Former administrative region Languedoc-Roussillon joined with Midi-Pyrénées to become the new region of Occitania in 2016. Reaching from the Cevennes down to the Mediterranean coast, Languedoc-Roussillon encompasses some of southern France’s most famous resorts, as well as the unspoilt territory of the Gorges du Tarn. It’s a region that appeals to sunseekers and history enthusiasts alike, an eclectic blend of lively urbanised locations and dramatic panoramas.
With views of vineyards and hills, typical of the CorbiПres wine-growing region, Lagrasse sits on the banks of the Orbieu looking across to the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu, founded in the 8th century. Sites include the remains of its ancient ramparts and its abbey with imposing bell tower, 14th century covered market hall and Historic Monument-listed Gothic church.
Aiguèze is a small village with a big pull. Perched high above the Ardèche river, it boasts sensational panoramic views of the Ardèche gorges and surrounding countryside. Its ruined fortress, labyrinthine of paved alleyways and impressive Renaissance entrance to the church draw visitors from far and wide.
At first site this small medieval (and entirely pedestrianised) village appears very old, and indeed the castle and bridge dates from the 12th century, however many of the buildings including the church were actually built in the late 1800s. Its location on a steep hill above the Céze river in the north of the Gard department enjoys extensive views across surrounding vineyards and waterfalls in the valley below.
Perched on a rocky peninsula in the heart of the barren Languedoc landscape, this medieval village looks down over the River Cesse before it’s waters disappears underground into the extensive cave network below. In the early 13th century a group of Cathars took refuge in the village. A six week siege took place and after a catapult bombardment destroyed the only water source, the village surrendered and the Cathars were subsequently burned at the stake.
About 40km northwest of Béziers in a meander of the River Jaur, within the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc, lies Olargues. Its old stone houses with pretty shutters of all colours perfectly compliment its natural surroundings. Several bridges span the adjacent river including Pont du Diable, or devil’s bridge as it is known by locals. It is said that it is the site of altercations between the devil and residents.
Saint-Guilhem is set deep in the Gellone valley alongside the Hérault and surrounded by the rugged slopes of the Hérault Gorges towering high above the village. The abbey was founded early in the 9th century and as a result it became an important stopping point on religious pilgrim routes.
Set in an exceptional location in the Cévennes near to the impressive Chassezac Gorges, the fortified village of La Garde-Guérin offers a remarkable aspect of the surrounding landscape and is often compared to views found in remote villages in the Scottish Highlands. Formerly a strategic military site, it was attacked several times but has retained its watchtower and original houses.
Nestled in the heart of the exceptional Tarn Gorges, this stunning village is an ideal starting point for kayaking or hiking down the Tarn to the hermitage caves - where Sainte-Enimie lived towards the end of her life. The Burle spring is said to have miraculous properties and local folklore claims the waters cured the Merovingian Princess Enimie in the 6th century. The village hosts the medieval comic strip festival in July with workshops, exhibitions and other activities.
Castelnou, just 20km southwest of Perpignan and close to neighbouring Spain, lies in the rolling hills of the eastern Pyrénées. Shadowed by a castle which sits proudly above the village, it is home to a Spanish-influenced church with a baroque bell tower and ornate door shrouded in iron scrolls. The castle dates from the 10th century but was largely destroyed in the 16th century. It was renovated in the 20th century only to be destroyed by a fire although in recent years it has been restored and is now open to the public.
Originally part of Spain, Eus has a distinct Spanish influence and many of its street names remain Spanish as a reminder of its past. Laid out on a gently sloping hillside in the Pyrenean foothills, it is said that the village basks in more sun than any other village in France.
Birthplace of novelist Ludovic Massé and home to a reading room dedicated to him and his works, Гvol is an authentic Pyrenean village. Its buildings are constructed using the local schist stone and have thackstone roofs.
Mosset
Mosset
Mosset is a beautiful village set in outstanding surroundings. The commune in its entirety is the largest in the area covering over 7,000 hectares. Its exceptional fauna and flora biodiversity has earned it a classification under the European “Habitat-Natura 2000” directive and is one of the 25 major cultural sites of the Pyrénées-Orientales sitting within the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees.
If its UNSECO classification isn’t enough of a draw, Villefranche’s unique layout and architecture will surely lure you in. At the time of its establishment in the late 11th century as a strategic defence site it lay on the Franco-Spanish border. Its fortifications were built during this time and laid untouched for over 600 years until Vauban, a military engineer, strengthened and adapted them in the 17th century. The pink marble seen throughout the village is famous in the area and, in the right light, gives off a beautiful fuchsia glow.
This is a small, family run site situated in the foothills of the beautiful Cévennes and close to Saint Jean-du-Gard and the River Gardon. There are 92 average to good sized, slightly sloping pitches on small terraces with 69 for touring units, all with electricity (6/10A). A number of attractive mobile homes and chalets are also available for rent. They are separated by a variety of flowering shrubs and trees offering good shade. Near the entrance is the attractive reception, bar, restaurant and terrace overlooking the swimming pools and children’s play area. There is a range of daily activities on offer for all ages and also evening entertainment once a week.
