels in Haut-Garronne.

A taste of Gascony in the Gers

The most beautiful places to stay in the Gers are definitely its numerous small villages where life follows the seasons and the country is marked by the proud agricultural tradition of Gascony. Known for its sunflower fields and rolling vineyards, this rural department invites travellers to discover a France that feels calm and rooted. In small towns like Lectoure and Condom, you'll find bustling weekly markets selling everything from foie gras to local Armagnac, and medieval streets that lead to quiet squares for a leisurely coffee. Charming small B&Bs and boutique hotels in the Gers offer overnight stays that blend into the landscape, with hosts often willing to share stories about the region's deep culinary heritage. Gers is not a place to hurry, but to enjoy slowly, in harmony with the rhythm of the landscape.

Life on the rivers of the Tarn

The Tarn is a department shaped by its rivers, where the gentle course of the Tarn, Agout and Aveyron rivers has given rise to charming riverside towns and villages. Albi, which sits on the Tarn, beckons with its large red-brick cathedral and winding medieval streets, while nearby Castres shines with its colourful riverside houses beautifully reflected in the agout. Lesser-known villages such as Cuq-Toulza and Saint-Sulpice offer quiet, scenic stays with their stone bridges, narrow streets and inviting squares. The best places to stay in Tarn are often family-run B&Bs and beautiful holiday homes near these waterways, often overlooking green valleys and fields beyond. Here, the riverbanks are perfect for strolling, and the landscape invites you to take things slow and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the South of France.