Languedoc Roussillon may be one of the least densely populated regions of France, but it has several large and mid-sized cities that are unique, fascinating and beautiful, including:. You can easily access Languedoc by flying into Montpellier, Barcelona, Perpignan, Nice, or Paris and taking a train or rental car to the Languedoc region.
With a Europe or France rail pass , you can take the train to the stations of Sete, Montpellier, Carcassonne, or Perpignan, among other locations in the Languedoc region. There is no shortage of attractions in the Languedoc, and it has activities to interest a wide range of holidaymakers, from lovers of wine, architecture, and history, to people interested in the pristine beaches, nudist resorts, or the ancient Roman ruins.
Some must-see locations in the region include:. Languedoc is home to diverse hotels and accommodation to suit every budget.
Here are a few recommendations. The 4-star boutique Villa Duflot in Perpignan is lush and luxurious. Hotel Eve, the only hotel in Cap d'Agde's naturist quarter, is for those who like throwing caution to the winds. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Following the French revolution of , the Languedoc economy slowly began to get on its feet, producing vast quantities of textiles. Towns were enlarged and adorned with dazzling architecture. Thanks to the development of the wine industry during the s, large farms or mas were built, along with stately country residences and seaside villas. However this faced a major set-back when the vineyards were all but wiped out by phylloxera in The Great Depression of the s slowed economic revival and the region was unable to accommodate the tens of thousands of refugees who poured over the border from Spain in fleeing civil war.
During World War II, the resistance movement in Languedoc was particularly successful in frustrating Nazi attempts to gain greater controle of France. Today the region, rich in historical interest, is a popular tourist destination with its wonderful climate, beaches and countryside.
Those who invade the region today tend to settle here looking for warmer climes and a better quality of life in its peaceful surroundings. Carcassonne : situated in the Aude department, the town of Carcassonne is famous throughout France on account of its splendid castle. The scale of the Castle, with a full town located within its walls, is amazing.
Narbonne : this former Roman city was once the regional capital of the Languedoc province. At the centre of Narbonne, there is an impressive cathedral, underground Roman grain-store, and canal-side quays.
Narbonne is situated in the Aude department. Agde : was first settled by the Greeks and this small city has an attractive riverside, old streets, and a nice daily market. Beziers is starting a bit of a renaissance, with the centre of the town undergoing many refurbishments.
The cathdral at Beziers provides some amazing views over the Orb valley. Beziers is also home to perhaps the biggest and certainly the liveliest festivals in the South of France. The Old town is bisected by canals and here you will experience the unique sport of water-jousting, held in the summer months, beaches, boat trips. Uzes : the beautiful town of Uzes, situated in the Gard department is a delightful town to spend time in. The old Mansions that are dotted about the town, are witness to Uzes former wealth.
Sommeries : this picturesque town located in between Montpellier and Nimes, has a wide river running through it and a fantastic Saturday market that takes over the town see Sommieres tourist information for more details.
Pezenas : Walk the old streets of Languedoc's former capital. Once the stomping ground of Molliere and now a haven for antiques and a fabulous Saturday market. Pezenas is probably the prettiest large town in the South of France although Uzes and Sommiers may have something to say about that!
We just love wandering around the market on a Saturday and taking a detour off into the old Jewish quarter with the jewellers, cafes and boutiques. It is no wonder that Pezenas is such a draw for people all year around. Collioure : The picturesque beach town of Collioure is an idyllic place. It is situated in the very south of France, 26 km approx. It has always attracted a host of artists because of its 'special light' and you can follow the unique art trail through the town see Collioure Art Trail for more information.
Its small Catalan harbour is sheltered by a quiet bay where the Pyrenees meets the Sea. You can count on having a splendid swim at one of the small coves. Aigues-Mortes : this medieval walled town romantically set among the dunes and plain of the Camargue.
A tour of Aigues-Mortes' fortifications and grid pattern streets is a must on any visit to Languedoc-Roussillon.
Surprisingly for such a tourist haven, the restaurants around the main square are actually quite decent. Our preference though is to buy sandwiches and have a picnic on the grassy slopes of the ramparts.
One of the best times to visit Aigues-Mortes is during the bull festivals held in late May and in early September. The summer Thursday night 'spectaculars' are also worth attending. Perpignan : is the capital of Roussillon. Its Spanish influence predominantly comes from the thousands of refugees that fled Catalonia at the end of the Spanish Civil War.
But it has also been part of the Catalan-Aragonese Crown, before it was brought under French control in The most important building here though is the Palais des Rois. The Kings of Mallorca made Perpignan their mainland capital and brought with it propsperity from cloth-making. The cuisine in the Languedoc is as diverse as the geography. Collioure remains a major producer of anchovies, despite the intensive nature of its processing.
Meat lovers can get their fill with the south-west's most celebrated dish, cassoulet, the ingredients of which are debated endlessly by the chefs in the three main locations — Carcassonne, Castelnaudary and Toulouse — but which normally includes haricot beans, sausage and confit of duck or goose. Wash all of this down with wine from France's largest wine-making region. Winter fun can be found in Limoux, where the Mardi Gras carnival is one of the liveliest in France.
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