We continue the series of publications about the southwest of France and the most interesting locations of this region. Oxide is a region located between the Mediterranean Sea, Pyrenees and the Dordon River Valley. He is famous for his winemaking and rich cultural heritage, as well as an abundance of places for relaxation: there are beaches, ski resorts, natural locations, and historical monuments.
How to get
The largest international airport is the Blannyak Toulouse. There are no direct flights from Russia, you can fly with transfers to Morocco, Algeria and Turkey. The cost of tickets one way starts from 24,500 rubles*.
Historical cities
Toulouse
The capital of the region is known as the “pink city” due to the characteristic shade of the brick used in the construction of most buildings. In the Middle Ages, it was a Catholic center of the French South, so many key attractions here are a religious nature: the basilica of Saint-Sersen of the XI century is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Church of Jacobites of the XIII century is considered an important pilgrimage location as the burial place of Foma Aquinas, the basilica de la Drada was built in the style of neoclassicism on the site The ancient temple of Apollo, and the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne was built for many centuries and became a vivid example of the South French Gothic.
Where to stay in Toulouse
- In the apartments L’Annexe du Bivouac (estimate 10) – from 5,600 rubles per day*.
- In the Apartments Love Hotel Toulouse (estimate 10) – from 15,800 rubles per night*.
Montoban
It is convenient to travel from Toulouse to other cities of Oxitania. For example, for one day you can go to Montoban. There it is worth visiting fans not only of architecture, but also of academic painting, because the famous French artist Jean Auguste Dominic Engra was born here, and one of his paintings adorns the main cathedral of the city.
Where to stay in Montoban
- In the Apartments La Mansarde d’Olympe (rating 9.6) – from 7,000 rubles per day*.
- In the AMARELO apartments (rating 10) – from 7,600 rubles per night*.
Muassak
Less than an hour by train by train from Toulouse is another historically significant city – Muassak. First of all, he is famous for the old abbey of Saint-Pierre-one of the most famous and ancient romance architectural monuments, founded at the beginning of the 7th century. The club of the abbey (the courtyard) is especially beautiful, which is considered a wonderful example of mixing Romanesque and Gothic styles: the ornament adorning the arches is never repeated.
Where to stay in Muassak
- In the apartments La Maisonnette de la Concorde au Cœur de Mossac (rating 9.5) – from 6,800 rubles per day*.
- In the apartments Le T2 Moderne des Palmiers au Coeur de Moissac (score 9.6) – from 7,900 rubles per night*.
Carcasson
This is the birthplace of one of the most famous local legends, retold Umberto IVF in the Baudolino book. It is connected with the inaccessibility of the fortress, which no one could take storm in history in history.
Inside the powerful walls, you can spend the whole day, inspecting the picturesque and very well -preserved bastions and admiring the panoramic views of local vineyards and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The city has another historical center, outside the fortress wall, also very comfortable and interesting.
He is surrounded by many castles of varying degrees of safety. Rent a car and get to “Five Sons of Carcison”amazing medieval fortresses Agylar, Puiloran, Pairepeetus, Term and Keribus; It is also worth watching the castles of Montsegur and Fois.
Where to stay in the frame
- In the hotel B & B La Maison Vintage (rating 9.7) – from 10,500 rubles per day*.
- In the four -star Houth Restaurant Le Parc Franck Putlat (score 9.4) – from 24,600 rubles per night*.
Osh
The city became famous thanks to its Cathedral of 1489, also this place is considered the birthplace of d’Artagnan. The lower and upper part of the city connects a 35-meter staircase with 373 steps, consisting of several spans decorated with sculptures. Its construction was completed in 1863. Many travelers mark the comfort of small Osh streets, a picturesque view of the Zher River and the Gascon fields around.
Where to stay in Osh
- In the Lature Hotel Le Gavachon (score 9.7) – from 8,700 rubles per day*.
- In a three -star hotel with the Le Domaine de Baulieu pool (score 9.2) – from 14,700 rubles per night*.
Him
One of the brightest cities of Oxitania. First of all, it is known for its amphitheater: this impressive arena dates from the end of the 1st century AD and is distinguished by a very complex architecture: 24,000 spectators could accommodate at the rostrum. Today, various events and reconstruction are held here. The Roman heritage in the city is very noticeable: it is worth seeing the era built in 1 year Meson Carre – The most preserved ancient Roman temple in France. 22 km from the city is the famous Pon Do-Harthe highest surviving ancient Roman aqueduct in the world, which supplied the region with water until 1985.
Where to stay in nima
- In the hotel Sous Le Neflier (estimate 10) – from 10,700 rubles per day*.
- The Maison Dans Les Arbres, Spa, Tennis, Parking (rating 10) – from 13,500 rubles per night*.
Rest at sea
Perpinyan
This Oxitan town was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca. It is located next to the Spanish border, so on its cozy streets it is likely to hear the Catalan language than French. In addition to the beaches, the local coast is interesting for their oyster farms, next to which there are small “sheds” – tasting restaurants with fishing color. Oysters here are cheaper than anywhere else in France.
