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Categories: Occitanie, Toulouse Area
Planning a Road Trip in Southwest France? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Are you dreaming about a road trip in Southwest France but not sure where to start? In episode 542 of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Craig and Pamela Anderson, travelers from the Pacific Northwest in the US. They recently explored the Languedoc region in-depth, driving from Montpellier to Toulouse with plenty of amazing stops along the way.
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This blog post recaps their favorite destinations, travel tips, and food experiences to inspire your own southwest France itinerary. Don't forget to listen to the episode for more details and practical advice! And perhaps read the series of books he mentions: Kate Mosse – Labyrinth, Sepulchre, Citadel
Hotels Mentioned in this Episode
Hotel Richer de Belleval (Montpellier)
Best Western Hôtel Le Donjon (Carcassonne)
Airbnb Toulouse (Capitol Square)
Why Choose a Road Trip in Southwest France?
Craig and Pamela love exploring France region by region. They’ve already visited Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Paris, and Provence. This time, they focused on the Occitanie region, which includes historic towns, Mediterranean beaches, vineyards, Cathar castles, and vibrant cities like Toulouse.
A road trip in Southwest France lets you explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, hike scenic trails, visit authentic markets, and enjoy local wine and seafood—without rushing. It’s ideal for curious travelers who enjoy cultural heritage, great food, and small towns with character.
Where Craig and Pamela Went
Their journey started in Montpellier, a lively university town with a beautiful old center. They stayed in the historic core and explored on foot. Highlights included:
- Place de la Comédie
- Saint-Roch Church, a Camino de Santiago stop
- The Fabre Museum
- Unique street art and murals
They also took a wine tour to Pic Saint-Loup with local guide Bernard, which included a visit to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a medieval village and Camino pilgrimage site.
Next came Sète, known as the “Venice of the Languedoc.” This port town charmed them with its seafood market, **canals**, and the unique tielle sétoise (spicy octopus pie). They even stopped at an oyster shack in Loupian, where they enjoyed oysters, mussels, and Picpoul de Pinet wine right by the lagoon. That’s a true South of France foodie experience!
Béziers: A Hidden Gem
Béziers wasn’t originally on their radar, but it became a highlight. The old town has been revitalized in recent years. Craig and Pamela loved:
- The Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire with stunning views
- Walking along the Orb River and Old Bridge
- Discovering trompe-l'œil murals
- Exploring the Fonserannes Locks along the Canal du Midi
- A top-notch meal at Pica Pica, a Michelin-recognized tapas restaurant
Annie points out that Béziers is often overlooked in favor of Narbonne, but that might be changing!
Carcassonne and the Cathars
Their road trip in Southwest France continued with a stop at Lastours, where they viewed Cathar castle ruins from a scenic overlook. Then it was on to Carcassonne, the famous medieval fortress city.
They arrived in the late afternoon to avoid crowds, stayed inside the walled city, and enjoyed the full ramparts walk at sunset—magical and uncrowded. They also made time to eat cassoulet, the hearty local stew.
If you’re interested in Cathar history, medieval towns, or fortified castles, this stretch is a must.
Albi and Toulouse
Before returning their rental car, they visited Albi, home to the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (closed that day, sadly). They also stopped at Rabastens, another lesser-known Camino pilgrimage town with UNESCO status.
Their final days were spent in Toulouse, where they stayed in an Airbnb on Capitol Square. They explored the Victor Hugo Market, took a food tour with Jessica from Taste of Toulouse, and enjoyed a private walking tour with Elyse Rivin. Another unique highlight was a gourmet bike food tour where a chef cooked dishes on the spot and shared stories tied to Toulouse’s history.
Listen to the Episode!
This road trip in Southwest France offers something for everyone: medieval history, Camino de Santiago connections, Mediterranean seafood, vibrant city life, and quiet countryside.
Listen to episode 542 of Join Us in France to hear Craig and Pamela’s full story, with tips on **where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan your itinerary**.
Feeling inspired? Ready to book your own itinerary consult with Annie? She can help you make the most of your time in France. [More info here](https://joinusinfrance.com/boutique).
Bon voyage! ✨
More episodes about the Occitanie region
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Transcript Guest NotesCategories: Occitanie, Toulouse Area