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IN BRIEF
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In Saint-Amans-Soult, the mobilization in favor of tourism is intensifying. The main tourist offices of the Montagne Noire are joining forces in the form of a dynamic collective. This unprecedented cooperation, born from a shared desire to highlight the natural, cultural, and heritage treasures of the territory, is already reflected in ambitious joint projects: promotional tools, thematic circuits, events, and communication campaigns. A consultation that promises to enhance the attractiveness of this key location in Occitanie to visitors.
An initiative driven by the desire for territorial enhancement
Tourist development around Saint-Amans-Soult is taking a new turn since the creation, in 2020, of a collective uniting eight tourist offices covering the Montagne Noire – a true crossroads between Hérault, Aude, Haute-Garonne, and Tarn. These structures, including Lauragais Revel Sorézois “At the Sources of the Canal du Midi”, Terres d’Autan / Montagne Noire, Castres / Mazamet, Thoré Montagne Noire, Grand Carcassonne, Castelnaudary Tourism, from Minervois to Caroux and the intercommunal office of the Montagne Noire (Saïssac), have been driven by the need to promote the riches of the territory together. The collective aims to federate energies and is currently multiplying coordinated actions, similar to territories with strong tourist dynamism such as Corsica (more information on the Corsican tourist sector).
Common tools serving visitors
Since its inception, the collective has distinguished itself by creating a shared tourist map, first published in 2022 and updated as of 2025 to better reflect the diverse offerings of the territory. This resource is now available in all participating offices, providing travelers with preferred routes, must-see sites, and tips for exploring the Montagne Noire. In addition, numerous photographic reports, promotional videos, and an interactive map online enrich the experience for visitors and facilitate the planning of their stays, similar to practices in other regions with high potential, such as the historical sites of Penne (discover an example here).
Towards an immersive and personalized experience
The collective goes further by launching eight original travel diaries, each dedicated to a specific theme or tourist route. These diaries invite visitors to experience the Montagne Noire differently, traversing on foot, by bike, or by car on circuits designed to reveal the diversity of heritage, landscapes, and local activities. These initiatives align with the growing trend of tailored getaways, as illustrated by other favored destinations during the summer period (read about this topic).
Field actions and shared dynamics
Beyond external communication, the collective focuses on exchange among tourism professionals. Since 2023, familiarization trips, discovery days dedicated to local partners and service providers, have been organized. They allow for optimizing knowledge of the territory, reinforcing cohesion, and presenting a harmonized and quality offer to visitors, an essential approach to face the evolution of global tourism (follow current trends here).
Future perspectives and the desire for unification
Concerned with sustaining and amplifying this momentum, the members of the collective are planning the signing of a formal contract and the creation of a common logo that will embody their collective identity. Numerous projects are under consideration for the coming years: joint communication campaigns, development of outdoor activities, organization of cultural and artistic events. This strong desire to work together is already opening new perspectives for the Montagne Noire, an Occitanie destination increasingly sought after for its raw beauty, traditions, and creativity, as evidenced by its local artists (example of a cultural initiative).
