The world’s biggest wine region, Languedoc-Roussillon, extends along the southwestern coastline of France, from Provence in the east to the Pyrenees in the west. Rich in history and natural beauty, it is home to some fantastic Roman remains, beautiful medieval churches and hilltop castles left behind by the Cathars many centuries ago.
Compared to the neighbouring Cote d’Azur, Languedoc is wilder and less sophisticated, but filled with just as much charm. The lack of tourists translates into a deeper, far more authentic experience, with laid-back locals and long, empty stretches of sandy beaches. Montpellier, the region’s capital, is an elegant, multicultural city littered with bistros, superb museums and exquisite architecture. The fortified city of Carcassonne, with its ramparts, watchtowers and narrow cobblestoned streets, looks like something straight out of a fairytale, while Nimes has a remarkably preserved Roman arena and thriving bullfighting culture.
Languedoc’s unique nature spots have some dramatic scenery, including the picturesque Côte Vermeille, Cirque de Navacelles and Parc National des Cévennes. Here the rugged countryside intertwines with steep river gorges and mountains covered in chestnut and oak forests. Dotted along the flat, sunny coast of Languedoc are some of the largest and sandiest beaches in France. Wild strips of sand bounded by dunes and salt-meadows contrast with the well-equipped city beaches lined with bars and restaurants. The area’s main seaside resorts include La Grande Motte, Palavas-les-Flots, Narbonne-Plage and Cap d’Agde, the latter being the biggest and most famous naturist resort in Europe.
This sundry French region has a lot to offer, including wonderful restaurants which excel in fresh fish, fine wine and hearty regional cooking, not to mention the many luxury villas in Languedoc Served by five regional airports – Nimes, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Perpignan and Béziers, Languedoc will satisfy everyone’s interests, from culture and history to beaches, adventure and gastro
