To help you make a start, here are 5 must-sees to begin with. The Millau Viaduct, the Luchon thermal baths, the Aeronautical Museum, the sacred city of Rocamadour, the Tour de France... These are 5 attractions not to be missed under any circumstances. Let’s take a look!
1. The Millau Viaduc
The Millau Viaduct is to the Aveyron and Occitanie what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Impressive. When you reach this spectacular viaduct, it will take your breath away. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, this gigantic bridge that looks like a many masted ship and attracts more than a million visitors every year. The 2,460 meter long structure spans the Tarn valley at a record height of 343 m (1,125 feet!) above sea level for the highest pylon.
More information here.
2. A visit to the thermal baths
In need of some relaxation? Go and visit one of the innumerable Spas here in Occitanie. In the mountain town of Luchon, springs are a source of water heated to 74°C (162°F). With the steam it generates, Luchon is the only natural Hammam in Europe. After a steam bath, enjoy the pools and jacuzzis as well as the breathtaking views that offers this high Pyrenean thermal station.
More info here.3. The museum of aerospace : Aeroscopia
This museum is worth the visit! Aéroscopia is located in Toulouse-Blagnac, right next to the Airbus workshops. This allows you to discover the invaluable aeronautical heritage of Toulouse and its region. The museum’s elongated and very original metal structure is a feast for the eyes.
The museum is beautiful and also educational. It includes a 7,000 m² main hall where you can admire some of the aviation jewels in the collection: the Caravelle, Concorde, the Super Guppy, the Airbus A300B ...
Audio guides are available to the public (plus the possibility of video guides) with texts adapted for adults and children, in English and French and recently, in German and Spanish. Good to know: the visit is also available in sign language, through the video guides. It is possible to combine this visit with that of the Airbus sites in Toulouse (by reservation). More information here.
4. Rocamadour, the sacred city
Just southwest of Padirac in the Causses du Quercy, Regional Nature Park, stands the sacred village of Rocamadour. Built on 3 successive levels, Rocamadour is both a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers and a castle keep, cascade off the cliff into the Alzou Canyon. Superb at sunset. After Lourdes, it is the city that attracts the most pilgrims in France. It's touristy, but it's an absolute must in Occitania. Rocamadour is also famous for goat cheeses and the foie gras produced in the region.
More information here.5. The Tour of France!
This is for you, bike lovers! The Occitanie region hosts several stages of the Tour de France every July. While enjoying the sumptuous landscape, you can admire the best riders in the world and encourage your favorite team or rider. The Pyrenees mountain range, which borders with Spain, is a great destination for cyclists. In this region, which hosts the Tour de France every year, there is a true culture of cycling and so many cycling events and opportunities for cyclists.
At the Chateau de Saint-Martory we regularly welcome amateur cyclists and propose a full-service week-end to let you enjoy your passion. Welcome in the south of France!