📍 France

OCCITANIA'S JEWELS: THIRTEEN MEDIEVAL VILLAGES REVEALED

Medieval towers piercing clouds, gorges sheltering stone villages, abbey bells ringing in silence, Pyrenean passes blocking the horizon. Occitanie, land of soul.

≈ 17
Days
1895
Km
13
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through the Occitan south between bastides and deep gorges. Discover Cordes-sur-Ciel suspended in clouds, explore Saint-Cirq-Lapopie clinging to its cliff, pass through fortified Larressingle, follow Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Mirepoix and Lagrasse, then reach Minerve, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Sainte-Énimie deep in limestone country.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cordes Sur Ciel

towers pierce cotton clouds

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5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Cordes-sur-Ciel — perched medieval city, half-timbered houses, art workshops.
2
Bruniquel — twin castles on the Aveyron, stone streets.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset over the ramparts of Cordes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h18
2
Day

Saint Cirq Lapopie

river cliffs grasp villages

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie — panorama over the Lot valley, fortified church.
🎯

Activities

→
Belvederes and balcony trail above the Lot.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 203 km
Travel time: 4h03
3
Day

Larressingle

ramparts guard fortress peace

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Larressingle — Gascon ramparts, Clock Tower & miniature village.
🎯

Activities

→
Armagnac/Floc tasting (neighboring estates).
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 259 km
Travel time: 5h11
4
Day

Saint Lary Soulan

mountain gates open passage

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5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Lary-Soulan — mountain town, thermal baths & Pyrenean atmosphere.
🎯

Activities

→
Lake hiking (depending on season) or thermal relaxation.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 246 km
Travel time: 4h55
5
Day

Saint Bertrand De Comminges

cathedral crowns pyrenean heights

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10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges — Sainte-Marie cathedral & cloister.
🎯

Activities

→
Walking loop to the belvedere over the Garonne valley.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 49min
6
Day

Mirepoix

arcaded square breathes medieval

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Mirepoix — place des Couverts, carved wooden arcades.
🎯

Activities

→
Market (Monday) & local tastings under the covered market.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 151 km
Travel time: 3h02
7
Day

Lagrasse

abbey stones echo ages

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9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Lagrasse — Benedictine abbey, bridge over the Orbieu, medieval alleyways.
🎯

Activities

→
Corbières wine tasting in cellar (around the village).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 135 km
Travel time: 2h42
8
Day

Castelnou

catalan fortress guards passes

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9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Castelnou — castle & cobbled alleyways in the heart of the Aspres.
🎯

Activities

→
Artisan workshops & panorama over Roussillon.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 311 km
Travel time: 6h13
9
Day

Minerve

gorge commands stone majesty

Minerve - Photo 1Minerve - Photo 2Minerve - Photo 3Minerve - Photo 4Minerve - Photo 5Minerve - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Minerve — Cathar city on rocky peak, natural bridges over the Cesse.
🎯

Activities

→
Wine-growing walk (Minervois) & viewpoint over the gorges.
10
Day

Saint Guilhem Le Desert

pilgrimage trails wind through

Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 1Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 2Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 3Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 4Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 5Saint Guilhem Le Desert - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert — Gellone abbey & Grand Site de France.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk to the Hérault gorges (Devil's bridge, swimming depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37 km
Travel time: 44min
11
Day

La Couvertoirade

plateau crowns limestone beauty

La Couvertoirade - Photo 1La Couvertoirade - Photo 2La Couvertoirade - Photo 3La Couvertoirade - Photo 4La Couvertoirade - Photo 5La Couvertoirade - Photo 6La Couvertoirade - Photo 7La Couvertoirade - Photo 8La Couvertoirade - Photo 9La Couvertoirade - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
La Couvertoirade — Templar ramparts & fortified village of Larzac.
🎯

Activities

→
Tour of the curtain walls & viewpoint over the plateau.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h17
12
Day

Sainte Enimie

canyon stone stands eternal

Sainte Enimie - Photo 1Sainte Enimie - Photo 2Sainte Enimie - Photo 3Sainte Enimie - Photo 4Sainte Enimie - Photo 5Sainte Enimie - Photo 6Sainte Enimie - Photo 7Sainte Enimie - Photo 8Sainte Enimie - Photo 9Sainte Enimie - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Sainte-Énimie — heart of the Tarn gorges, alleyways & limestone houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoe/hiking balcony of the gorges (depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 116 km
Travel time: 2h20
13
Day

Uzes

renaissance square dances fountains

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8 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Uzès — duchy, shaded squares & private mansions.
🎯

Activities

→
Provençal market & products from Gard (truffle in season).
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 267 km
Travel time: 5h21

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.