Rachel Southwood

1 November 2025

Travel & Places to Visit

The Most Picturesque Villages in Occitanie You’ll Want to Visit And Maybe Even Live In

From the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc, these are the most Instagrammable villages and towns in Occitanie that you’ll love to visit and could easily fall in love with enough to buy property in.

Occitanie is famous for its ancient stonework, charming bastide (fortified) towns, ochre-roofed houses and spectacular hilltop views. This historic and diverse region in the South of France is dotted with hidden gems that are just a short drive from some of the biggest cities like Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan.

Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful holiday home or relocating for a slower pace of life, these villages offer both beauty and lifestyle.

Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn)

 Perched high above the Tarn valley, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a medieval hilltop village that feels almost suspended in the clouds—hence its poetic name, which means "Ropes above the Sky." Located just an hour from Toulouse, this picturesque village offers a journey back in time with its cobbled streets, Gothic façades, and artisan workshops. It’s a favourite among photographers, painters, and those searching for timeless stone-built properties with sweeping countryside views. The village also hosts festivals, art fairs and local markets that bring a vibrant sense of life to its historic setting.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)

Set within a dramatic canyon of the Hérault gorges, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a true jewel of southern France, only about 45 minutes from Montpellier. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village grew up around a peaceful Benedictine abbey that still welcomes pilgrims and visitors today. With its flower-draped balconies, crystal-clear river and intimate stone alleys, Saint-Guilhem is as charming as it is peaceful. Nature lovers will appreciate its setting on the Santiago de Compostela route and its proximity to hiking trails, caves and wild swimming spots. Homes here tend to be rustic, character-filled and rarely on the market for long.

Awe-inspiring Rocamadour

Rocamadour (Lot) Dramatically carved into the side of a cliff, Rocamadour is one of the most awe-inspiring and photogenic villages in France. It’s located about 90 minutes from Cahors or Brive-la-Gaillarde and is famous for its religious significance and stunning architecture. With its medieval pilgrimage chapels, winding stone staircases and panoramic valley views, Rocamadour feels like something out of a fairytale. Beyond its spiritual legacy, the village has become a haven for those seeking tranquillity and authenticity. The surrounding Lot countryside offers peaceful rural living and property buyers are often drawn by the area’s strong heritage and rich gastronomic traditions.

Auvillar (Tarn-et-Garonne) Sitting gracefully above the Garonne River, Auvillar is officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Just over an hour from Toulouse, it offers easy access to the city while providing a totally different pace of life. The village is famous for its beautiful circular market hall and Renaissance architecture and the warm-toned stone buildings lend it a timeless charm. Popular with artists and expats, Auvillar’s friendly community and cultural events give it year-round appeal. It’s a wonderful spot for those looking for a peaceful home base in Occitanie, with great views, local vineyards and river walks at your doorstep.

Postcard-perfect coastal village, Collioure, in Occitanie

Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales) With its colourful seafront houses, sparkling Mediterranean waters and artistic heritage, Collioure is a postcard-perfect coastal village just 30 minutes from Perpignan. Long loved by painters like Matisse and Derain, this vibrant Catalan fishing port has a distinctly bohemian atmosphere. Its historic royal castle, tiny beach coves and bustling harbourside cafés make it one of the most charming spots along the Vermilion Coast. Properties here range from elegant townhouses with sea views to traditional fishermen’s cottages tucked down quiet lanes. Collioure is ideal for those who want to combine beach life, culture and accessibility in one unique location.

Lautrec (Tarn) Famed for being the birthplace of the legendary artist Toulouse-Lautrec, this medieval village is a hidden gem located less than an hour from Albi and Castres. Lautrec is best known for its pink garlic—celebrated in an annual festival—as well as its well-preserved half-timbered houses and old windmill. The views across the rolling Tarn countryside are nothing short of breathtaking, and the peaceful, authentic vibe of the village makes it a perfect retreat for those seeking a slower pace. Many of the homes here are centuries old and full of character, featuring stone façades, vaulted ceilings and sunny gardens.

Why People Fall for These Villages Each of these Occitanie villages has its own unique story, but they all share a few things in common: breathtaking views, strong cultural identity, and a slower, more meaningful way of life. Whether it’s the medieval ambiance of Cordes-sur-Ciel, the seaside charm of Collioure or the spiritual serenity of Rocamadour, these are places that captivate the imagination and often convince visitors to stay for good.

Spectacular hilltop views of Occitanie

What’s more, many of these villages are within easy reach of major Occitanie cities, making them practical as well as picturesque. With growing interest in character properties, investing in a home in one of these beautiful spots offers both lifestyle benefits and strong long-term appeal.

So, whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday snap, a peaceful place to work remotely, or your future dream home in the South of France, Occitanie’s villages have something truly special to offer. From hilltop hamlets to coastal hideaways, these are not just beautiful places to visit - they’re places you may never want to leave.