Ranked by number of départements, Occitanie is the most populous region in France... It wasn't an easy choice for our first time in this part of France! With its extremely rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, the Occitan coastline won us over, and now we're off for a few days on a roadtrip through 4 départements... Shall we take you along?
Les Pyrénées Orientales - Getaway on the Vermeille coast
Just a few kilometres from the border, the town of Collioure is home to many wonders. In the early hours of the morning, the first rays of sunlight set the harbour ablaze, illuminating the colourful Catalan boats once used for fishing. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll find the same colours on the façades as on the boats: the intermingling of yellows, reds and greens is a joy to behold. The two beaches in the town centre are a real eye-catcher, but to finish off the day, we hop into a kayak on the Plage de Bernardi and head for Cap Béar and the Baie de Sainte Catherine!
The water is still chilly, but comfortably seated in our boats, we savour the tranquillity of this sea excursion before continuing our exploration of the Paulilles cove, this time on land. A bistronomic restaurant in the heart of the vineyards, a fully accessible beach and an educational boatyard complete the picture, all on the historic site where Alfred Nobel perfected dynamite.
To round off this first day in style, we head to the fortress of Salses, built in the 15th century by the Spanish to defend the border against attacks from the kingdom of France. With its mix of brick and stone, this architectural jewel has stood the test of time ever since and never seems to want to disappear!
L'Aude - Tracing history in Cathar country
We continue up the coast towards Narbonne. Over the decades, this ancient Roman town has decided to make the most of its historical heritage: it's a real gem! All over the city, you'll find outdoor remains, as well as real labyrinths in its underground passages. Leaning against the ancient ramparts, the unfinished cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, whose sheer size makes our heads spin, watches over us unperturbed. As well as the beauty of the town, you'll be swept away by the spirit of the place: a spirit of welcome and conviviality carried by the smiles of the people of Narbonne and the local produce that you'll enjoy tasting in the covered market halls near the canal.
The city, yes, but don't forget the adventure! We're heading for the Etang de Bages for a sailboat trip... And in the region, we can count on the wind to provide us with an intense moment! The nautical centre is no stranger to excursions for people with reduced mobility, and their desire to share their passion outweighs the effort required to help Pierre into the boat. The tramontana wind filled the sails and we sped across the waves in a frantic race with the windsurfers. A little further on, Gruissan is the best place to enjoy the sunset. Its fine sandy beach, chalets and fortress are all part of the charm of this small seaside town.
The Hérault - From canal to pond in the Languedoc region
The Canal du Midi is a technical feat dating from the end of the 17th century. Dotted with locks, its almost 250-kilometre route links Toulouse to the Etang de Thau. At the entrance to Béziers, the 9 locks at Fonseranes (8 basins, 9 gates and 23 metres high) offer a fascinating spectacle for young and old alike, in a site that has been completely redeveloped and is accessible to all! About fifty kilometres to the east, the canal empties into the Thau lagoon, which is where we're heading to meet the oyster farmers whose tables cover part of the lake. Did you know that Mediterranean oysters are all born in the Atlantic? Many families have been working with oysters for several decades, sharing their know-how and a piece of their lives with us, as the water and the elements take their course. Whether you're a fan or a first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to sample!
Le Gard - At the foot of the ramparts, the salt marshes in the Camargue
We end this discovery tour of the Occitanie region at the heart of the Aigues Mortes salt marshes in the Camargue. At the foot of the ramparts built by Louis IX, immense expanses of intense pink seem to await our astonished gaze. The last time we witnessed such a spectacle, we were at an altitude of over 4,000 metres in southern Bolivia... A nice change of scenery in this part of France that we knew so little about! This phenomenon only occurs for a short period between June and July. On foot or by bike, you can wander along the dirt paths between the stretches of salt water and see the many colours! Keep your eyes peeled for the pink flamingos all around you. They love the seaweed that gives them their beautiful pink plumage.
By Wheeled World
Myriam and Pierre are a couple of disabled adventurers who explore France and the world to highlight adapted experiences. Passionate about nature and wide open spaces, they confront their limits every day to learn to overcome them and push back the physical and psychological barriers of disability. www.wheeledworld.org
