Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc and Roussillon form part of the Massif Central. With its huge sandy beaches the Languedoc region is renowned for its long sunshine records, and the pretty coastal villages of Roussillon are at their most beautiful at sunset, erupting in a riot of colour.

Reaching from the Cevennes down to the Mediterranean coast, Languedoc-Roussillon encompasses some of southern France’s most famous resorts and the unspoilt territory of the Gorges du Tarn. It’s a region that appeals to sunseekers and history enthusiasts alike, with an eclectic blend of lively urbanised locations and dramatic panoramas.

Once an independent duchy, the ancient land of Languedoc combines two distinct regions: the vineyards of the Corbières and Minervois and the coastal plain stretching from the Rhône to the Spanish border. Much of the region is rugged and unspoilt, offering opportunities for walking and climbing. There is ample evidence of the dramatic past, with ruins of the former Cathar castles visible throughout the region. The walled city of Carcassonne, with its towers, dungeons, moats and drawbridges, is one of the most impressive examples of medieval France.

Today, Languedoc and Roussillon are wine and agricultural regions. Languedoc, with considerable success, is now a producer of much of the nation’s better value wines. But above all, the extensive shores and long hours of sunshine make this a paradise for beach enthusiasts. La Grande Motte, Cap d’Agde, and Canet are all being promoted as an alternative to the more famous Mediterranean stretches of the Côte d’Azur.

The northernmost part of Languedoc, Lozère, is the only department that doesn’t include coastline, but it more than makes up for its lack of beaches with the spectacular forested gorges that rise on either side of the River Tarn. Picture postcard villages such as Castelbouc huddle among the trees, and there are plenty of vantage points from which to admire the views. The Canal du Midi, which connects the Garonne River to the Mediterranean, is a tranquil and richly cultural route that passes the fortified city of Carcassonne and meanders through Béziers and out to Sète, where it joins the sea. Crossing several departments, it’s a marvellous journey to walk or cycle.

Due to its southern position, Languedoc-Roussillon is best explored in spring, early summer or early autumn when temperatures are cooler, and the crowds have dispersed.