The comfortable 5-star campsite Blue Bayou is situated at the far end of Vendres-Plage near Le Grau Vendres (the port of Vendres). It is therefore in a much quieter location than many other sites, away from the more hectic, built-up areas of Vendres and Valras-Plage. The beach is 300 m. away across sand dunes and there are open views from the site creating a feeling of spaciousness. There are 144 touring pitches, all with 10A electricity, with about 400 accommodation units to let, including some chalets. The level grass touring pitches are of a good size, arranged in avenues with shade from tall trees, some with their own sanitary arrangements.
Camping Sandaya Domaine de la Dragonnière offers an amazing selection of swimming pools and a wide range of sporting activities and entertainment, which amply makes up for it being set back from the sea. It is a busy holiday village, located between the popular resorts of Vias and Portiragnes, and very well organised.
Sérignan-Plage Nature benefits from the same 600 m. of white, sandy beach as its sister site next door, but being a naturist site, it actually abuts the naturist section of the beach with direct access to it. It also has the use of the Sérignan-Plage balnéotherapy pool in the mornings, an excellent facility with spa and jacuzzi pools in a Romanesque-style setting for those over 16 years of age. The site has nearly 400 good sized touring pitches on level sandy grass, all of which offer 10A electricity. There is plenty of shade except on the pitches beside the beach. mobile homes and chalets are available to rent. A friendly bar and shop serve the site although visitors may also use the facilities at le Sérignan-Plage.
Camping Sandaya Le Littoral is only 800 metres from a fine, sandy beach via a footpath. The site offers plenty of accommodation in mobile homes as well as about 60 good sized, level touring pitches with shade and 6A electricity. An attractive pool area is open all season. Argelès is a very popular holiday resort with good sandy beaches. A free shuttle bus runs to the beach and town centre in July and August. The border with Spain is only 30 km. away.
Situated across the yacht harbour from the Canet-Plage resort, Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia is an impressive, well-managed family site directly beside the beach. There's much to praise here, from the state-of-the-art reception to the sensational water park, excellent spa and park-like grounds. Although large, it is attractive and well kept with a remarkable range of facilities – with good reason, it's always a popular choice.
This is an excellent, well-organised site in Catalan country with direct access to the sandy beach and warm waters of the Med. In addition, the site has an impressive pool complex, attractively laid out with palm trees and sunbathing areas. The large bar complex overlooking the pool area becomes very busy in the high season, with entertainment on some evenings. This vibrant family site offers sun, sea and sand and a lively holiday atmosphere for all ages.
A spacious rural site, Couderc stretches for 1 km. along the clear shallow River Tarn, with access possible at each end of the site. The beautiful Gorges du Tarn and the high plateaux are well worth exploring. Come in May and June to see the wonderful flowers and butterflies with vultures soaring overhead. There are 130 good sized, level, grassy/stony pitches here, separated by vines and mature trees. With 123 for touring units, most have welcome shade and 10A electricity (long leads may be needed). Rock pegs are advised. Although the local roads are winding and narrow, access on the site is good.
Previously known as Camping Caravaning les Fayards, Camping Nature et Rivière is a family owned site strung out alongside the rushing River Tarn in the wild and beautiful Gorges du Tarn only 3 km. from the medieval town of Sainte Enimie. Come in May and June to see the wonderful flowers and butterflies with vultures soaring overhead. The 85 reasonably level grass and gravel pitches, 54 for touring, are separated by tall mature trees, most having good shade (electricity 16A). Rock pegs are advised. The local roads are winding and narrow and access to site is not straightforward. There is no evening entertainment.
Just a few years ago, Sites et Paysages le Moulin Sainte Anne was a vineyard, but with much hard work by the owners and the backing of the Mairie, there is now a flourishing campsite on the edge of the town. There are 45-level grass pitches of a good size separated by hedges. All have water and 10A electricity and are terraced where necessary and landscaped with growing trees and shrubs.
Located on the border of the Haute Vallée and the Corbières, you will find the Sites et Paysages InNature campsite, a 4-star campsite offering an ideal setting for holidays with family or friends. The campsite has 129 touring pitches to choose from, all separated by hedges to give privacy and with 16amp hook-up points. Premium pitches also provide private sanitary facilities.
Situated at the foot of the Cévennes, l’Oliveraie has many attractive features. Do not assume that the extensive range of sport and recreation available here means that it is all hectic activity – it is surprisingly peaceful. Most of the 116 hedged pitches are large and all have 10A Europlug electricity. Arranged in rows on two levels, those on the higher level are older and have more shade from mature trees (mainly olives). The ground is stony. The large leisure area is slightly apart from the pitches on the lower area, overlooked by the bar.
