Occitanie is blessed with a wealth of picturesque villages where local culture and traditions still reign supreme. Set off on an expedition just a few kilometers by car from the Pink City and break the daily routine without breaking your piggy bank. Toulouse Secret presents its ranking of the most charming Occitan villages and travel ideas for your extended weekends.
Table Of Contents
Charming villages less than 1 hour’s drive from Toulouse
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Rabastens
The main reason to visit Rabastens is for its wine (and of course for its scenery). Surrounded by the AOC Gaillac vineyards and the Tarn river, it’s the ideal place to take a tour of the wine cellars (Vinovalie’s, for example) and enjoy wine-tasting sessions! Take the opportunity to visit theNotre-Dame-du-Bourg Church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it is a stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
🚗 39 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Rieux-Volvestre
Rieux-Volvestre, formerly known only as Rieux, is a small village not far from Toulouse that’s full of must-see nuggets. Its architectural heritage includes no less than seven buildings protected as historic monuments. If you had to see just one, we’d recommend the beautiful cathedral of the Nativity of Mary!
🚗 45 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Mauvezin
In the heart of Mauzevin, you’ll discover the Place de la Libération, with its beautiful stone arcades dating from the 16th century. While strolling through the town, don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Michel and its bell tower, which dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1829.
🚗 58 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Cologne
The city of Cologne (named after Cologne in Germany) was founded in 1284. At the center of this small town is the medieval covered market dating from the 14th century. Don’t miss the 17th-century bell tower overlooking Cologne.
🚗 47 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Encausse
A jewel nestled in Encausse, stop off to see the little church dating back to 1759. Nature lovers will also love it! As you stroll through this charming Occitan village, you’ll come across magnificent fields of sunflowers, foxes and deer!
🚗 46 minutes by car from Toulouse
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L’isle Jourdain
A little larger than a village, L’isle Jourdain is a medieval town whose main square is a must-see. Every Saturday, the market sets up in the square and you’ll be able to find local wines, cheeses, charcuterie… The 14th-century tower of the Collégiale St Martin with its neoclassical style is a local must-see.
🚗 35 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Laréole
If you visit the tiny village of Laréole, don’t miss out on its grand Château. Built in Renaissance style in 1579, you’ll notice its superb brickwork in local stone. This huge quadrangular building with its 4 towers was commissioned by Pierre de Cheverry, a prosperous pastel merchant from Toulouse.
🚗 55 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Saint-Lizier
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees the picturesque village of Saint-Lizier invites you on a timeless journey. Its cobbled medieval streets wind between centuries-old stone houses. Another spectacular sight in this charming village near Toulouse is the majestic cathedral that dominates the horizon. Between art galleries and cosy cafés, Saint-Lizier is one of the villages to discover near Toulouse.
🚗 1h25 from Toulouse by car
Pretty villages within 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive of Toulouse
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Cordes-sur-Ciel
Just an hour’s drive from Toulouse, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a charming, extremely well-preserved 17th-century medieval village. In its historic center, you’ll find numerous souvenir stores and excellent restaurants.
🚗 1h16 from Toulouse by car
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Castelnau-de-Montmiral
If you’re visiting the tiny village of Castelnau-de-Montmiral, stop off at their beautiful square square and enjoy a meal at the restaurant Le Ménagier listed in the highly select Michelin Guide!
🗺️ Where is Castelnau-de-Montmiral?
🚗 1h03 from Toulouse by car
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Tarascon-sur-Ariège
An ancient fortified village, Tarascon-sur-Ariège boasts a round tower perched on a hillock that’s well worth a visit! And like Rieux-Volvestre, it too has its share of listed buildings! Among them, the notre-Dame de Sabart chapel classified in 1846, the château de Lacombe, thenotre-Dame-de-la-Daurade church or the saint-Michel tower!
🗺️ Where is Tarascon-sur-Ariège?
🚗 1h12 from Toulouse by car
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Sorèze
Here you’ll discover a wealth of old buildings, many of them half-timbered. Many of Sorèze ‘s houses also have information panels presenting the personalities who lived there. A must-see: the Rue Saint-Martin abbey-school, brimming with history!
🚗 1 hour 05 minutes by car from Toulouse
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Saurat
Would you like to get away from the city for a weekend, or just a day, and enjoy the great outdoors? That’s what Saurat is for. This small commune is part of the regional nature park of the Ariège Pyrenees. A change of scenery guaranteed. And in addition to the charm of its streets, you can also visit France’s last remaining natural whetstone company.
🚗 1h15 drive from Toulouse
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Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
Located in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne, the small commune of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val has lots of pretty old pedestrian streets. It’s also a great opportunity to wander around and stop off at local shops to buy local produce. In summer, you can even paddle the Aveyron gorges!
🗺️ Where is Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val?
🚗 1h20 from Toulouse by car
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Lauzerte
Nestling on the heights of a hill, Lauzerte has been regularly ranked as one of France’s most beautiful villages since 1990. If you take a look around, you’ll be charmed by its stone and half-timbered facades, its corner posts and its superb main square! This charming medieval town is sure to win your heart!
🚗 1h19 drive from Toulouse
Getaways more than an hour and a half’s drive from the pink city
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Najac
Najac is a picturesque village on a ridge above the Aveyron River. At the turn of the last century, the village had a population of around 2,000, and several films – including “La Vie Comme Elle Va” – focus on the village and its surroundings. Once famous for its ham, the village is much visited in summer.
🚗 1h50 from Toulouse by car