Travel with us to Occitanie!

Traci Parent |

Traci Parent

September 29, 2025

French Detours was born from the desire to share the joie de vivre of authentic experiences in France, and so I am delighted to offer a small group tour of the incredibly rich region of Occitanie. Join us May 12-21, 2026 to discover the sites, tastes and wonder that is hidden in this lesser known region, steeped in history, tradition and natural beauty.

Day 1 – Arrive in Nîmes

Arrive in Marseille Airport (MRS) and take the group shuttle to Nîmes where we will settle in, have a welcome drink and begin to discover this amazing city.

Day 2 – Nîmes

We begin with a walking tour of this amazing city, where we will see the famous Arena (can you just picture Russell Crowe here??) as well as the Maison Carrée, and the splendor of the Jardins de la Fontaine. Resting our feet, we board le petit train for more highlights of this lovely town, followed by our first tasting of Occitanie specialties at Au Flan de Coco.

Day 3 – Uzès + Pont du Gard

Today we board a bus to discover some nearby treasures, including the UNESCO Heritage Site of le Pont du Gard. Take your time admiring this aqueduct from dating from the first century, before a 3-course lunch at Les Terrasses with spectacular views of this wonder. Next we are off to nearby Uzès, for a walking tour and some time to wander and shop. Before we returning to Nîmes we make a stop at Château du Grès for a wine tasting.

Day 4 – Pézenas + Béziers

After one final breakfast, it’s time time leave Nîmes. Our destination is Béziers, but we pause for lunch and shopping in picturesque Pézenas, known for their antique and artisan shops.

Arriving in Béziers you are free to explore and admire this quaint town.

Day 5 – Béziers

You have gotten a taste of Béziers, but now it is time to explore and discover in-depth. We tour the Arena, the fabulous covered market (Les Halles), the Vieux Pont and the Cathédrale St Nazaire before embarking on a one-hour cruise of the Canal du Midi. After meandering through the countryside on this tranquil canal, we cap off the evening with an Eco Wine Tasting and vineyard tour at nearby Domaine Sarabande.

Day 6 – Carcassonne

One last look at Béziers at sunrise, then our adventure continues in the walled city of Carcassonne. This is truly a magical, one-of-a-kind place that has to be experienced! After touring the ramparts and château, we take a voyage back in time with the virtual reality experience of yesteryear. Then we explore outside the walls, for fantastic photo opps and some local treasures, such as la Maison de la Laine on the famous Rue Trivalle. A copious dinner awaits at Chez Christine!

Day 7 – Cordes-sur-Ciel + Albi

One of the plus beaux villages de France, the fortified town of Cordes-sur-Ciel was founded in 1222 and is celebrated for its medieval architecture and its dramatic hilltop setting that gives it its name. Before we explore this hidden gem, we stop for a cooking class at Les Marmites de Nathalie, enjoying our efforts in a flavor-filled lunch! After our guided tour of Cordes-sur-Ciel that includes le Jardin des Paradis, le Jardin d’Art Bidon and l’Eglise St-Michel, we settle into the iconic town of Albi.

Day 8 – Albi + Toulouse

The Episcopal City of Albi, listed as a World Heritage Site since 2010 is most famous for the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, and it is definitely on the top of our list, but we will also visit other sites such as the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum before embarking on a boat ride on Tarn River. The afternoon wraps up with Wine and Cheese pairings by a local expert.

Day 9 – Toulouse

Our final destination is the capitol city of Occitanie, Toulouse, the Pink City, so named for its pink brick architecture. It is a diverse, lively city with so much to offer! We will take a guided tour around to take in the unique Couvent Jacobin, the Place du Capitol and St Sernin Basilica and a tasting at la Maison de la Violette. Spend your last afternoon wandering, or do an optional tour of the Cité de l’Espace or the Airbus Museum. We gather for a farewell group dinner.

Day 10 – Toulouse + Home

After one final French breakfast (quelle tristesse!) we meet our driver to shuttle to the Toulouse airport (TLS), carrying cherished memories and new friendships!