Where to stay in Perpignan
- In the apartments Studio République #5 (rating 9.5) – from 4,500 rubles per day*.
- In the hotel Le Mas Bresson (score 9.6) – from 7,800 rubles per night*.
Kane-An-Roussion
One of the most popular locations among local to relax on the Mediterranean Sea. There is a spacious sandy beach where swimwear and windsurfer flow on warm days. In the distance you can see the silhouette of the Pyrenean kaniga, the height of which reaches 2,784 m. The commune itself is also very atmospheric: you can walk along the embankment, go into coastal restaurants with seafood, study the old village and medieval castle, or look into the estate Shato Esparrewhere wine tastings are held.
Where to stay in Kan-An-Roussion
- In the camping of Mobilhome Neuf 2021 Mar Estang Canet-En-Rossilon (estimate 10)-from 6,300 rubles per day*.
- In a three -star hotel with the Le Galion Canet Plage – Logis (9.0 rating) – from 8,200 rubles per night*.
Montpellier
Another cozy town near the sea. Here, the proximity of the Provence is already felt in everything: narrow streets, tiled roofs, an abundance of flowering trees and lavender fields. Sit on the Comedy Square on the terrace of the Cafe, take a walk along the Payra’s embankment to Belvedere and the Aqueduct Saint-Cleeman, go up to the bell tower of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral or the Triumphal Arch, wander around the luxurious botanical garden-and then rent a bicycle and go to the coast (it is located about 10 km from the city center). The shore of the sea near Montpellier is very unusual – it is separated by etangs, small salty bays and lakes on which pink flamingo live.
Where to stay in Montpellier
- In the APP T2 A Montpellier (estimate 10) – from 13,600 rubles per day*.
- In the five -star High Richer de Belleval (score 9.3) – from 34,100 rubles per night*.
Hiking
In the past two decades, many travelers, not even the most religious, are striving to go through El Kamino de Santiago – foot route of medieval pilgrims. The most important section of the path of St. James begins just in the south of France: four roads lead to passes through the Pyrenees.
The places associated with El Kamino de Santiago can be recognized by the sink of the sink (it is also indicated by the relatively inexpensive hostels taking pilgrims) or by the red-white flag-this is how pedestrian paths are marked.
One of the most interesting French roads is Podenskaya, as it passes through the most beautiful national park Kos du Kersi. This is a huge territory with hills and cliffs, dotted with picturesque rivers Lot and Dordon. An important pilgrimage place (and just an interesting location) is the village Rokamadur. Her houses seemed to be stuck on a sheer cliff.
In Kos du Kersi is an amazing cave with its scale Padirac. The entrance ticket costs 20 euros, and it is better to buy it in advance online or come to the opening, because otherwise you can spend a couple of hours in line. The descent into the cave will become a very interesting experience: part of the route will have to be overcome along the underground river in tiny boats-canoe. Sunlight does not penetrate Padirak, the temperature always holds at a mark of +13 degrees, and multi -colored lamps bizarrely highlight the limestone deposits of various fantasy forms.
Where to stay in the Kos-Du-Corsi Park
- In the Hivetel-Spa Le Saint Cirq hotel in a tour de phorus (9.0 rating)-from 10,200 rubles per day*.
- In the Mas de Garrigue Hotel in Kalvinyak (score 9.7) – from 12,600 rubles per night*.
Koror
The largest settlement of the park is Kororand he also stands in the way of St. James. This city is known for its wine (it is here that the original “Kagor” is made from grapes of the Malbek variety) and a luxurious 900-year-old Cathedral of St. Ethen.
Where to stay in Kaor:
- In a three-star hotel in the style of the Ar-Deco Hôtel Terminus (rating 8.6)-from 6,900 rubles per day*.
- At the hotel on the banks of the Best Western Plus Hotel Divona Cahors (score 9.2) – from 11,000 rubles per night*.
Rest in the mountains
Many French cities and villages owe their beauty to St. Jacob’s path, because it was because of the stream of pilgrims that churches and cathedrals were erected in them, and refuge for the pilgrims appeared. Thanks to this, from small settlements into pilgrims, and then into tourist centers, for example, Tarb and Lourdes, standing near the feasts and the borders with Spain, turned into tourist centers.
There are many large spa centers with thermal pools in the Pyrenees, in which, if desired, you can spend all day. For example, mineral springs of the town Baner de Bigor known since the time of the ancient Romans. Pay attention to the modern Aquensis center with saunas, hammam, massage offices, pool and hydromassage baths on the roof with views of the mountains. This city is a Pyrenee idyll with grazing herds of cows, cheese shops and mysterious old churches.
Where to stay at Banger de Bigor
- In the hotel Le Rêve d’Ghon (score 9.8) – from 10 800 rubles per day*.
- In the apartments L’ON Vert Appartement (rating 9.9) – from 19,800 rubles per night*.
*Prices are relevant at the time of publication.
