Medieval villages in the Occitanie region of France

The Occitanie region in France offers numerous medieval villages characterized by ancient streets, ramparts, and historical monuments. Near Toulouse, the Tarn department features the “Occitan Tuscany,” which includes Castelnau-de-Montmiral, a 13th-century fortified village, and Puycelsi, known for its 800 meters of intact medieval walls. Cordes-sur-Ciel is another prominent site, situated 320 meters above sea level and noted for its Gothic architecture and artist workshops.

In the area surrounding Tarbes, visitors can explore a variety of landscapes ranging from plains to the Pyrenean valleys. Ibos features the fortified Saint-Laurent collegiate church, a historical monument since 1862. Other notable locations include Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, known for its Jacquaire history, and the mountain valley villages of Arreau, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Cauterets.