Occitanie is a region in southern France.
It was established in 2016 due to an alliance between the former Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions. Its western border is with Nouvelle-Aquitaine, its northern border with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and its eastern border with Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The Mediterranean Sea is in the southeast, and Spain and Andorra border it in the south. Toulouse serves as its capital. It has a population of 5,892,817 and a surface area of 72,724 km2.
Most well-known cities
Toulouse, Montpellier, Perpignan, Auch, Albi, Nimes, Sete, Cahors, Beziers, and Carcassonne are listed in chronological order.
Naturally, everything needs to be seen. Natural variation The region of Occitania, also known as Occitanie, has expansive horizons and breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for outdoor or seaside vacations.
The Mediterranean, the lofty Pyrenees, the fertile plains, and the hilly vineyards are all found in the same area. You’ll visit extraordinary places like the Dordogne Valley, Camargue, and Gorges du Tarn. Additionally, you can spend your vacation in one of the national, regional, or even marine parks.
Canal du Midi
The Atlantic Ocean, Toulouse, and Sète on the Mediterranean coast were all connected by the Canal du Midi. This groundbreaking engineering feat was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and is now a popular river tourism destination in Europe. The canal, which was constructed in the 17th century, is now the primary route used by yachts and other small boats to avoid sailing around the Iberian Peninsula.
The Mediterranean Sea
More than 200 km of beaches and coves can be found along the southern Mediterranean coast, stretching from Le Grau-du-Roi to Banyuls-sur-Mer. The Pyrenees, a lengthy and incredible mountain range that borders Spain, are reached by the coastline. Sète, La Grande Motte, Agde-Pézenas, Narbonne, Camargue, and Collioure in the Côte Vermeille are the top seaside tourist destinations. Long and sandy, the beaches turn rocky and rocky as you travel south toward the Pyrenees.
Mountain Region
This area is largely made up of mountains, which are ideal for regeneration. They are genuine, well-preserved, and adorned with a variety of exquisite features. Along the Spanish border, the Pyrenees’ southernmost peaks rise even higher than 3,000 meters. With the Aubrac and Cévennes mountains between 1,000m and 1,500m high, the center of the massif also offers Oxitania breathtaking landscapes in the east and north. The Pyrenees, a mountain range in southwestern Europe, serve as a natural border between France and Spain in the region’s south. The highest peak is Pic du Midi at 2,877 m.n.v. It is reached by a gondola cable car from the ski resort of Le Mongie.
Cathars
With a central location in Latin Europe, Occitania is a fully developed country without official recognition. Despite rarely speaking Oc, there is still a strong sense of Southern identity there. a region that is genuinely Central European and spans the Alps to the Pyrenees, making up one-third of the French state. It has long served as a genuine link between northern and southern Europe.
The only crusade to take place on European soil was the one against the Albigensians (1208–1204). The King of France and the Pope made the decision to re-evangelize the Toulouse neighborhood, which was home to many Albigic “heretics” or Qataris (the name dates back to the 19th century). The church’s assistance allowed the King of France to annex the southern regions primarily for this reason.
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Occitania stretches alongside the Alps, Central Massif, and Pyrenees mountain ranges. The Garonne, Rhone, Loire, and Source Pôa are some of the major rivers. With a territory that is 190,000 km2, or roughly one-third of France, Occitania is the largest stateless country in Europe. Around the Rhône and Garonne valleys are plains that are significant economically. The Nîmes Arena and the Pont du Gard are two exciting historical sites in the country of Occitania.
Additionally, there are intriguing medieval towns like Carcassonne, which serves as the entryway to the fascinating nation of Qatar, and others. It is worthwhile to travel there and stay for at least a week. I visited Occitania twice in the past few years, but I may have only seen the best off. There is more to discover.
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