Occitania. Here are 13 particularly atypical villages to fully discover in 2023
Through Hugues-Olivier Dumez
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Of course, the list is subjective and not intended to be exhaustive. The writing ofNews Occitania is chosen for you thirteen “atypical” villages to be fully discovered in 2023 in the region. The opportunity to highlight destinations “near you”!
Of the Hautes-Pyrenees in Guardpassing through Tarnthe thirteen departments ofOccitania is represented. We’ll let you judge!
Camon, in the department of Ariège
Dubbed the “village of a hundred roses”, Camon is a greenway stage in between Mirepoix and Lavelanet.
This village was born from the creation of an abbey in the 10th century which later became a fortified priory.
Lagrasse, in the department of Aude
Lagrasse is a must during a stay in Corbières. Its cobbled streets lead from the medieval hall to the banks of the Orbieu, at the foot of its famous abbey.
A total of fifteen buildings are protected under the Historical monuments.
Estaing, in the department of Aveyron
The village is located at the foot of the Aubrac mountains, not far Lot and Truyère gorges. Pilgrims on their way to Compostela ride the Gothic bridge of Estaing before exploring its castle. Inside, a permanent exhibition is devoted to ” Valéry Giscard d’Estainga man in the service of France and Europe”.
Lussan, in the department of Gard
Surrounded by ramparts, which have been a strong shield for centuries, the village of Lussan, north ofUzeswas perched on a rocky peak in the middle of scrubland.
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, in the department of Haute-Garonne
Its magnificent cathedral is a real gem of the Romanesque-Gothic art ! Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is an ancient Roman city that became a major pilgrimage site on the pilgrimage to Compostela.
La Romieu, in the department of Gers
La Romieu is a surprising village! This medieval bastide with typical Gers architecture is also one of the important stops on the Ways of Santiago de Compostela.
Its collegiate church is also classified as a “World Heritage Site” byUNESCO.
Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert, in the department of Hérault
The Abbey village, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert was built around the Abbey of Gellone.
This extraordinary site, which dominates the Herault Gorgesis the starting point for many walks.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie, in the department of Lot
“I stopped wanting myself somewhere else”. The poet André Bretonone of the founders of surrealism, literally fell in love with Saint-Cirq Lapopie.
And we can understand it! Perched on a cliff overlooking a bend in the BatchSaint-Cirq-Lapopie is a masterpiece of medieval times.
Sainte-Enimie, in the department of Lozère
Tourist hotspot in the department of Lozère, Sainte-Enimie is a starting point for the descent of the Tarn by canoe-kayak and for hikes to join Great Cause or the striped path that runs along the river.
Its old streets, its ancient stairs, its 17th century bridgeth,… this small village has an incomparable charm!
Ardengost, in the department of Hautes-Pyrénées
Do you love mountains and hiking? Ardengost has an amazing natural heritage! The village is located in the southeast of the department Hautes-Pyrenees.
Exposed to the mountain climate, the town is drained by the Ardengost stream and various small streams.
Castelnou, in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales
This village founded in the 10th century seems to have been forgotten by time. Located in the region of AspresCastelnou still retains its medieval appearance with its ramparts.
Cordes-sur-Ciel, in the department of Tarn
known as Revolution under the name of Cordes-la-Montagne, this village dominates the peaceful Cérou valley.
Cordes sur Ciel is a bastide built in 1222 by Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. The medieval city knew how to adapt to a steep relief. We are not going up to Cordes-sur-Ciel by car! The ascent is done on foot, through steep cobbled streets.
Bruniquel, in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne
The village, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for being the filming location of the movie. “The Old Gun” with Philippe Noiret and Romy Schneider.
Its two castles perched on a rocky promontory over the waters ofAveyron is worth a visit!
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