Best places to stay in Occitanie? The former region of Languedoc-Roussillon
The départements of the former region of Languedoc-Roussillon are a particularly beautiful destination in the south of France. The incredible diversity of the region – the Camargue, the coast, the mountains and the viticulture – has always been a special attraction for visitors. The area stretches along the Mediterranean coast between the border with Spain and the Provence in the west and the Auvergne in the north. It is paradise for beach lovers and hikers alike. But it also has a rich history that can be experienced here.
Where to stay in Aude – a journey to the middle ages
The département of Aude is a paradise for travellers looking for the original and unspoilt. Here, history, nature and pleasure merge into a unique experience. From the imposing medieval fortified city of Carcassonne to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Corbières and Minervois, Aude will enchant you with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Climb the mysterious Cathar castles, explore the unspoilt beaches of the Mediterranean or be inspired by the lively markets and Mediterranean joie de vivre of the charming villages. Aude is a place where you can feel the soul of the south.
Boutique hotels, chambres d’hôtes and holiday flats in Aude département
Where to stay in Gard: in the footsteps of the Romans
If you want to go even further back in time, discover the many traces of the Roman occupation of Gaul scattered throughout the département of Gard. Explore the city of Nîmes, a city also known as the "French Rome" because of its impressively preserved Roman amphitheaters and its ancient Roman temple, the Maison Carrée, among others. In Uzès, narrow streets lead to shady squares where a lively local market fills the air with the scent of olives, cheese and wild herbs on Saturdays, inviting you to a more intimate experience of French culture. Between the two cities lies the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rises majestically above the Gardon River and used to transport water over 50 km from Uzès to Nîmes. Further inland, the Cévennes National Park offers hiking trails through low mountains and hills, punctuated by waterfalls and picturesque villages overlooking the valleys.
Boutique hotels, chambres d’hôtes and holiday flats in Gard département
Where to stay in Hérault: historic estates on the wine route
The Hérault is another magical département of the Occitanie region and showcases a more multi-layered introduction to the south of France, where the call of the Mediterranean mixes with the scent of the inland vineyards. Montpellier is bursting with youthful, lively energy, and the historic squares are bustling with cafés, while nearby Pézenas, with its market streets and artisan shops, invites you to take a slower pace. On the coast near Bèziers, the towns of Sète and Mèze have retained an unpolished charm, with quiet beaches and harbours full of fishing boats and fish stalls. Inland, the River Orb meanders quietly through wild gorges, while the vineyards of villages such as Quarante and Puissalicon bear witness to Languedoc's long winemaking tradition. We have put together a list of the best boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs in Hérault, some located in historic wine estates, where guests can taste wines, stroll through the cellar corridors or simply watch the sun set over the vines.
Where to stay in in the Pyrénées-Orientales: the French Catalonia
In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the south of France feels unmistakably Catalan, a place where the Pyrenees gently meet the Mediterranean Sea. This heritage shapes daily life here - from the flavours of the food to the rhythms of the festivals. In Collioure, with its lively harbour promenade and ochre houses, you can feel the spirit that once attracted artists like Matisse, while inland, villages like Ortaffa and Prats-de-Mollo offer a calmer picture of Catalan traditions. Local products are offered at the markets, and each café has its own interpretation of regional classics such as escalivada and cargols. At the family-run boutique hotels and B&Bs in Pyrénées-Orientales, staying feels like an extension of local life - the hosts are happy to tell stories, recommend nearby hiking trails or offer a taste of homemade ratafia. The landscape is rich in Romanesque churches, secluded valleys and mountain trails that seem to lead directly into the heart of Catalonia.