Occitanie is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient Roman Pont du Gard and the romantic city of Albi. The region also offers 300 museums, 40 ski resorts and 30 thermal resorts. With 12 Cities of Art and History and a varied programme of more than 400 festivals and events each year, applying for French Residency to live in Occitanie appeals to people from all walks of life.
Whether you want to move to Occitanie to experience working life in France or you want to retire here, read on to learn more about this cultural hotspot.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in France is around 10% higher than in the United Kingdom, and it’s more expensive than in Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. Excluding rent, you can expect to pay monthly living costs of around €3075 for a family of four or about €857 for a single person. However, this does vary between regions.
The cost of living in Occitanie tends to be lower than in other parts of France. You can expect to pay monthly living costs of around €1933 for a family of four. Rent and food are reasonably affordable, but transport costs tend to be higher than average.
Geography of the Region
Before it merged with Midi-Pyrénées in 2016, Languedoc was the biggest region in France. Now known as Occitanie, this newly formed ‘mega-region’ is in the southernmost part of France, with the Cévennes mountains to the north, the Mediterranean Sea and Provence to the east, and the Midi-Pyrénées to the west.
Although the Languedoc-Roussillon region no longer exists, many locals and overseas property investors still refer to the area as Languedoc. From Occitanie, you can travel northeast to reach the Alps.
What cities are in Occitanie?
Occitanie has several major cities: Toulouse, Montpellier, Nimes, Perpignan, Beziers and Carcassonne. Both Montpellier and Toulouse have airports offering direct flights to London and other international destinations. Travelling to Paris takes around 5 hours by high-speed train, and the road networks throughout France are of a high standard.
The cosmopolitan city of Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc part of the region. Popular with expats, tourists and overseas property investors, this buzzing city is the eighth-biggest in France.
Main Attractions and Destinations in Occitanie
- Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Place du Capitole in Toulouse. With magnificent views of the neoclassic palace, you’ll be close to all of the city’s cultural points of interest.
- Sip wine at No 5 Wine Bar in Toulouse, named as one of the Best Wine Bars in the World in 2020 by Wine Spectator Magazine.
- Check out the Renaissance masterpieces on display at Cathédrale Sainte-Marie in Auch.
- Ascend the grand neo-Renaissance-style Monumental Staircase in Auch to discover the pretty gardens, fountains and statue of D’Artagnan.
- Take in all the sights of the region on a cycle ride along the tranquil Canal de Garonne, a mid-19th century canal that connects Toulouse with the Castets-en-Dorthe.
- Spend the day in some of the most beautiful villages in France. From Auvillar to Lourdes, Occitanie has more than 45 different fairytale villages to explore
Life in Occitanie
The pace of life in Occitanie is generally slow compared to France's general culture, although things tend to move faster in the major cities. People living in Occitanie appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and enjoy the history and culture of the region.
With its Mediterranean climate, sunshine is in abundance all year round. In the peak of summer, the average temperature is usually above 30 degrees Celsius and the winter months tend to be mild. As the driest region in France, rainfall is rare. The gorgeous beaches are perfect for both relaxation and adventure, and the mountain ranges and trails provide endless opportunities for walking and hiking. Occitanie is also a haven for foodies, with new and exciting cuisines and wines to try in every town.
