The port and coastlines of Collioure are revered as havens for artists looking for inspiration (Photos: India Outbound/Palak Chawla)
Unlike every other tourist visiting France for the first time, I preferred not to engage in a battle with a hundred people just to get a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, endure hours of unending queues for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, or dream of enjoying an Aperol Spritz while lounging on a beach in the Côte d’Azur, another name for the French Riviera, only to find myself struggling to locate an empty and serene spot.
A drawback of some of France’s most beautiful locations is that they are at times, swarming with crowds. That would defeat the purpose of a peaceful vacation now, won’t it? As a result, shadowed in the north by the foothills of the Massif Central, and in the south by the Pyrenees range overlooking the Mediterranean, I encountered a region offering a variety of landscapes, cultural diversity and profound history, Occitanie or Occitane, as it is known in English.
Collioure
The Moulin de Collioure is a 14th-century windmill, an iconic spot offering panoramic views of the city and coastline
Also known as the pearl of the Vermeille Coast, this charming city nestles incomparable landscapes, vibrant ambiance, and deep heritage. A single stroll along the Catalan port will make you realise why artists like Matisse, Derain and Picasso chose to set up their canvas here
Apart from a stunning marina you can also find testaments of Catalan and Aragonese history, towers and forts from the Romans to Louis XIV then from the Saracens to the kings of Majorca concealed in cobbled streets.
The medieval Château Royal de Collioure, the bell tower of 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church which was once a lighthouse and a 14th-century windmill are some of Collioure’s architectural riches. The Modern Art Museum located in the heart of the city showcases the paintings of artists like Henri Matisse, André Derain, Louis Valtat, Etienne Terrus, who have shaped the history of this city which is at the origin of Fauvism, an early 20th-century art movement.
Sète
Sète is also known as the “Venice of the Languedoc” owing to its intricate network of canals
Culinary heritage, panoramic views, sandy beaches, art, and a fishing port right in the town centre; all you can hope to experience is here, in this small but significant port town located in southeast Occitane. Owing to its gorgeous canals, quays and the old town square this city is known as the “Venice of the Languedoc”. After enjoying an appetising sètoise meal, you can walk along the Lido promenade which stretches over 12 kilometres between Sète and Marseillan and grants access to one of the seven fine sandy beaches for which the town is famous.
Among all the natural attractions Sète has to offer, Mont Saint-Clair view point is an absolute must visit. Located at the height of 175 metres, this summit marked by a white cross offers a breath-taking panorama as far as the Pyrenees.
Even though the view from Mont Saint-Clair is worth every bit of pain and discomfort you might experience during the hike, I strongly advise wearing comfortable footwear. Learn from my mistake of attempting the climb in four-inch heels, as it would undoubtedly lead to a painful journey you’ll regret for days.
Sète is not only a fitting spot for nature lovers, but also a haven for art connoisseurs. Located on the slope of Mont Saint-Clair, Musée Paul Valéry features fine arts collections containing over 700 paintings and more than a thousand
drawings.
Carcassonne
The castle and its ramparts in Carcasonne are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
This hilltop town in southern France’s Languedoc area is known for its 2500 years old medieval city which is nothing less than a fairy-tale come to life; with cobblestone roads, medieval citadel, La Cité, and numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications.
Each stone of this enchanting town is a testament to the bravery and wit of its queen, Dame Carcas, who saved her people from Saracen occupation, when Emperor Charlemagne laid siege to the town of Carcassonne.
Bordering the entrance of the citadel lies a stunning and grand cemetery, a sight that is sure to captivate those who, like me, enjoy leisurely strolls through places of this nature. After immersing yourself in a rich dose of history, finding solace in a serene corner of greenery becomes essential in Carcassonne. The Canal du Midi, once used to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to transport goods and people, is now traversed by many boaters and tourists. Enjoy a picnic on the banks with a magnificent view of the Canal du Midi and medieval citadel.
Don’t hesitate to lose yourself in wandering and explore as much as possible of this enchanting ville médiévale.
Le Train Jaune
Le train jaune or the Yellow Train is Europe’s highest metre-gauge railway
Experience the majestic beauty of the Pyrenees by embarking on a journey through landscapes worthy of a postcard. Hop aboard “the Canary” or the Yellow Train, Europe’s highest metre-gauge railway!
The voyage starts in the ancient trading city of Villefranchede-Conflent where you can scout the watchtowers, ramparts, fort and bastions; elements typical of the military architecture of Vauban.
Street shops selling witch ornaments in charms in the enchanting city of Villefranche-de-Conflent
Apart from the stunning architecture, a peculiar thing I noticed while wandering through the streets of Villefranche was some shops selling witch charms and ornaments. After conversing with some of the residents, I learned that according to a local legend, some witches resided in the caves deep within the Pyrenees during winters, emerging only to join the villagers in celebrating the holidays during spring.
During the train journey, you will encounter another marvel of Vauban at Mont-Louis. Here, you can walk through the doors of the Vauban citadel, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2008. On your route to the last stop, Latour-de-Carol Enveitg, you will also pass by Bolquère, the highest station in France at an altitude of 1593m.
Les Orgues of the Ille sur Têt
Formed by decades of erosion, these distinctive rock formations have been sculpted and scarred by nature in such a manner that they possess an almost lunar-like appearance
If you are a nature enthusiast, or even a marvel fan, this spot located in the village of Ille-sur-Têt, 30 minutes away from Perpignan needs to be a part of your itinerary. Formed by decades of erosion, these distinctive rock formations have been sculpted and scarred by nature in such a manner that they possess an almost lunar-like appearance.
Even though these geological wonders seem majestic, they are very fragile and subject to the vagaries of the weather and are thus classified as a protected site. The Orgues invite you to wander through the nooks and crannies of these magnificent structures, some of them around ten metres high.To truly appreciate all the beauty and magic of the place, you need to witness the sunset and the changes of colour on the formations in clay.
Les orgues of Ile sur tete are shadowed by the Canigó, a sacred mountain of the Catalans
After a hike through the Orgues, you can walk through the charming Old Town in the village of Ille-sur-Têt and visit the majestic churches of Saint-Étienne and the Rodona.Beyond these beautiful cities and travel experiences, the Occitanie region boasts a wealth of attractions for tourists. Convenient transportation options, including trains, buses, and rental cars, make accessing destinations effortless. With its diverse culture, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, Occitanie offers something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
