Languedoc-Roussillon
Golden beaches and captivating cities in a ruggedly beautiful landscape...
Against the mountainous backdrop of the Pyrénées and magnificent National Parks, the Languedoc-Roussillon is a sheltered, sun baked corner of France with immense appeal. An arc of long sandy beaches stretches along the Mediterranean coast, strung with saltwater lagoons, marina towns and beach resorts until the red rocky foothills of the Pyrénées tumble to the sea at the Côte Vermeille.
Vineyard plains make Languedoc-Roussillon one of France’s principal wine producing regions but the landscape then rises into the stunning scenery of the Haut Languedoc and Cévennes National Parks. Dramatic gorges, wooded slopes and sparkling rivers make the countryside a paradise for outdoor pursuits and ancient Carthusian fortresses are an impressive sight, perched on rocky plateaux and clinging precariously to sheer cliffs.
The historic cities of the Languedoc-Roussillon each have a captivating character to discover, from the fairytale walled citadel of Carcassonne and the splendid Roman monuments of NÎmes to the vibrant capital of Montpellier and the Catalan heritage of Perpignan. Their region’s rich cuisine has distinctive Spanish and Provencal flavours, with dishes ‘à la languedocienne’ promising a rich garlicky sauce of tomatoes, aubergines and cèpe mushrooms.
Highlights
- Nîmes – see the impressive Roman monuments in and around the city including the 3-tiered Pont du Gard aqueduct, the spectacular amphitheatre and the imposing temple of La Maison Carée.
- Cathar fortresses – discover cliff-top Cathar castles and panoramic citadels throughout the landscape, including ancient Peyrepertuse, Quéribus, Puilaurens and Arques.
- Carcassonne – cross the drawbridge to explore the medieval ‘movie-set’ old cité within magnificent, turreted, ramparts and restored on a grand scale in the 19th century – a particularly striking sight when illuminated at night.
- Cévennes – Follow the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail taking a donkey trek through rugged ravines and along rocky ridges or enjoy hiking and kayaking in the breathtaking Gorges du Tarn
- Food and wine – from the succulent seafood platters on the coast to the saucy meat specialities and prized cheeses such as blue Roquefort, savour the tastes of the region with favourite Vin de Pays including Fitou, Minervois and Corbières.
Moureze
Your nearest airports - Carcassonne, Perpignan, Montpellier, Nîmes.
