Cities, hilltop villages, fortified towns… Red brick buildings dotted along the Tarn, limestone villages emerging from the vineyards… The built environment has shaped the history and identity of the region. Discovering them is already a journey in itself! Plan your getaways to discover a stronghold, a wine-growing village, or a medieval square as you wander; they are all full of history and will each time be a destination in their own right!
Medieval cities to stroll through history
Medieval villages appeared in the 12th century. They are organized according to three essential elements for the inhabitants: a cemetery, a church or a castle; and the entire inhabited area is protected by ramparts. The bastides, for their part, are new towns, created around a central square and generally a market hall.
In Occitan Tuscany, there are many medieval fortified towns and cities, and we just have to immerse ourselves in this bygone era... And it is for this rich heritage that three villages are labeled “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
The Most Beautiful Villages of France
Bastides and medieval cities
Our small towns to explore without moderation
The small towns of Occitan Tuscany have a lot of charm, that goes without saying! And each in its own way… Gaillac, Lisle-sur-Tarn, Rasbastens… Which one will seduce you?
