Vacations in Occitania or Provence, the comparison
In France, Occitanie and Provence are both unique and incredible regions, each with their own charms. But why choose Occitanie over Provence for your next getaway?
At Wisud, we're convinced, but in this blog, we're going to examine the differences between the two regions, highlighting their respective assets to help you make the perfect choice for your next stay in the South of France.
If you're not convinced, you will be by the end of this blog ! Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of a totally objective comparison (you can count on the Wisud editorial team) in the form of versus to prove it !
THE LAVENDER FIELDS VS THE POPPY FIELDS
Lavender fields are known for their soothing scents and vibrant colors. They are often planted for their aromatic and medicinal properties, as well as for their beauty. Lavender fields are often located in warm, sunny regions, such as Provence, where they can be grown successfully.
Fields of poppies, meanwhile, are known for their bright, vibrant red color. They are often seen as a symbol of spring and renewal. Poppy fields are planted for their beauty, but also for their usefulness as honey plants for bees and other pollinators.
So, what are we going to see ?
Wisud highly recommends going to see the poppy fields during your stay in Occitanie, a true spectacle of color with their bright red patches against a clear blue sky. It's a spectacle that our beautiful region is blessed to possess.
Where can you see the fields of poppies around Montpellier ?
Fields of poppies can be seen on many Occitan roads, but we recommend a trip to Lac du Salagou, with its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters and colorful cliffs. It's an ideal place to relax, do sport or simply enjoy nature in complete tranquillity. So get your baskets ready and come and explore the hidden wonders of Lac du Salagou, with its vast wilderness of poppies.
DEVIL'S CANYON VS COLORADO PROVENÇAL
The Canyon du Diable in Occitanie and the Colorado Provençal are both popular destinations for nature and adventure lovers in France. However, they offer unique and different experiences, depending on whether you opt for vacations in Occitania or vacations in Provence.
A trip to the Canyon du Diable is a guaranteed change of scenery, between ruffes and garrigues, just an hour from Montpellier, and the fire-colored earth will undoubtedly seduce you. It offers breathtaking views of raw nature and wild landscapes.
The Colorado Provençal, meanwhile, is known for its rock formations colored red, yellow and orange. It offers a more child-friendly experience, with activities such as swimming, horseback riding and zip-line courses.
Why choose Devil's Canyon?
First, Canyon du Diable offers a wilder, more natural landscape with its pink sandstone cliffs, stunning rock formations and outdoor activities. The Canyon du Diable is less talked-about than the Colorado Provençal, which means you can enjoy its incredible scenery in peace and quiet, without the crowds of tourists. This allows you to connect more closely with nature and enjoy a more authentic stay in Occitania.
P.S: Wisud offers a beginner's hike in this exceptional setting. Book now :
All in all, the Canyon du Diable in Occitanie is a unique and incredible travel destination that offers wild scenery, exciting outdoor activities and a quieter, more authentic experience than the Colorado Provençal. What's more, the Canyon du Diable is also known for its wildlife-rich habitat, including pollinators and wild animals, making it an ideal location for wildlife and nature lovers on a holiday in the South of France.
PONT DU GARD VS PONT D’AVIGNON
The Pont du Gard is a Roman bridge in the south of France, near Nîmes. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Roman engineering and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in 19 BC, the Pont du Gard was used to transport water from the Nîmes aqueduct to the city. With its three tiers of stone arches, the bridge is around 50 metres high and over 170 metres long.
The Pont du Gard is not only a fascinating historical monument, but also an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature during your vacation in Occitanie. Hiking trails line the banks of the river, offering panoramic views of the bridge and surrounding countryside. There are also swimming and picnic areas for visitors wishing to spend a day outdoors.
Pont d'Avignon, also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, is a historic bridge in Provence, France. Famous for its popular musical legend, “Sur le Pont d'Avignon”, it has become a symbol of the city of Avignon and a must-see on any Provence vacation.
Built in the 12th century, the Pont d'Avignon was built to link the city of Avignon to the left bank of the Rhône. Although only a few arches remain today, they bear witness to the great engineering of the medieval era.
Head to the Pont du Gard !
First for the architecture: The Pont du Gard is a fascinating testimony to ancient architecture and can offer visitors a glimpse of life in Roman times.
Secondly nature ladies and gentlemen, the Pont du Gard is located in a magnificent natural environment, surrounded by green landscapes and the river.
ARENES OF NIMES VS ARENES OF ARLES
The Nîmes Arena is an emblematic monument in the city of Nîmes, France. They are recognized as one of the finest examples of a Roman amphitheatre outside Italy, and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world every year for vacations in the Occitanie region.
Built in the 1st century AD, the Arènes de Nîmes were used for gladiatorial shows, chariot races and other public ceremonies.
The Arènes d'Arles is another remarkable example of a Roman amphitheatre in France, located in the town of Arles in Provence. Built in the 1st century AD, it was used for gladiatorial shows, chariot races and other public ceremonies, similar to the Arènes de Nîmes. It's a must-see for history, culture and heritage lovers on a holiday in the South of France.
Arenas Nîmes or Arles, which one ?
Nîmes, for the following reasons:
Quality of preservation: the Arènes de Nîmes have been better preserved than the Arènes d'Arles, offering visitors a better understanding of the original architecture of the amphitheatre, for a total immersion in the heritage of Occitanie.
Central location: the Arènes de Nîmes are located right in the heart of the city, making them easy to reach and close to Nîmes' other tourist attractions.
Historical interest: Nîmes was an important city in Roman times, and the Arènes de Nîmes is a fascinating testament to the city's history and culture.
