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Languedoc offers miles of sandy beaches, with water sports and entertainments aplenty, and areas of natural beauty both inland and along the coast. Market produce and fresh seafood make for fabulous meals, accompanied by excellent wines as this is a major wine-growing area. Its romantic landscape of endless vines is dotted with villages and medieval fortified towns, including the incredibly restored citadel of Carcassonne with its fairytale castle turrets. The region can boast well preserved Roman monuments, such as the amphitheatre at Nîmes, as well as a fascinating medieval heritage, alongside modern cities.
Below are a selection of wonderful places to visit…
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This charming town located between Béziers and Montpellier has a wonderfully intact medieval centre, its cobbled streets burgeoning with artsy shops, and plenty of cafés and restaurants in which to enjoy a drink or lunch whilst watching the world go by. After a pit-stop, continue on to discover the local heritage at various museums, and the town’s link with the playwright Molière. The relatively flat coastal plain is ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides.
The town is known for its antique shops, which are found on the western side, as well as a host of arts and crafts workshops, boutiques and galleries, so you can easily spend a morning browsing and window-shopping or perhaps choosing a special souvenir of your time here. On Saturday morning, the large weekly market adds extra colour and bustle to the streets, with stalls offering local and regional specialities, fresh produce, flowers and all sorts of wares.
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Stretching for several kilometres, the sandy shores of Valras Plage offer ample space for sunbathing and swimming. The beaches are well-maintained and ideal for families and sun-seekers alike.
In addition, Valras Plage also offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. These include sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, beach volleyball, and more. The town also has a promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation. Its lively market, which takes place several times a week, particularly during the summer months.
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Take a day trip to Narbonne
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Formerly the regional capital of Roman Gaul, Narbonne has a rich heritage with some impressive architecture in the historic centre, including the Cathedral and the Archbishops’ Palace. Although unfinished, the 13th -14th century Cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur has flying buttresses, a lovely cloister, a spectacular 41-metre-high choir, and a rich collection of gold and silver artefacts, tapestries and liturgical objects.
Next door, the Archbishops’ Palace comprises an old Romanesque palace, a ‘new’ Gothic style palace and a keep from where there is a panoramic view of the city, the coast and the Pyrenees. The palace houses an Art Museum and an Archaeological Museum, and also has a lovely garden to stroll in.
It is just a stone’s throw from here to the Canal de la Robine and its charming Promenade des Barques, where you can stroll along the quayside or take a boat trip. If you are not claustrophobic, you may find a visit to the Horreum interesting. It is an underground labyrinth of Roman storehouses.
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In the western part of the region, the walled city of Carcassonne attracts a deservedly large number of visitors. Extensively restored at the end of the 19th century, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Its medieval ramparts, adorned with numerous watchtowers and turrets, evoke the imagery of a fairy tale castle, creating a captivating sight atop its knoll as one approaches from a distance.
The labyrinthine medieval streets within the walls offer a delightful experience for leisurely strolls, while the abundance of restaurants and charming shops provide ample opportunities for exploration. Within the 12th-century Château Comtal, visitors can explore archaeological exhibits and embark on guided tours of the inner ramparts, enriching their understanding of the city’s storied past.
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The Languedoc-Roussillon region is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the world and is renowned for its diverse range of wines.
Its rich diversity of grape varieties encompasses both indigenous and international cultivars. Notable red grape varieties in the region include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault, each contributing to the distinctive character of Languedoc red wines. Meanwhile, white grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Vermentino (also known as Rolle) thrive in Languedoc’s Mediterranean climate, producing vibrant and aromatic white wines that reflect the terroir of the region.
The region offers numerous opportunities for wine tourism, with many wineries open to visitors for tastings and tours. Visitors can explore picturesque vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a wide variety of wines.
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Vintage Travel | Milkmaid House | Rampton End | Willingham | Cambridge | England | CB24 5JB |
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