The Languedoc-Roussillon region is a land of contrasts, boasting coastline and mountains, lively towns and the deserts of the Causses, ancient history and futuristic architecture.
The seaside resorts along Languedoc’s 220 km-long coastline tempt visitors to relax by the sea. Make your way to the Cévennes foothills and explore the area on foot, on the back of a donkey, or by steam train. The Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude ski area is made up of some 200 km of slopes. Discover the Tarn gorges by kayak, or cycle alongside the Canal du Midi, stopping off to admire the Canal Locks of Fonseranes.
The Via Domitia route is dotted with ancient Roman structures, from the Bridge of Gard to the Nîmes Arenas, to the archaeological site at Ensérune. Power and religion have left their mark here with the Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the Kings’ Palaces of Majorca, the old fortified city in Carcassonne, and the Archbishop’s Palace in Narbonne. The tragic saga of the Cathars has also not been forgotten, as visitors can see in the castles of Peyrepertuse or Puilaurens.
The majesty of the Languedoc-Roussillon countryside can be admired from the vantage point of the Mont-Aigoual Observatory. The Mont-Louis Citadel, built by Vauban, served to secure the border, also watched over by the Salses Fortress. Immerse yourself in the serenity that flows from the Gellone Monastery. Then visit the city of Montpellier to see how the modern buildings in the Antigone and Odysséum neighborhoods rub shoulders with the town’s classical heritage.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region has plenty to offer gourmands, too: the choicest seafood platters of clams, oysters and mussels from Bouzigues; as well as Pélardon, Causses Blue, and Tome cheeses. The Petits Pâtés de Pézenas (small pastries filled with meats), the tielle (a seafood pie) from Séte, picholine olives, the famous cassoulet (bean stew casserole with pork or duck) from Castelnaudary, the Catalans Rousquilles (biscuits), and salt (and rice) from the Camargue make this a foodie’s paradise. Fitou, Corbières, muscat from Lunel, and Côtes du Roussillon wines are the perfect accompaniment to these dishes. The colorful markets of the Languedoc region supply the finest-quality products.
The Pentecost Holiday and the harvest festivals in Nîmes or the Féria of Alès showcase the strong celebratory spirit of the Languedoc people. The Festival of Carcassonne, the Festival of Nîmes, and the Musical Nights of Uzès punctuate the summer. The Mediterranean equestrian events and the Roussillon Pétanque Championship raise the flag for sports, and the Printemps des Comédiens (Spring Festival for Actors) and the International Festival of Noir Novels do their part for art and culture.
The Bambouseraie of Prafrance (home to bamboo and exotic plants), the Sigean African Reserve, the Montpellier Zoological Park , Aven Armand, and the Gévaudan Wolf Park provide endless opportunities for family outings.
Let yourself be seduced by the Languedoc-Roussillon region, which is sure to brighten your weekends and holidays.
By Rédaction France.fr
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