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railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Rail tour in Occitania

Eight-day independent rail loop through Occitania from Toulouse to Narbonne

Illustration of Rail tour in Occitania

Railtour Suisse's Rail tour in Occitania is an 8-day independent rail holiday that strings together seven southern French towns, starting in Toulouse and ending in Narbonne. You travel by named regional trains: the Bastide Line through medieval bastide towns, the Cathedral Line through the Tarn Valley, and the Canal du Midi Line through vineyard country. Days are built around your own exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Gothic cathedrals, and market towns. Day 2 gives you a full day to wander Toulouse's Place du Capitole and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. Day 5 includes a remarkable train crossing of the Viaur Viaduct before arriving in Rodez. Accommodation is in solid 3 and 4-star hotels with included breakfast; the Rail Tour Pass covers six consecutive days of regional travel. This package suits independent travellers, first-time rail users, history enthusiasts, and food explorers drawn to Occitania's cathedrals, bastides, and regional specialities.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price assumes you hold a Half-Fare travelcard for the outbound and return journeys from Switzerland; confirm the rail component with the operator if you do not.
  • This is an independent package with no guided tours or group activities; you navigate and explore each town yourself with the Rail Tour Pass.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Toulouse

    Switzerland – Toulouse

    Travel by train from your place of residence to Toulouse. On your first evening, set out to explore the historic centre of the capital of Occitania. Accommodation in Toulouse for 3 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toulouse

    Toulouse

    Start your day at the Place du Capitole with its masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Then stroll to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a jewel of Romanesque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, numerous parks and green spaces along the River Garonne, which winds through Toulouse, invite you to relax. For dinner, we recommend cassoulet, a regional specialty. Toulouse is also known for its vibrant nightlife: on almost every corner you'll find bars, clubs or guinguettes to round off your day.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Toulouse

    Toulouse – Villefranche-de-Rouergue – Figeac – Toulouse (Bastide Line)

    Take the train to Villefranche-de-Rouergue (approx. 1h40), a bastide town built in a checkerboard pattern, which was considered an innovative concept at the time. Its little lanes and arcades will transport you back to the Middle Ages. On Thursdays, one of the largest markets in the region takes place. Continue by train to Figeac (approx. 40 minutes), a charming stop on the Way of St. James. Visit the Champollion Museum and admire the Church of Saint-Sauveur before enjoying local specialties at the market. For your return to Toulouse, plan on approx. 2h20.

  4. Day 4overnight: Albi

    Toulouse – Albi (Cathedral Line)

    Travel to Albi (approx. 1h15). This charming episcopal city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies on the River Tarn. The extraordinary Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile and the Palais Berbie form a unique architectural ensemble. Stroll through the narrow medieval alleys with their magnificent houses, stairways and fountains. A visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum is also a must – the famous painter was born in Albi. Accommodation in Albi for 2 nights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Albi

    Albi – Rodez – Albi (Cathedral Line)

    To reach Rodez, you travel through the rolling hills of the Tarn Valley and across the famous Viaur Viaduct (approx. 1h20). Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rodez, a Gothic masterpiece with beautiful stained-glass windows and a grand organ. Visit the ultra-modern Soulages Museum, which houses an exceptional collection by the artist of the same name, renowned for his "outrenoir" compositions. Let the monochrome works, mostly in deep black, take effect on you.

  6. Day 6overnight: Carcassonne

    Albi – Carcassonne (Canal du Midi Line)

    Travel to Carcassonne via Toulouse on the Canal du Midi line (journey approx. 2 hours). Nestled among vineyards like a crown, the medieval city of Carcassonne looks as if it were taken straight from a fairy tale. Let yourself drift through the cobbled streets of La Cité, the fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the city walls to enjoy the panoramic views and visit the impressive castle. Accommodation in Carcassonne for 1 night.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Narbonne

    Carcassonne – Narbonne (Canal du Midi Line)

    Take the train to Narbonne (approx. 40 minutes). Stroll through the Narbonne market halls, where you'll find local products such as cheese, cured meats, seafood and other delicacies. Nearby is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, an impressive architectural landmark. The Horreum is also a must-see: in Roman times, goods were stored here, and the underground labyrinth is a fascinating place that bears witness to the city's rich history. Accommodation in Narbonne for 1 night.

  8. Day 8rail

    Narbonne – Switzerland

    Return journey to Switzerland by train. This tour can also start in Narbonne. The itinerary and duration can be adapted according to your wishes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore the Place du Capitole and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then relax along the River Garonne.
  • Day 3Take the Bastide Line train to Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Figeac, visiting the medieval bastide town with its arcaded streets and the Champollion Museum.
  • Day 4Journey on the Cathedral Line to Albi to see the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile and visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
  • Day 5Cross the Viaur Viaduct on the return to Rodez to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Soulages Museum with its modern art collection.
  • Day 6Travel via the Canal du Midi line to the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO site, and walk the city walls for panoramic views.

Included

  • Train in 2nd class, outbound Zurich–Toulouse and return Narbonne–Zurich, based on Half-Fare travelcard
  • Rail Tour Pass, valid for 6 consecutive days
  • Accommodation in double room with breakfast
  • 3 nights in Toulouse, Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre****
  • 2 nights in Albi, Hotel Mercure Albi Rives du Tarn****
  • 1 night in Carcassonne, Sowell Hotel Les Chevaliers****
  • 1 night in Narbonne, Hotel La Résidence***

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes outbound travel from Zurich to Toulouse and return travel from Narbonne to Zurich in 2nd class (based on a Half-Fare travelcard), plus a 6-day Rail Tour Pass for travel between regional stops.
Which trains will I travel on?
You will use the Bastide Line (Toulouse to Villefranche-de-Rouergue to Figeac), the Cathedral Line (Toulouse to Albi and Albi to Rodez), and the Canal du Midi Line (Albi to Carcassonne to Narbonne), all in 2nd class.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
This is an independent rail holiday. Railtour Suisse provides the rail pass and accommodation; you explore each town on your own schedule.
What hotels are included?
Three nights at Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre (4-star), two nights at Hotel Mercure Albi Rives du Tarn (4-star), one night at Sowell Hotel Les Chevaliers in Carcassonne (4-star), and one night at Hotel La Résidence in Narbonne (3-star). All include breakfast.
What is not included in the price?
Meals other than hotel breakfasts, museum or attraction entry fees, local transport, and any activities are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Expect moderate walking to explore medieval town centres, narrow alleyways, city walls, and sites accessed on foot from train stations. Uneven cobblestones and stairs are common.

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