Rachel Southwood

27 October 2025

Lifestyle & Culture

Discover Occitanie (Languedoc) for Unforgettable Family Holidays

Looking for the perfect destination for your next family holiday in France? Occitanie (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon) offers an unbeatable mix of sunshine, adventure, and cultural charm - perfect for kids, teens, parents and even grandparents. Whether you're after outdoor excitement, historical exploration, beach time or hands-on experiences, Occitanie has something for everyone.

Stretching from the Mediterranean coastline to the peaks of the Pyrenees and inland to the rolling vineyards, Occitanie is one of France’s most diverse and family-friendly regions. You'll find a unique blend of landscapes and experiences, combining sun-soaked beaches, medieval castles, vibrant cities, and endless nature. Iconic destinations like Carcassonne, Narbonne, Montpellier, Toulouse and Nîmes are all within easy reach - each packed with family-friendly attractions, historical treasures, and local charm. Whatever age your children are - toddlers to teens - you'll find plenty of things to do in Occitanie:

Explore the Walled City of Carcassonne

Step into a real-life fairy tale in this UNESCO-listed fortress. Kids can walk the ramparts, explore the castle and even dress up as knights and princesses.

Enjoy the Languedoc Beaches

Miles of sandy beaches stretch along the Mediterranean. Family favourites include Valras-Plage, Cap d’Agde and Le Grau-du-Roi, with shallow waters perfect for little swimmers.

See the views aboard the Little Red Train in the Pyrenees

Ride the Little Red Train in the Pyrenees (Train Jaune)

A big hit with younger children, this scenic mountain train offers jaw-dropping views and a gentle way to experience the heights of the Pyrenees.

Dinosaur Museum in Espéraza

Let imaginations run wild at one of the biggest dinosaur museums in France, featuring skeletons, fossils and fun interactive exhibits.

Adventure Parks & Outdoor Fun

Try zip-lining, treetop adventures, canoeing or pony trekking in natural parks like the Gorges du Tarn or Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc.

A day of fun for the whole family in the trees of Occitanie

Picnics, Markets and Family Meals

With fresh local produce and sun-drenched vineyards all around, you can enjoy open-air picnics, visit farmers' markets or try out regional specialities like cassoulet - perfect for sharing.

Culture, Cities & Relaxation for Parents

While the kids are entertained, grown-ups will love the rich heritage, wine routes, Roman ruins and vibrant southern cities. Visit Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose, for its relaxed vibe and riverfront cafés. Head to Narbonne for canal walks and market browsing or enjoy a lazy afternoon in a vineyard.

Need some downtime?

Many holiday rentals and resorts offer kids' clubs and activities, giving parents a well-earned break.

Never a Dull Moment in Occitanie

One thing is certain: you should never be bored in Occitanie. Whether you're climbing castle towers, tasting olives in a sunlit village square, or watching flamingos in the Camargue, every day brings a new adventure.

Occitanie is truly made for family holidays. With something for every age and interest, this sun-drenched corner of southern France is a place where memories are made, adventures begin and boredom simply isn’t an option!

And best of all - it’s all in one place - under the Occitan sun.