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Languedoc-Rousillon : a microcosm of France in the South of France

Regions and cities Languedoc-Roussillon

From ski resorts to beach resorts, from the gorges of the Tarn to the Cathar castles, and from the dark caves of the Cevennes to the little fishing ports, the Languedoc-Roussillon region is extremely diverse. Ancient sites and medieval cities complete the wonderful landscape.

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  • Arena of Nîmes. © Fotolia

    Arena of Nîmes

    © Fotolia

  • Pont du Gard. © Hemis.fr

    Pont du Gard

    © Hemis.fr

  • Cirque de Navacelles. © Hemis.fr

    Cirque de Navacelles

    © Hemis.fr

  • Carcassonne. © Hemis.fr

    Carcassonne

    © Hemis.fr

History and Geography

A marriage of cultures

Two regional languages are spoken in Languedoc-Roussillon, namely Occitan and Catalan. This is a symbol of this region's historical richness which still today influences the south of France and beyond.

Cultural heritage

Nimes amphitheatre

This is the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. In the 1st century, it played host to gladiator fights, and was then turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, it was re-converted back into an amphitheatre, and today still hosts bullfighting and even theatre performances and concerts.

Exceptional sites

The town of Carcassonne

This has been a fortified town since Roman times. Its double ring of ramparts 3km long topped with 52 towers overlooks the Aude valley. Restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, it is listed as Unesco World Heritage.

Lifestyle

Collioure

Clear waters, a picturesque port, renowned wines...Collioure, a former fishing village not far from the border with Spain, is today a very popular seaside resort. It was once a destination much-loved by fauvist painters. 

Gastronomy

A diverse cuisine

The cuisine in Languedoc-Roussillon is extremely diverse. There's the Mediterranean cuisine of Hérault county, the Catalan cuisine of Roussillon, the mountain cuisine of Lozère and the Cevennes...and just as many wines as there are areas.

Events and festivals

Tautavel prehistoric museum

In 1971, the discovery of the fossilised skull of the Tautavel Man really put this village's name on the map. Aged 450,000 years old, he is the oldest man ever found on French soil. The prehistoric museum has since opened its doors and is now home to some exceptional remains.

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