When you think of southern France, images of the lavender fields in Provence or glamorous destinations like Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez may come to mind. But if you trace your way down from Paris to the Mediterranean on a map, you’ll arrive at Occitanie—a region offering a different, more laid-back side of the French south.

Here, in the Aude department and the coastal city of Narbonne, you’ll find a relaxed vibe amidst a diverse landscape. Stretching across France’s largest wine-producing area, Languedoc-Roussillon (now part of Occitanie since 2016), the terrain includes sandy beaches, shallow lagoons, and limestone plateaus dotted with lakes.

This was once Cathar country, a medieval stronghold for a dissident religious group deemed heretical in the 12th century. Today, visitors explore its hilltop castles, majestic citadels, and the charming coastal villages, worlds apart from the glitz of the Côte d’Azur. Here, you can savor local seafood straight from the lagoons and sip Languedoc wines with the Pyrenees as a stunning backdrop.

Narbonne: A Roman Legacy and France’s Finest Markets

An hour from Narbonne, the hilltop fortress of Carcassonne draws many tourists with its medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. But Narbonne itself, once a bustling Roman port founded in 118 BCE, deserves just as much attention.

Narbonne’s ancient Roman roots are on display at the Narbo Via Museum, a modern masterpiece by Foster+Partners that opened in 2021. The museum’s highlight is a robotic display wall featuring over 700 ancient carved stones from the town’s original structures.

The Canal du Midi, a 17th-century marvel connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, runs through Narbonne. While most visitors stay on their canal boats, those who explore Narbonne are rewarded with treasures like the city’s famous covered market, Les Halles. Here, locals shop for seafood, produce, and goat cheese, then gather for a midday glass of wine and a meal at Chez Bebelle, a lively market eatery.

The Renaissance of Languedoc Wine

As France’s oldest wine route dating back to the Roman Empire, Languedoc’s vineyards have undergone a transformation. Once known for mass production, the region is now a leader in organic and biodynamic winemaking, thanks to visionaries like Gerard Bertrand.

A former rugby player turned winemaker, Bertrand runs 16 biodynamic vineyards, including Château l’Hospitalet. His Grand Vin Rouge 2017 was crowned the world’s best red wine at the International Wine Challenge in 2019.

With diverse soils and varietals, the Languedoc region has reclaimed its place as a hotspot for artisanal wines. Visitors can experience this heritage firsthand at Bertrand’s coastal winery, which also features a boutique hotel and a fine dining restaurant.

Relaxation Among Vineyards and Lagoons

Stay at Château l’Hospitalet, a serene retreat with Mediterranean views. The property blends historical charm with modern comforts, offering gourmet dining and spa treatments. During summer, its beach club in Gruissan serves up coastal vibes without the pretentiousness of the Côte d’Azur.

Gruissan itself is a haven for relaxation. Walk along its quiet beaches, explore emerald lagoons like Gouffre de l’Oeil Doux, or watch flamingos wade through the pink salt pools at Salin de Gruissan. Nearby, La Cambuse du Saunier serves up fresh oysters and razor clams at rustic waterfront tables.

For a truly authentic French experience, Occitanie and Narbonne invite you to slow down, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in a region steeped in history and natural beauty.