Hiking guides and maps in Occitanie
Hiking in Occitanie between sea and mountains
Explore the myriad facets of Occitanie on foot, a region where every trail immerses you in a unique atmosphere. From hikes in the Pyrénées Orientales to strolls in the heights of the Tarn, passing through the PR® trails around Toulouse, Occitanie hiking is an inexhaustible source of hiking escapes.
Discover Occitania on foot
Occitanie is, first and foremost, a region of remarkable geographical diversity. From the Mediterranean coast to the peaks of the Pyrenees, from the mineral Causses to the vast plateaus of Aubrac, the region offers an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. You’ll walk through unspoiled natural parks, discover characterful villages, walk along deep gorges, or marvel at immense panoramas.
It is home to the Pyrenees National Park, as well as six emblematic regional natural parks: Cévennes, Haut-Languedoc, Grands Causses, Pyrénées Ariégeoises, Causses du Quercy, and Aubrac. These protected areas are home to exceptional flora and fauna, as well as a vibrant rural heritage. Hiking here also means encountering shepherds’ huts, local legends, and traces of pilgrims of yesteryear.
For a hike in Toulouse or a stroll around Toulouse, numerous marked routes offer you the possibility of easily getting away for the day: between canals, hillsides and forests.
The great hiking routes in Occitania
The region is crossed by several major Grande Randonnée routes, which are among the most emblematic in France:
- The GR10 – Crossing the Pyrenees : This legendary trail connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via the Pyrenees mountain range. In Occitania, it crosses magnificent landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and hikes in the Pyrénées Orientales, where the mountains literally plunge towards the sea.
- The Way of St. James – Via Podiensis : From the Aubrac plateau, this ancestral path guides pilgrims through the Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Gers regions. A cultural, spiritual, and well-marked journey, it immerses you in the history of the southwest.
- The GR® of the Cévennes : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wild and rugged region is one of the most popular among experienced hikers. Perfect for lovers of solitude and unspoiled nature.
- The GR® 736 Tarn Valley : For a hike in the Tarn, follow the river from its sources to Albi through deep gorges, medieval villages, and tranquil forests. An immersion in the heart of Occitan territory.
4 essential products for hiking in Occitanie
Here is a selection of essential guides and maps to help you prepare for your hikes in Occitanie:
- IGN map of the GR10 Pyrenees crossing: it is essential for mountain stages.
- FFRP’s Topo-guide PR® The Lot on Foot: hikes around Cahors, in the former province of Quercy, land of wine and truffles.
- Occitanie between land and sea: guide to 22 walks on the protected sites of the Conservatoire du Littoral d’Occitanie.
- The most beautiful cities of the Gard by Chamina: The essential walking tours offer the chance to discover the most beautiful cities of the Gard with 20 loops for families.
These supports allow you to hike independently, to prepare your stages, to identify water points, shaded areas or viewpoints not to be missed.
The hiking network in Occitanie
Occitanie boasts an exceptionally rich network. More than 1,000 PR® walking and hiking trails are listed in the region. They cover all levels: from family strolls around Toulouse to steep paths in the Tarn Gorges or the Pyrenean valleys. These PR® trails are designed for outings lasting a few hours (1 to 7 hours of walking), with careful signage and a route designed to avoid busy roads.
The trails in Occitanie favor natural passages: forest paths, stony paths, dirt roads, or sandy beaches by the sea. The routes have been designed to highlight the beauty of the region: 360° panoramas, historical remains, local biodiversity. You will encounter cicadas in the hinterland, vultures in the gorges, or even flocks of sheep in the heights of Aubrac.
From hiking in Toulouse to the GR10 trails, Occitanie hiking is a land of exploration. With Carto’s guides and maps, explore Occitanie.