Exploring History by Rail in France’s Occitanie Region

The southernmost region of France, Occitanie, offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights. Famous for its cassoulet and thriving wine scene, the area is also known for its picturesque hilltop villages and hiking trails. Visitors on guided tours will uncover how Cathar history has shaped this beautiful region.

Supported by Destination Occitanie and local tourism offices, travel through this historic region is mostly by rail, with occasional car outings. During the Middle Ages, this area, known as Languedoc, was governed by local nobles, not French kings, and the language spoken was Occitan. This cultural landscape fostered religious tolerance and gender parity, evidenced by a plaque at Béziers' cathedral cloister honoring six medieval troubadours, including one woman.

The troubadours, who originated in Languedoc, are remembered for their 11th-to-13th-century heyday when they performed songs of love at local courts. However, the region's history took a dark turn with the rise of Catharism, a religious movement deemed heretical by the Catholic Church. The Albigensian Crusade, a brutal 20-year campaign starting in 1209, sought to eradicate Catharism and secure the land for French kings, followed by a nearly century-long Inquisition.

Today, much of the medieval Languedoc is part of the Occitanie region, with Toulouse as its capital. Toulouse's St. Raymond Museum is hosting an exhibition on the Cathars, viewable until January 5, at both the museum and the city's Jacobin Church. Visitors will notice the Occitan language in public spaces, including bilingual street signs in historical town centers. Occitan language classes are also available for children and adults in select schools.

Travelers can explore the region's history with the Occitanie Rail Tour Pass, priced at 10 euros per day for unlimited travel on SNCF (French Railways) and liO Train (regional trains), valid for two to six consecutive days. Some key historical sites include:

Cordes-sur-Ciel: Founded in 1222 by Count Raymond VII of Toulouse after the Albigensian Crusade, this hilltop town features 13th- and 14th-century houses, five surviving town gates, and a charming market square.

Dominican Jacobin Church, Toulouse: Built in the 13th century with a stark design to appeal to Cathars, this church features a line of 95-foot columns and the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Albi Cathedral: Constructed during the Inquisition, this massive redbrick structure boasts a simple exterior but a lavish interior with 200,000 square feet of frescoes.

Béziers: The site of a devastating massacre during the Albigensian Crusade, Béziers' cathedral now stands as a dramatic architectural landmark.

Carcassonne: Renowned for its double set of medieval walls, this UNESCO site offers an immersive experience with its towers, ramparts, and lively medieval-themed attractions.