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Occitania offers historical and natural treasures, including cultural gems such as Carcassonne, Albi, and Rodez.

OCCITANIE - EN

In the hamlet of Mauriac, in Senouillac, this fortified castle – built by one of the Knights Templar in the 13th century – was restored more than forty years ago by the artistic painter Bernard Bistes. The interiors are also decorated with his own “classical” works, though they appear to date from medieval times. This listed historical building offers a tour rich in discoveries at the heart of the Albi-Gaillac-Cordes triangle. It is surrounded by 32,290 ft2 of gardens with a superb view over the Gaillac vineyards. For more information, please consult [chateaudemauriac.com](http://chateaudemauriac.com). A 29-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Albi Bastides. **@Thérèse Gaigé/Wikimedia Commons**

Château de Mauriac

The Lake of Saint-Ferreol is at the headwaters of the Canal du Midi. In the summer, you’ll enjoy cooling off here in the fresh scent of the pine grove. Take a delightful walk at the water’s edge or along the dam. You can also swim and make the most of the water sports on offer at the lake. It’s a true lake resort in the forest. Located at the foot of the dam, the Reservoir is a museum featuring scale models and original archive documents that tell the history of the Canal du Midi and its visionary inventor, Pierre-Paul Riquet. For more information, please consult [lereservoir-canaldumidi.fr](http://lereservoir-canaldumidi.fr). A 35-min drive from Hotel Mercure de Castres. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Reservoir and Lake of Saint-Ferreol

This mining site of the Carmaux-Cagnac area is truly worth the detour, especially if you are passing through as a family. When they closed in 1979, the Cagnac pits were destined for demolition. But that was before colossal work was undertaken by a handful of former underground miners, who joined forces to protect the memory of their labor and reconstruct the site for visitors. Under the former head frame, you’ll strap on a helmet before going down into the depths. The scenery is very convincing. There is even a reproduction of a firedamp explosion! For more information, please consult [musee-mine.tarn.fr](http://musee-mine.tarn.fr). A 15-minute drive from Hotel Mercure d’Albi. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Les Mines in Cagnac les Mines

This museum is surprising and even mind-boggling. The Spiktri Street Art Universe immerses you in a surrealist multiverse mingling the art of recycling with street art. You’ll stroll though 1.5 miles of galleries through the heart of a former cooperative wine-growers’ cellar. In all, the spot includes more than 2,500 works for a total of 150,700 ft² of graffs and paintings. Expect the unexpected. For more information, please consult [spiktri.com](http://spiktri.com). A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Carcassonne La Cité. **@Service de Presse/Spiktri.com**

Spiktri Street Art Universe

You won’t be able to resist this charming spot, which has maintained its picturesque authenticity. At the heart of the vineyards, between Cordes-sur-Ciel and Gaillac, this traditional Languedoc manor house is the birthplace of the romantic poet Maurice de Guérin (1810-1839), best known for his journal, Le Cahier Vert. The museum, in addition to the castle, holds cultural events all year round highlighting poetry, literature, and the arts. Paths wind through the grounds to foster contemplation, including one on a literary theme. For more information, please consult [musees.tarn.fr](http://musees.tarn.fr). A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Albi Bastides. **@Thérèse Gaigé/Wikimedia Commons**

Château-musée du Cayla

Château de Pennautier went on to accommodate Louis XIII two years later. That shows its status! It is still spectacular for its classic façades, as well as the vast grounds landscaped in the Versailles style. The French-style garden area, designed by Le Nôtre in the 17th century, alternates with an English-style area dating from the 19th century. The estate’s true treasure is the vineyard, which rounds out the picture. Self-guided tour of the grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tour of the interior. You may purchase wine at the Château cellars. For more information, consult <https://www.lorgeril.wine>. A 16-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Carcassonne La Cité. **@Gi.Bareau/Wikimedia Commons**