Top 7 most beautiful villages around Toulouse

When you think of the Toulouse region, you immediately think of its famous pink city, Toulouse, and its remarkable architectural heritage. But don’t forget that the area around Toulouse is also full of charming little villages that are well worth a visit. Here we list the 7 most beautiful villages around Toulouse, the pink city.

1. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Situated in the Lot department, this village perched on a cliff offers exceptional views over the Lot valley. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has an enchanting array of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and terraced gardens. Don’t miss a visit to the fortified church and castle ruins overlooking the village.

2. Cordes-sur-Ciel

This emblematic medieval village in the Tarn is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside. The village of Cordes-sur-Ciel is characterised by its winding streets lined with half-timbered houses and its well-preserved ramparts. Cordes-sur-Ciel is home to a large number of artists and craftspeople, making it a veritable centre of creativity.

• Church of Saint-Michel
• Charles Portal Museum
• Garden of Paradise

3. Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Situated in the Tarn department, this charming village is also listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Overlooking the Gaillac vineyards, Castelnau-de-Montmiral features half-timbered houses and a central square lined with arcades. This village is a must-see for lovers of history and heritage.

4. Bruniquel

Overlooking the Aveyron gorges, this medieval village is famous for its two châteaux, testimony to its rich past. Bruniquel offers exceptional panoramic views over the valley and will also win you over with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

5. Lautrec

On the borders of the Tarn and Aveyron departments, the village of Lautrec is famous for its pink garlic. Its picturesque narrow streets are home to a remarkable architectural heritage, including the church of Saint-Rémy and the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre.

6. Revel

This typical Lauragais village has a superb wooden market hall and a belfry dominating the central square. The weekly market in Revel is a veritable institution in the region, where you can sample local specialities and take home a few souvenirs.

7. Sarrant

Last on our list, the village of Sarrant in the Gers has a very special charm, with its circular ramparts, Romanesque church and half-timbered houses. Be sure to visit the village media library, housed in an old chapel, and wander through the narrow streets around the village.

Here’s our ranking of the 7 most beautiful villages around Toulouse. Don’t hesitate to get off the beaten track and discover these marvels of regional heritage during your next stay in the Toulouse region. Saint Bertrand de Comminges is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the route to Santiago de Compostela in the Haute Garonne, as is the ancient episcopal town of Rieux Volvestre, rich in history and architecture with its 7 listed monuments, and Saint-Antonin Noble Val in the Tarn et Garonne with its twelve centuries of history. Make your choice between discoveries, exceptional viewpoints, rivers, world heritage sites, half-timbered houses, historic monuments, medieval towns and other treasures that have crossed the centuries and eras in Occitanie.