Living like God in France? Where, if not in the southeast between alpine lakes, the Massif Central and the Catalan Pyrenees? The Okzitan region is characterized by numerous nature reserves and cultural highlights. The regional administration operates its own regional, electrically powered rail network that serves classic excursion destinations such as the Regional Nature Parks and historically significant cities such as Albi, Perpignon or Carcasson in an environmentally friendly way.
Living like God in France? Where, if not in the southeast between alpine lakes, the Massif Central and the Catalan Pyrenees? The Okzitan region is characterized by numerous nature reserves and cultural highlights. The regional administration operates its own regional, electrically powered rail network that serves classic excursion destinations such as the Regional Nature Parks and historically significant cities such as Albi, Perpignon or Carcasson in an environmentally friendly way.
Topography
Okzitanien, also often referred to as the "little France in France", offers a wide range of climates. Both alpine and high mountain climates, as well as Atlantic, cooler influences and a strongly Mediterranean climate, create an interesting and species-rich mixture. High plateaus (Causses), extinct volcanoes such as the famous Puy de Dôme for Tour de France cyclists, rugged mid-mountains such as the Cevennes and the peaks of the northeastern Pyrenees, reaching up to 3,000 meters and beyond, shape the landscape and with it the flora and fauna.
The protection of nature and the preservation of biodiversity are of great importance in Okzitanien. Eight regional nature parks, two national parks and a marine park bear witness to the commitment of the population and the public administration. The nature reserves make up more than a third of the entire region.
History
Okzitanien has a long history, of which numerous buildings and other cultural traces still testify. The region was settled long before the Romans, with Julius Caesar receiving enormous military strategic importance. After the Romans came the West Goths, then the Franks. The most significant period was probably that of the wars for the Catholic faith. The Cathars, closely associated with the Albigensians (Albi), whose dualistic religious concept and rejection of wealth and luxury were a thorn in the side of both the French monarchy and, above all, the papacy, had their headquarters and retreats in the cities and fortresses of Okzitanien. The Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229) under Simon de Montfort against the "heretics" ended in the most brutal way the reform movement oriented towards the original Christianity.
Cultural treasures
Whether it is the two attractive metropolises of Toulouse and Montpellier, cultural sites such as the city of Albi with the largest brick cathedral in the world and Carcassonne with its world-famous fortress – both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and are rewarding excursion destinations. Or, the ruins of the Montsegur monastery, the last refuge of the Albigensians, the vibrant art city of Montauban with the Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres Museum, prehistoric dwellings in the Pyrenees, astronomical observation stations – all are easily accessible by round trip with the liO train.
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Albi, the cultural metropolis of brick and home of the Albigensians -
Montauban is home to the famous Ingres-Bourdelle Museum -
Toulouse, the capital of Okzitanien on the Garonne River
Attractive rail travel offer
On the occasion of the territorial reform or reorganization of the regional administrations in 2016, the region of Occitanie has completely focused on replacing private car travel and pursues this approach consistently in the future. To achieve this goal, the authorities have created a well-suited rail infrastructure.
The train line operates on a total of thirty lines with 281 stations and a package ticket called "Occitanie Rail Tour Pass" for travel between two and six days for just 10 euros per day. Bikes and e-bikes can be taken for free, provided there is enough space. In addition, it is possible to combine train travel with bus transfers for an additional 2 euros. This makes it possible to reach any destination, whether it is a metropolis, a historic old town, or a nature or national park, conveniently without a private car, in an environmentally friendly and economical way for the individual travel budget. There are also a number of thematic packages that bundle offers for culture, nature, science, art and gastronomy at particularly favorable prices. The offers to combine train travel with excursions, such as with e-bikes or boats, are also well structured.
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The train is ready to depart -
Beautiful, constantly changing impressions do not lead to boredom
This way, all the highlights of this wonderful area can be explored stress-free and completely relaxed. Fuel costs, long traffic jams and frustrating parking searches disappear, creating a feeling of being a small god in France.
