What is the Occitanie Rail Tour?

Up to 86% less CO2 emissions for a journey by train compared to a journey by car! Check it out with the liO Train environmental comparison tool.  
Rail is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport available. By choosing to travel by train, you are helping to curb pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for everyone. 
 
What's more, as a low carbon means of travel, rail is economical (compared to the cost of petrol), comfortable and stress-free: no traffic jams, passengers can relax and enjoy scenery they wouldn't see when travelling by car.

The Occitanie Rail Tour was ideated by CTRL Occitanie (Regional committee for tourism and leisure activities), in partnership with the Occitanie transport department, the liO trains regional network and the SNCF. 
 
Why discover Occitanie by train? Because it meets our commitment for: 

• Sustainable tourism that favours low carbon travel.
• Meaningful tourism that turns you into true travellers.
• Slower, more unconventional and accessible tourism…to travel better. 

Occitanie Rail Tour trips last between 4 to 15 days, counting 1 day per stopover station. You may of course stay longer, or only stop over in one station. You're free to plan your own route! 
 
You may also choose your line according to the nearest departure station, a specific theme or activity that interests you (see the “Filters” feature).  

The Occitanie Rail Tour is available exclusively on the liO network. This means you can only board liO regional trains. Long-distance trains ("Intercités" trains and TGV train) are not included. 
 
If you come from another region or from abroad, please see the tab “How to get to Occitanie”. 

liO is Occitanie's regional public transport service. It includes regional trains (TER), called liO trains, and regular bus lines called liO buses. Find out more. 
 
For some of the stopover stations, we mention connecting liO bus lines to travel to sites that are not accessible by train. 

Bicycles and kick-scooters are accepted free of charge, within limits (up to 6 bicycles per coach) and depending on peak periods. They must be stored in the spaces provided and remain out of the passengers' way. 
 
Alternative: Where available, bicycle rental companies are listed for each stopover station. Bring a cheque book as a deposit is usually required. 

We offer a special and attractive rate: the Rail Tour Pass, which can be purchased on the TER Occitanie/SNCF site. 

With this Pass, you have access to unlimited travel in Occitanie, starting at €10 per day, 2 to 6 consecutive days, on board liO Trains. 
Another option is to buy a single ticket at each stopover station.  

LiO trains don't take reservations. You are free as the wind. Click here to check a schedule and buy your tickets. 
 
However, avoid travelling during peak hour (mornings and evenings on lines serving major cities such as Toulouse and Montpellier). And in any case, arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the train leaves to find a comfortable seat.

Pack light! You'll be journeying by train, getting on and off, hiking or going on long bike rides... so forget the large suitcase. Prefer a backpack with the bare essentials. And depending on your destination, don't forget your swimsuit and hiking shoes. 
 
If you plan to sleep in a village or a stopover town, we recommend dropping off your luggage when you arrive. With the implementation of the Vigipirate anti-terrorism plan in France, railway stations no longer offer left luggage service, therefore you should leave your bags at your place of accommodation.  

Absolutely! Travelling by train, even if it's just for a weekend, is already a little adventure in itself. Children will love it. What's more, many family-friendly activities are available within a 40 minutes' walk, at the most, of each stopover station.

“Accès Train liO” is a free, bookable assistance service for people with disabilities. It is active in some fifty railway stations in the region. Find out more.

The Comité Régional du Tourisme et des Loisirs d'Occitanie cannot be held responsible for any disruption to the rail network that may affect traffic or passenger comfort.

Michelin has published a guide to the Occitanie Rail Tour (in French and in English): sold in all the best bookshops in France. It includes all the information featured on this website as well as a selection of addresses recommended by Michelin.

 SNCF train routes serve Toulouse and Montpellier from most major French or European cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels, etc.)  
What's more, 2 bullet train lines serve the Occitanie region: Perpignan - Figueras (Spain) and LGV Méditerranée.  
 
If you're flying: 10 airports, including 9 international airports, serve Occitanie. You can land in Toulouse, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, Tarbes, Carcassonne, etc. 
 
Once you've arrived, you can begin your Occitanie Rail Tour: 6 lines leave from Toulouse, 4 from Nîmes, 2 from Perpignan, 1 line runs via Montpellier, another via Carcassonne, etc.