The Occitanie which was previously 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 Occitanie Coastline at the Meditterranean
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.
History and heritage in Occitanie (Languedoc Roussillon)
The Via Domitia route is dotted with ancient Roman structures, from the Pont du 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, the Archbishop’s Palace in Narbonne, the cathedrals of Mende and Béziers, and Sète with its naval cemetery. 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 Occitanie (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 Gastronomy of Occitanie (Languedoc-Roussillon)
The Occitanie (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.
Traditional Events in Occitanie (Languedoc-Roussillon) 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.
Parks in Occitanie (Languedoc-Roussillon)
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.
From the sea up to Causses, passing through the mountains, different civilizations have left behind traces of their existence, from the man of Tautavel to the Pyrénées-Orientales (Museum).
Nature has formed the landscape (like in the Causses and Cévennes – classified by UNESCO), la Côte Rocheuse (with Collioure, Banyuls, Port-Vendres), and the rocky coast of the Pyrenees (the Canigou, and ski stations such as Font-Romeu). Many great artists have represented this variety, notably the contemporary painters and sculptures (Musée Fabre in Monpellier, Carré d’Art in Nîmes, the Museum of Modern Art in Céret). The sea and the mountain for well-being. Thanks to the Mediterranean and numerous springs, the Languedoc-Roussillon is rich in thalassotherapy centres, spas and fitness centres.
Let yourself be enchanted by the Occitanie Languedoc-Roussillon region, which is sure to brighten your weekends and holidays.
The Sea for you well-being
From the Camargue to the Pays Catalan, the Gulf of Lion forms a 200 km arc: this is the seaboard of Occitania/Pyrenees-Mediterranean. Yes, the sea is certainly in our genes. So, too, is the pleasure of being able to guide you along this beautiful, richly contrasting coastline, popular for bathing, relaxation and water sports. You will enjoy meeting the local people and learning about their traditions and heritage.
By Redaction France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
