Occitanie in Southern France
Occitanie was established as a region following the territorial reform that took effect on January 1, 2016, merging the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions.
It is made up of 13 departments:
From Languedoc-Roussillon:
- Lozère (48): Capital Mende
- Gard (30): Capital Nîmes
- Hérault (34): Capital Montpellier
- Aude (11): Capital Carcassonne
- Pyrénées-Orientales (66): Capital Perpignan
From Midi-Pyrénées:
- Aveyron (12): Capital Rodez
- Tarn (81): Capital Albi
- Lot (46): Capital Cahors
- Ariège (09): Capital Foix
- Haute-Garonne (31): Capital Toulouse
- Hautes-Pyrénées (65): Capital Tarbes
- Gers (32): Capital Auch
- Tarn-et-Garonne (82): Capital Montauban
The préfecture of the region is Toulouse, with other major cities including Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, Béziers, and Montauban.
Historical and cultural significance of Occitanie and its regions
The name Occitanie is derived from the Langue d’Oc (Occitan language), which has been widely spoken in this southern region of France for centuries. The region’s name reflects its deep cultural roots and historical ties to the Occitan-speaking peoples.
The Midi-Pyrénées region, which was created in the late 20th century, does not have a strong historical or geographical significance. It was more of an administrative designation than a reflection of the region’s heritage.
In contrast, Languedoc-Roussillon has a rich historical identity, including the County of Roussillon, which was a distinct entity in the Middle Ages.
This region has long been renowned as a traditional wine-growing area, with centuries of viticulture shaping its culture and economy. Its vineyard spans an impressive 2,996 km², making it three times larger than the famous Bordeaux vineyard. The region’s Mediterranean climate and rocky-clayey soil create perfect conditions for vine cultivation. Wine has been integral to this area for over 2,000 years, with the Romans being the first to acclimatize the vines and establish the first vineyards around Narbonne and Béziers.
At its peak in the 20th century, it was said that one out of every ten bottles of wine produced worldwide came from Occitanie. However, despite its historical significance, Languedoc-Roussillon wines didn’t gain the same level of recognition as other French wines until they received their first AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in the 1980s.
Occitanie: A region of sea, mountains, and UNESCO Heritage
Occitanie is also renowned for its stunning landscapes, combining both seaside and mountainous terrains. It is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which highlight the region’s rich cultural and historical significance. These include:
- Carcassonne: A medieval fortress city
- Canal du Midi: A historic waterway connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
- Pont du Gard: An ancient Roman aqueduct
- Arles: Famous for its Roman monuments and artistic history
- Orange: Known for its Roman theatre and triumphal arch
- Avignon: Home to the Palais des Papes and the famous bridge
- Andorra: A small, picturesque principality in the Pyrenees
- Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle: The pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela
These iconic landmarks contribute to the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and make it a prime destination for travelers.
Occitanie: A region well-connected by air and land
The Occitanie region is served by several airports making it well-connected both within France and internationally. The key airports in the region include:
- Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) – The largest and busiest airport in the region.
- Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL)
- Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI) – Located near Nîmes, it serves the region’s southern part
- Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF) – Serves the eastern part of Occitanie.
- Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
- Béziers Cap d’Agde Airport (BZR) – Serves the nearby coastal resort area.
- Toulouse-Lasbordes Airport (LDB) – A smaller airport located near Toulouse, primarily used for general aviation and private flights.
The region is also well-served by an extensive network of highways and roads that connect it to the rest of France and beyond. The region’s main roads include:
- A61 (Autoroute des Deux Mers): Connecting Toulouse to Narbonne and the Mediterranean, it also links to the A9 in the south towards Perpignan and Spain.
- A62: This motorway connects Toulouse to Bordeaux in the west, facilitating access to the Atlantic coast.
- A64: Running from Toulouse to Bayonne and the Atlantic coast, this road also connects the Pyrenees Mountains to the western part of Occitanie.
- A9: Running from Montpellier to Perpignan, this major motorway connects Occitanie with Catalonia and Spain.
- A75: A vital route that connects Montpellier with Clermont-Ferrand, passing through the Massif Central and linking Occitanie to central France.
- A10: Running from Bordeaux to Paris, this road passes through Occitanie, offering a direct link between the region and northern France.
Occitanie is a region that seamlessly blends rich history, diverse landscapes, and modern connectivity, making it a vibrant destination for both visitors and residents alike.
Occitanie in numbers: Area: 72,724 km2
Population: 6.022,200 (2021)
Wikimedia Commons: Map by Oie Blanche CC BY-SA 4.0 – Pont du Gard by Gérald Martinez CC BY-SA 3.0 – Basilique St Sernin by FrDr CC BY-SA 4.0