PIC SAINT LOUP VS MONT VENTOUX
Pic Saint Loup is a famous peak located in the Occitanie region of France. With a height of 657 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region, including the Hérault mountains, the vineyards of the Languedoc valley and the coastal towns of the Mediterranean.
Pic Saint Loup is also famous for its vineyards, which produce some of the region's best-loved wines. During holidays in Occitania, visitors can explore the vineyards, taste the wines, and learn about the region's winemaking culture.
In addition to its breathtaking views and vineyards, Pic Saint Loup also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and rock climbing.
You are lucky because Wisud offers an [easy] hike to the top of Pic Saint Loup; A relatively easy and fairly short hike, but be careful because the slope is steep on the last part. Count 3 hours of walk there and back! Don't wait to book
Mont Ventoux is a famous peak located in southeastern France. With a height of 1,912 meters, it dominates the surrounding landscapes and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, pine forests and green valleys.
Mont Ventoux is famous among cycling enthusiasts for its steep and difficult routes, which pose a challenge for professional runners and cyclists of all levels. Mont Ventoux is also rich in history and culture. It is associated with Greek mythology, where it is considered the repair of the god of the winds, and is also associated to many local legends and stories, that you'll discover on your vacation in Provence.
So, which summit for your weekend?
Pic Saint Loup and Mont Ventoux are both popular destinations for hikers and wine lovers in France. However, we'd like to explain why it makes sense to opt for the Pic Saint Loup. First of all, Pic Saint Loup is known for its exceptional vineyards and top-quality wines. Visitors can take part in wine tastings and discover the different aromas and flavors of the wines produced in the region. Mont Ventoux, meanwhile, is best known for its challenging hiking and panoramic views.
What's more, Pic Saint Loup offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere than Mont Ventoux, and allows you to discover an emblematic landscape of Occitanie. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to relax and recharge their batteries away from city life.
Pic Saint Loup is also a more accessible choice for less experienced hikers. There are numerous trails of moderate difficulty, offering a more affordable experience for all. Mont Ventoux, on the other hand, can be a challenging hike, not least because of its high altitude.
HOLIDAYS IN MONTPELLIER VS HOLIDAYS IN MARSEILLE
Montpellier is a city in the south of France, offering a unique blend of history, culture and modern lifestyle. The cobbled streets, gardens and stone buildings typical of the old town are perfectly integrated with the modern buildings and shopping centers of the city center. The city also boasts numerous museums, art galleries and concert halls for culture lovers. The local cuisine is equally rich, with many restaurants offering traditional French and international cuisine. Finally, Montpellier is surrounded by sandy beaches, vineyards and mountains, offering a multitude of options for outdoor activities during your vacation in Occitanie.
Marseille is a city on the Mediterranean coast known for its historic heritage, vibrant culture and exceptional cuisine. It's France's second-largest city, and an emblematic one to visit on a vacation in Provence. Marseille's old town is rich in history, with monuments such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. The city's lively streets are filled with restaurants serving local dishes such as bouillabaisse. Marseille's culture is handed down from its Greek, Provençal and African roots, with cultural events such as music festivals and art exhibitions.
Destination MONTPELLIER
First and foremost, Montpellier is known for its exceptional architecture, with many historic buildings and a charming medieval old town. In addition, the city is renowned for its cultural dynamism, with numerous theaters, art galleries and festivals of all kinds. What's more, Montpellier is considered one of France's greenest cities, with numerous parks and public gardens. Finally, the city offers a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere. Compared to Marseille, Montpellier is a city on a human scale, and an excellent starting point for discovering the Occitanie region.
OCCITAN VILLAGES VS PROVENCAL VILLAGES
Saint Guilhem le Désert and Saint Rémy de Provence are two popular destinations when visiting the South of France, but each offers a unique experience.
Saint Guilhem le Désert may be preferred to Saint Rémy de Provence for several reasons. Firstly, the small medieval village of Saint Guilhem le Désert offers a more peaceful and secluded atmosphere than the bustling town of Saint Rémy de Provence. What's more, the historical heritage of Saint Guilhem le Désert
is quite exceptional, with buildings such as Gellone Abbey and Saint Michel Chapel, while Saint Rémy de Provence focuses more on art and architecture.
What's more, the natural landscapes around Saint Guilhem le Désert, such as the Hérault gorges and the Massif Central mountains, offer an immersion in all that the region has to offer during your vacation in Occitanie. Finally, the local market in Saint Guilhem le Désert is also a highlight, offering a selection of top-quality local produce.
WHITE WINE VS PINK WINE
Occitanie is a region of surprising and sometimes little-known white wines. The vineyards of Occitanie produce a wide variety of white wines, from the best-known varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to local varieties such as Vermentino and Marsanne. The region's limestone soils and warm, sunny climatic conditions are particularly conducive to the production of fruity, well-balanced white wines. Occitanie white wines are often characterized by stone fruit, floral and lime aromas, and can be described as fresh and refreshing. They'll make great aperitif companions on your vacation in Occitanie!
Provence, in southeastern France, is famous for its bright, fruity rosé wines. Provence's vineyards produce a wide variety of rosé wines, from well-known grape varieties such as Cinsault and Grenache, to local varieties such as Tibouren and Calitor. The region's limestone soils and warm, sunny weather conditions are particularly conducive to the production of fresh, well-balanced rosé wines. The rosé wines you'll taste on vacation in Provence are often characterized by aromas of red fruit, peach and melon, and can be presented as light and refreshing.
Which wine do you prefer ?
So, would you rather Occitan white wine or Provençal rosé wine?
So, more Occitan white wine or Provençal rosé?
In the meantime, with Wisud you can enjoy a unique experience: wine tasting at the Grand Pic Saint Loup :
Lisa FASCETTI
