Occitanie: The Heart of Southern France’s History, Culture, and Cuisine.
© Christine Chabanette
Occitanie, located in the sunlit south of France, is home to vibrant cities like Montpellier and Nîmes and diverse natural landscapes, including the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean coastline, and the fertile plains of Languedoc. As one of France's largest regions, it's a top destination for history, food, wine, and outdoor adventures. Combining the distinct regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and the Rhône delta, Occitanie is also home to the Camargue Regional Natural Park, renowned for its pink salt flats, flamingos, and wild white horses.
The region is steeped in history, showcasing iconic Roman sites like the amphitheaters of Nîmes and Arles and the medieval walled town of Aigues-Mortes. UNESCO-listed landmarks abound, including the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, and the Roman monuments of Arles, immortalized in Van Gogh's art. Salt from the Camargue's pink-hued plains, historically known as "white gold," played a crucial role in Mediterranean trade from ancient times through the Middle Ages, enriching nearby ports like Arles.
© Christine Chabanet
During the Middle Ages, Occitan culture flourished at this crossroads of civilizations. Trade prosperity allowed local courts to support the arts, particularly the troubadours, whose poetry and music became hallmarks of the region. Occitanie's gastronomy mirrors its cultural vibrancy, showcasing dishes like cassoulet, Roquefort cheese, oysters from the Thau Lagoon, and tielle (a savory octopus pie). Locals also prepare specialties such as brandade de morue (salt cod puree), petits pâtés nîmois, and gardiane de taureau, a hearty bull stew paired with nutty Camargue rice.
© Nimes Tourisme
The Languedoc wine region, one of the largest in the world, has become a hub for innovation, emphasizing terroir-driven wines and emerging as a leader in organic and natural winemaking. Notable red varietals include Carignan, Grenache Noir, and Cinsault, while crisp whites feature Picpoul, native to the region, alongside the ancient Mediterranean Bourboulenc and Clairette. The region is also home to Blanquette de Limoux, widely regarded as the world’s oldest sparkling wine. One of the most fascinating aspects of viticulture in Languedoc is its varied terrain, which contributes to the region's remarkable diversity of terroirs. Beyond its vineyards, Languedoc’s fertile landscapes produce abundant fruit orchards, yielding apricots, cherries, figs, and pomegranates.
A journey through Occitanie offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, artistic legacy, and unparalleled culinary treasures—an experience that captures the soul of southern France through its land, people, and traditions.
© Occitanie Tourisme
If you’re ready to embark on a journey that nourishes both body and soul, Terroir Occitanie and other delicious destinations await you. Join us next time, and discover the magic for yourself.