Southern Occitanie, france
Attractions Guide

The following attractions are listed in order along a recommended route between Barcelona and Southern France. If you wish to enjoy all of these attractions, be sure to spend at least two days exploring this region by car.

In the northern Catalonian city of Figueres near the French border you'll find the incredible Dali Theatre-Museum, an eccentric red fortification-like structure, built in the surrealist architectural style. The museum houses the largest collection of works by Salvador Dali, as well as optical illusions and striking design features. The museum is also the location of the famous artist's crypt.

Just over the French border to the west of the city of Perpignan you'll find the ruins of two stunning castles, located very close to one another. Both of these medieval castles are built atop craggy hilltops and host excellent panoramic views overlooking this beautiful green mountainous area of France.

Among the most popular attractions in France is the Cite de Carcassonne, a massive fortified medieval city and UNESCO world heritage site. The citadel of Carcassonne is famous for its idealistic castle-like walls, which tower above the modern city.

The citadel's most popular feature is the Chateau Comtal, a stunning 12th century castle located within the fortified city walls. The castle features a museum and allows you access to walk atop part of Carcassonne's walls. In addition to exploring along the citadel's walls, be sure to see the striking gothic exterior of the 12th century Basilique Saint Nazaire church.

The citadel is only accessible from two entrances, the Porte Narbonnaise on the eastern side of the walls and the Porte de l'Aude on the western side. It's highly recommended to see both of these impressive medieval gates.

Up in the rural hills to the north of Carcassonne are Les Quatre Chateaux de Lastours, or the Four Castles of Lastours. These ruined medieval structures are technically all part of a much larger fortress that once existed. You can explore the structures via a short hiking trail connecting them all.

Near the coast directly east of Carcassonne is the city of Narbonne. In this city's historic center you can visit the Palais des Archeveques (or Archbishop's Palace), which showcases fantastic medieval architecture. The palace hosts a museum, treasury, and donjon tower within its stunning historic interiors that you can explore.

Adjacent to the palace is the 13th century Cathedral Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, a marvelous gothic cathedral.

Northeast of Narbonne is the city of Beziers. This city's main attraction is striking castle-like St. Nazaire Cathedral, or Beziers Cathedral, which was built in the 13th century. This majestic Romanesque cathedral sits on a hilltop towering over the city hosting excellent views looking over the Orb River below. You can climb one of the church's towers for even better views, and be sure to see the cathedral's complex brick-work interior.